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Your Dream Southern Highlands Road Trip Itinerary Just Dropped
The perfect Southern Highlands road trip itinerary for an autumnal escape packed with elegant villages, tasty treats and unique experiences.
When the beaches start to empty, and rooftop drinks are replaced by cosy wine bars, it’s your sign that road trip season has arrived. This year, we’re leaning in, planning soul-nourishing mini breaks that make the most of the cooler weather. And to kick things off, we’re sharing the perfect recipe for a cruisey road trip with an indulgent itinerary.
Sitchu recently journeyed to the Southern Highlands with Turo and Peppers Manor House, to explore and capture this scenic region in all its glory. Join us as we take you on your dream highland escape…
Day 1: Coast to Country
Our favourite part of road tripping is the ease of it all — there’s no waiting around for transport, you can stop off for a snack or coffee whenever you fancy, and your schedule is your own. To top it off, we’ve found a way to make it even easier, with Turo. Car hire isn’t what it used to be, with obscure pick-up points and endless queues. Just select the host drop off, and you can get your car dropped directly to you, saving you hassle and keeping the vibe relaxed from the get-go.
From here, it’s just snacks, coffee stops, viewpoints and seaside lunches before you arrive at your picturesque base for the evening, Peppers Manor House.
But first! Ready your thermos and perhaps a few snacks, before hitting the M1. First stop? Bald Hill Lookout in Stanwell Tops, an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD. From your clifftop position, glance out over the seemingly endless expanse of the South Pacific Ocean as hang gliders bravely leap out over the sea. Once you’ve had your fill of layered blue vistas, continue down the coast to Sea Cliff Bridge to claim your own moment soaring above the ocean.
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Feeling peckish? It’s time to choose your own adventure. For those craving cosy cafe culture, it’s straight to Coledale where you’ve got a handful of local favourites to sample. For us, that’d be Earth Walker & Co for homemade carrot cake and coffee for the road.
If you’d like something more substantial, head to Scarborough Hotel, where a sunny beer garden overlooks the sea. Opt for a picnic box to lunch on the lawn or order something from the bistro menu. How does a prawn roll and crisp lager sound?
Before heading to your accommodation, consider a visit to the Mittagong Mushroom Tunnels to break up the drive to the highlands. Wander your way through a Victorian mushroom tunnel whilst you learn from your experienced guide all about the edible and medicinal mushrooms grown here. A fascinating deep dive into one of the region’s favourite autumnal ingredients.
If all that mushroom excitement has worked up an appetite, Robertson Pie Shop is a worthy detour on your way to check-in. Famed for their wagyu pies, don’t leave without tucking into one of their tarts or a warm apple turnover topped with a generous dollop of fresh cream.
Your action-packed first day isn’t quite over. Whilst you’ll be tempted to wander the grounds upon check-in at the historic Peppers Manor House, there will be time enough for that tomorrow. First, it’s off to a gin blending workshop, conveniently hosted on-site by local distillery Millsheds. Blend your very own bottle to take home, harnessing evocative flavours to mark your journey so far. When dinner rolls around, you won’t have to go far. On-site restaurant Katers will sort you out with a hearty meal by the roaring fireplace.
Day 2: A Day to Indulge
Take your time waking up to the tranquillity of the estate, setting the scene for a day of simple indulgence. Now is your chance to wander the grounds, exploring the sleepy gardens and spotting resident ducks, bunnies and kangaroos.
From here, it’s a short drive to Berrima, a charming Southern Highlands village lined with artisan stores and cafes. Stop into Baked in Berrima for a slice of lumberjack cake alongside your morning cappuccino. Once you’re fuelled, it’s time to stock up on homemade jams, locally-made candles and handmade chocolates for your home pantry.
When you’re ready, it’s off to Bendooley Estate for some wine tasting. Here, you’re invited to sip on cool climate drops and snack away on seasonal bites. Booklovers will adore browsing the iconic Book Barn, offering an array of new and second-hand reads. Don’t leave without a book to take back to Pepper Manor House’s grounds, where an afternoon of reading awaits.
For dinner, you’re in for a real treat. It’s back to Berrima to settle into Eschalot’s heritage-listed stone cottage for a meal to remember. Tuck into a range of seasonal French-Australian dishes made from local produce and fruit, vegetables and herbs from the kitchen’s own garden. Think plum & miso lamb ribs with sesame aioli and king prawns topped with harissa butter and samphire. For dessert, you might be in luck with an apple and feijoa crumble, doused in elderberry syrup, or maybe lemon curd and meringue with fresh lemon verbena.
Day 3: Treats to Take Home
As well as a host of treasured memories, all going well, you’ll be returning to city life with a few tasty treats to savour. On top of the jams, pickles, chocolates and wine you may have already picked up, add a jar of honey.
Bowral Honey Farm run regular honey farm tours where you can get up close and personal in your special bee veil, taste the goods and enjoy a spot of morning tea. Peppers Manor itself is home to a number of Bowral Honey Farm’s hives and is just one of the locations they offer tours.
Before you drop off your car, there’s time for one last wander. Head to Bowral, an elegant country town dotted with antique stores, cafes and gift shops. Pop into Franquette for an authentic French crepe and cider, or Dolly’s Donuts for hot, fresh donuts or a classic finger bun. For the coffee fiends, Nick’s brews a great cup. Once you’re sufficiently fuelled, swan about the shops, making sure to stop in at Bespoke Press for exquisite stationery, Few & Far for curated homewares and Dirty Janes for a rummage through antique treasure. By the time you hop back in the car, expect to feel pleasantly tired, heart full. It’s just under an hour and a half back to Sydney CBD, where your journey ends. Time for some jam toast and a glass of Bendooley’s Pinot Gris to top it all off.
Loved this Southern Highland itinerary and looking for more road trips to enjoy? Be sure to take a peek at our edits of the best solo road trips as well as the best road trips in Australia.
