If you’re seeking a serene and scenic escape in New South Wales, look no further than the Southern Highlands. This destination offers a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of the famous Hunter Valley wine region but with a more intimate feel. So, it comes as no surprise that celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have made this rural paradise their retreat.
Why not take inspiration from them and discover the delightful villages and hidden treasures of the Southern Highlands? If it’s good enough for Nicole and Keith, it’s good enough for us!
Where to… sleep in
Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa
Milton Park Country House & Spa centres around a grand mansion built at the turn of the 20th century. With ivy-covered walls, beautiful suites and manicured gardens, it’s the kind of place you’d expect to see Elizabeth and Mr Darcy – or Keith and Nicole.
Where to… get breakfast
Exeter General Store
If the Southern Highlands inspires visions of little country villages dotted with quaint cafés and stores peddling one-of-a-kind knick- knacks, make your way to the Exeter General Store for walls lined with books, quality Toby’s Estate coffee and hearty, country-style breakfasts.
Related article: Highland Fling: Romance in NSW’s Southern Highlands
Eling Forest Cafe
Wine may be top of the drinks list at this New Berrima winery, but at Eling Forest Café you’ll also be treated to in-house roasted coffee and more awe-inspiring views.
Where to… have a long lunch
Bendooley Estate
Seasonal produce is at the heart of Bendooley Estate’s lunch menu, where the gourmet dishes are as gorgeous to look at as they are delicious to eat.
Expect to find kingfish ceviche, wood-roasted quail and black angus eye fillet paired with the estate’s aromatic wines.
Where to have… sundowners
McVitty Grove
Just in case you haven’t noticed, you’re in wine country, so there’s no shortage of picturesque spots to enjoy a few romantic sunset drinks.
McVitty Grove will fulfill your wine and cheese cravings, and is the perfect place to pick up a bottle or two to take home.
Where to… have a romantic dinner
Katers Restaurant, Peppers Manor House
Hatted an incredible five times in the SMH Good Food Guide, Katers Restaurant is a gourmand’s heaven.
Expect unexpected flavour combinations such as goat’s cheese sorbet with a chocolate chilli panna cotta.
Where to… have a treatment for two
Gibraltar Hotel & Day Spa
The Mala Mayi treatment at the Gibraltar Hotel & Day Spa is recommended by no less than Condé Nast Traveller UK and British and Australian Vogue.
The signature treatment includes a Paudi head and scalp massage, kodo massage and mapi mud experience.
Where to… work out
Hike the Missingham Lookout Track
Showcasing the dramatic views of Kangaroo Valley and the Carrington Falls Gorge, a hike along the Missingham Lookout Track will release your inner adventurer and travel photographer.
Don’t miss…
Kangaroo Valley Horse Riding
Just try not to feel like a couple from a romance novel when you go on a riding adventure in this beautiful part of the world with Kangaroo Valley Horses.
Instagram it…
Fitzroy Falls
To capture your ‘romance in the rugged wilderness’ experience, there’s no better backdrop than the majestic Fitzroy Falls.
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