The Southern Highlands offers a mix of relaxed and active outdoor adventures with scenic hikes, mountain biking, paddling, and charming villages. Ideal from spring to autumn, it’s a refreshing escape south of Sydney.
The Southern Highlands offers a mix of relaxed and active outdoor adventures with scenic hikes, mountain biking, paddling, and charming villages. Ideal from spring to autumn, it’s a refreshing escape south of Sydney.
Outdoor Adventures in Southern Highlands, New South Wales
The Southern Highlands region in New South Wales is a top destination for outdoor lovers seeking scenic beauty and varied activities. Located south-west of Sydney, this area features rolling hills, waterfalls, forests, and quaint historic towns.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Southern Highlands, New South Wales, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Southern Highlands, New South Wales.
⌖ 0.0 miA full-day experience combining a dolphin-watching cruise, visits to Hyams, Chinamans and Greenfields beaches, and free time in Huskisson — useful for planning logistics and what to expect.
⌖ 0.0 miAn easy, 6-hour guided tour from Wollongong that visits Hyams Beach and a local favourite beach, with free time in Huskisson and a complimentary beach towel.
⌖ 0.0 miA guided, full-day (8-hour) walk along Jervis Bay’s White Sands track from Blenheim Beach to Chinamans Beach with return transport included in the Shoalhaven area.
⌖ 0.0 miAn eight-hour tour that pairs whale watching in Jervis Bay’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters with time ashore in Huskisson and visits to Hyams, Chinamans and Greenfields beaches.
⌖ 92.9 miA family-focused, school‑holiday event built around Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course — this guide explains what to expect on site, from the 6‑m Tuff Slide to mascot appearances and on-site food.
⌖ 138.0 miA seated, curated varietal tasting of Heifer Station single‑vineyard wines on the new barrel shed deck — this guide covers what to expect, where to meet, and essential planning details.
⌖ 138.0 miA curated, seated tasting of six single‑vineyard Heifer Station wines in a rustic cellar door — this guide covers the tasting flow, logistics, age and group limits, and on‑site options.
⌖ 138.0 miA two-hour, $450-per-person outing at Heifer Station Wines that pairs a vineyard and buggy tour with a 20-minute helicopter flight over Mt Canobolas, followed by a seasonal private picnic or fireside tasting.
⌖ 138.0 miAn interactive, on-foot tasting through the Heifer Station single‑vineyard in Orange that pairs site‑specific wines with the vines and offers optional cheese and charcuterie.
⌖ 138.0 miA casual, bookable outdoor table at Heifer Station Wines in Orange where adults sip Heifer Station wine and pre-order cheese platters while children explore on-site play areas.
⌖ 138.0 miA two‑hour, adults‑only tasting at Heifer Station that pairs single‑vineyard wines with a gourmet picnic hamper in a secluded Moroccan‑style setting.
⌖ 138.0 miA 50‑minute, outside-the-cellar-door tasting at Heifer Station Wines — a curated flight of six single‑vineyard wines with time afterwards to meet the animals, explore the gardens and training vineyard, and relax on the lawn.
⌖ 138.5 miAn intimate 1.5‑hour cellar‑door tasting at Hoosegg, led by winemaker Philip Shaw (or senior winemaker Greg Cliffe if needed), sampling highly rated Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and other reds with a cheese platter.
⌖ 143.6 miTuff Nutterz at the Orange Showground is a family-focused event built around a giant inflatable course (including a 6m Tuff Slide), running 9:00am–4:45pm with sessions across weekends and school holidays.
⌖ 146.8 miA relaxed, 1.5-hour guided stargazing session in Coonabarabran where guests use personal telescopes to view nebulae, star clusters, planets and the Moon while an experienced guide explains astronomy, science and cultural star lore.
Make the most of your visit to Southern Highlands, New South Wales with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Southern Highlands, New South Wales hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Southern Highlands, New South Wales during the iconic Southern Highlands Food Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Southern Highlands, New South Wales during the iconic TASTE Bowral. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Southern Highlands, New South Wales during the iconic Bowral Classic Road Cycling Event. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Pack layers as temperatures can vary between valleys and higher elevations.
Book accommodations early during popular event weekends and spring bloom season.
Many walking trails have well-marked entrances but limited mobile reception.
Car access is essential for exploring dispersed highlights in the region.
Local produce markets are great spots to try fresh regional foods.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Southern Highlands, New South Wales. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.