Just a short road trip south-west of the city, the Southern Highlands—and the region’s charming township of Moss Vale—offers up buckets of serotonin-boosting scenes and the perfect escape from all things sky-rise.
Whether for a fleeting wedding weekend or a pastry-encased treat on your way to Canberra, anyone who's spent time in the area knows it's the ideal place to explore, unwind, grab a bite, and spend some quality time with your chosen companions.
Sitting just off the beaten track—if you are looking for a change of pace or looking to line up a wintery weekend away, follow our guide to Moss Vale for a great time.
And if channeling your inner-country has got you wanting to pack up and move rural, nestled amongst rolling green hills and glistening lakes, with easy access to local shops, schools, parks, and recreational spaces, Ashbourne is the perfect first step.
Ashbourne is a master-planned community packing a perfect blend of country living and natural beauty. This thoughtfully designed community features approximately 1200-character homes, 3.2ha green open spaces, and a planned on-site village hub equipped with the best in all things amenities. Offering you a slice of your very own personalised luxury and a one-way ticket into a tranquil living environment, Ashbourne is much more than just a place to live. Trust us when we say, it's worth checking out.
Country Charm And A Coastal Calm
Seamlessly complementing its spectacular rural setting, Moss Vale offers a slower pace of life perfect for those work-from-homers who are looking for a regional retreat. Whether you're picking up some fresh produce and spending your Sunday prepping a soup for the week ahead or shopping up a knick-knack storm, the area boasts plenty of ways to actively relax away from screens.
Cricket lovers, the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame is a must. Named after Sir Donald Bradman himself, consider this your chance to see where the Australian sporting icon famously learned his way around a ball and a bat.
Neighboring coffee havens of Harry's on Green Lane, The Press Shop cafe and Dirty Janes Antique Market are a must for soon-to-be locals. This maze hosts the best in vintage, clothes, homewares, art, furniture, and unique goodies and it is the best chance to show your love for all things local. And for when that mid-market hunger hits, there are plenty of home-baked goodies and hot chips served by the local vendors to fill the gap.
Soul-Warming Bites
If you're looking for a warm and cosy place to hide away from the cold and enjoy an incredible meal, look no further. When it comes to fresh produce by the plateful, cellar door dining, and laid-back locally-loved restaurants, Moss Vale is the moment.
Once you've made the move to the area, you'll lap up days relaxing in the beer garden of Briar’s Country Lodge. Served from an iconic tin shed, nibbling on a hand-stretched pizza from their on-site wood-fired oven is the best way to spend a Saturday arvo.
Endless Fresh Country Air
Beautiful botanic gardens, the greenest of golf courses, cave adventures amongst glow-worms and zipline rides through the best in flora and fauna, when it comes to taking in some good old-fashioned fresh air, Moss Vale is the place.
Found inside Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls is a breathtaking sight to behold and a great day out with the fam. Start by making your way to the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, which offers an insight into the First Nations history of the area and then set out on a stroll to gaze at the Insta-worthy 81-metre high natural plunge of water.
In your walking era? Just down the road from the national park, the West Rim walking track is a 3.5km return hike and packs the best in vast-expanding views.
A Highland Happy Hour
Want to spend more weekends of your new laid-back life sipping wine? With the area's endless now famed cool-climate winery choices, a drink in the Southern Highlands is a drink worth having. Equipped with an impressive and diverse range of well-documented wineries Moss Vale and its surrounding suburbs are the perfect spot to sip on a cheeky vino…or five.
You have likely perused through the isles of Paddington’s Berkelouw Books, but did you know that this cafe-meets-book store originates from the Southern Highlands and its HQ is located inside a winery just up from Moss Vale in Berrima? Bendooley Estate, couples books with wine tours and is a must if you are a book-worm visiting the area.
If wine isn’t your thing, Joadja Distillery is one of the area's best-beverage gems. This small distillery uses its natural surroundings to offer a taste of their award-winning spirits like their single malt whisky, gin, brandy, or anise. If you're a G&T lover this one’s a must.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Ashbourne and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credits: Urban List, Supplied.