Country Charm: The Best Things to Do in Berry

At a loose end? Grab the girls, pile into the car, negotiate custody of the playlist and then head two hours south of Sydney to Berry, a stylish country town with so much warmth and charm.

Heritage buildings, an enviable foodie scene, boutique shopping, beautiful homesteads and wineries all play their part in the nostalgic lifestyle for which Berry is renowned.

Berry has a year-round appeal owing to its proximity to the stretches of white sand South Coast beaches and pristine Kangaroo Valley landscapes. All this makes for the perfect girls’ weekend getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Gather the girls and work your way through all that is tasty, indulgent and relaxing about this South Coast gem. Read on for our edit of the best things to do in Berry…

Things to do in Berry NSW: Eat

Queen St. Cafe

In the heart of Berry, Queen St. Cafe offers an all-day menu that seamlessly blends international cuisines. This café’s charm lies in its eclectic ambience — stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm, inviting space adorned with vintage furniture.

Stan Burt Arcade, Shop 5/94 Queen Street

Milkwood Bakery

Croissants or ciabatta, sourdough or sweet treats… Milkwood Bakery does it all. Equally as delicious as it is picturesque, this spot is at the top of our Berry hit list. Make sure you pick up the bakery’s iconic sourdough on your way out. 

109 Queen Street, Berry

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

There’s something uniquely delicious about small-town ice cream shops. At Il Locale Gelato, they scoop up locally produced gelato, so does The Dairy Bar in The Treat Factory, but they also do really yummy sundaes and milkshakes.

Another must-visit for sweet tooth’s is Berry Sweet Treats & Ice Creamery, a quirky ice cream and lolly shop that will have you struggling to pick just one treat. As well as their locally made artisan gelato, they also stock a huge range of American candy — perfect for the drive home.

South on Albany 

Tucked away in a side street of Berry, South on Albany, an intimate, hatted restaurant has fast become one of Berry’s most popular venues for a special meal out. The menu, which shifts fortnightly, is all about spotlighting the best of the South Coast’s produce with a contemporary, relaxed and honest vibe. Think ocean trout ceviche drizzled with finger lime and grilled swordfish with mojo verde.

3/65 Queen Street, Berry

The Famous Berry Donut Van

Our first stop anytime we’re on the South Coast? The Famous Berry Donut Van, naturally. The winning combo of coffee and donuts hits perfectly mid road trip. While they have a whole menu of options, nothing beats their classic cinnamon, hot from the fryer. 

73 Queen Street, Berry

Discover more of our favourite spots in Berry for a satisfying meal with our edits of the best restaurants and cafes in town.

Things to do in Berry NSW: Drink

The Berry Tea Shop

The Berry Tea Shop is a charming little tea shop-slash-tearoom tucked back behind the main strip of shops. Lean into the relaxed, holiday atmosphere and take a moment to enjoy an old-fashioned morning or afternoon tea. They serve everything from the traditional jam and scones to freshly-baked hummingbird cake. They also stock plenty of tea-related paraphernalia so you can stock up on sweet souvenirs, too. 

1/66 Albert Street, Berry

Enjoy a Local Wine Tasting

At Silos Estate Cellar Door, taste the flavours of the Shoalhaven region in their fully restored 1870s building. 

Coolangatta Estate is a little further out of Berry, but it’s well worth the trip for its award-winning wines and beautiful grounds.

The boutique winery, Two Figs Winery produces wines that are equally as impressive as the views that look out over the Shoalhaven River. A wine crawl, perhaps?

Things to do in Berry NSW: Shop

Berry Farmers’ Markets

Local growers, producers and providores can be found at these popular markets, which are held every Thursday afternoon from 2pm until 5pm. Pick up fruit, veg, fresh seafood and one-of-a-kind market trinkets and treats. If you’ve booked accommodation with a kitchen, consider gathering up some goodies for a market-to-plate feast.

Albany Street, Berry

Hit up a Local Boutique

No trip to Berry is complete without a stroll along the main shopping strip and around the town centre. Berry Village is brimming with boutiques and homeware stores that ooze country charm. Moss Nest is an eclectic treasure trove while Few and Far is a beautiful curation of homewares from around the world. Milkwood Home and Weekends by Beyond The Beach also offer a lovely browsing experience.

Things to do in Berry NSW: Play

Go On One of Berry’s Historic Walking Trails

Discover Berry’s rich history with a leisurely jaunt along its Historical Walking Trail. This stroll, ranging from a quick 30-minute walk to a more extensive 2-hour exploration, lets you soak in the Late Victorian and Edwardian eras’ charm. Begin at Prince Alfred Street’s drinking fountain, and venture to the south side to admire the heritage-listed train station, classic weatherboard cottages, and the historic Courthouse. Take a detour to the north side, cross Broughton Mill Creek, linger in Apex Park, and wrap up with a peaceful walk past dairy farmland to the David Berry Hospital. It’s a family and dog-friendly adventure, and you can even enrich the experience with a free audio guide you can listen to from your phone.

Prince Alfred Street, Berry

Cool off at Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is a serene stretch of sand surrounded by national park and devoid of any city crowds. Taking a dip in the ocean or enjoying a leisurely walk on the shore is a perfect way to unwind with friends. It’s just a 15 minute drive from town so you won’t have to travel far.

Seven Mile Beach

Explore Nature with the Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk

Lace up your walking shoes for the 4.5km return hike to Drawing Room Rocks. As you amble along the well-trodden path, the picturesque landscape unveils itself gradually. The payoff at the end? An expansive lookout that’s practically made for contemplation. The serene silence of the natural world will have you feeling refreshingly grounded.

Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk and Track, Berry

Take a Trip to Kangaroo Valley

If you’ve got a few days in Berry you might like to consider a morning or afternoon in Kangaroo Valley. Surrounded by Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains, this small town packs a serious punch. Antique stores, boutiques, cafes and tearooms have breathed new life into the weathered buildings.

As well as the small town charm, you can also explore natural beauty by kayaking in the Kangaroo River. Paddle through the serene surroundings solo or on a guided tour.

Indulge in a Spa Treatment

Sometimes we want to get back in touch with nature and other times we want to totally lose ourselves in pampering — we condone both. When you do fancy a little R&R, there are a few choices here, depending on how many of you there are and what you’re after. Check-in with Lou Lou if you fancy the best of the best. 

Pick Your Perfect Base

Berry has accommodation options for all, whether you fancy a retro Palm Springs-esque stay at The Berry View or classic period cottage like Circa 1890. Fancy a lodge on acreage? Head to The Drawing Rooms of Berry and you’ll feel a world away.

Berry is by far, one of Sydney’s most loved weekend getaways. And it really is easy to see with so much going on from the charming village to the must-visit foodie spots. Get to know everything there is to know about this suburb, and if you have enjoyed our round-up of things to do in Berry, then be sure to check out our guide to the Hunter Valley. After that, why not have a look at our round-up of the best road trips in NSW?