At just over an hour and a half drive from Sydney, and with a reported population of less than 800, Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands, 10 minutes’ drive from Bowral and Moss Vale, makes for an ideal weekend destination for Sydneysiders looking to escape crowds.
But despite its quiet feel, the village has plenty to do. In fact, it’s one of Australia’s best-preserved villages from the 1830s and home to the country’s oldest surviving goal. Visit its other, many heritage sites, shop or café hop along its main street or simply stroll along its Wingecarribee River on the Berrima River Walk.
While it is possible to get a feel for Berrima exploring it in just a day, with so much to do and see, it’s worth spending the night. Accommodation within Berrima itself is limited, with four main options, aside from Airbnbs. Still, though, they’re each cosy, which is exactly what you want from a country weekend away, as well as centrally located so you can easily walk to the village’s main area.
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Oldbury Cottage Berrima
Sleeping two, Oldbury Cottage is a one-bedroom home from the 1850s that’s since been sensitively restored to reveal its original rustic timbers. It features a wood-burning fireplace, bathroom with floor heating and an outdoor terrace with barbecue that’s set on its own private garden. After a day of shopping and café-hopping in Berrima, sink into one of two armchairs in its sitting room with a book or relax with a provided bath bomb in its deep bath.
Berrima Retreat
While Berrima Retreat is great for groups, its 15 rooms can be rented out for solo or two-person stays, too. Prices vary depending on whether it’s peak or off-season, and optional extras include kayak rental, sheep feeding and use of firewood. All guests have access to a media room, pool and barbecues and a full kitchen.
Berrima Bakehouse Motel
Though Berrima Bakehouse is centrally-located, along Old Hume Highway Entranceway, it’s nestled on nearly a hectare of gardens, filled with native bird life. The grounds, which include a pool and barbecue, back onto the Wingecarribee River where, incredibly, you can watch families of platyplus play. The motel’s 19 rooms are spread across two levels, which each have outdoor areas – a courtyard and terrace.
Surveyor General Inn
Surveyor General Inn is Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn, operating for over 165 years. Today, it has four rooms available for visitors, two of which have been restored to their original Victorian style. The bathroom is shared for the four rooms.
Milton Park
If you’re happy to stay outside Berrima, a 10-minute drive away in the town of Moss Vale, you’ll find Milton Park. The heart of the property is a grand mansion, built at the turn of the 20th century. It also features gardens, planted by its former owner Anthony Hordern who collected many rare trees throughout his travels to plant on the lawns. The property has 44 rooms and suites, most of which overlook a courtyard fountain, rolling paddocks or beautiful gardens. All feature French Provincial and antique furnishings.
Briars Country Lodge
Another stay in nearby Moss Vale is Briars Country Lodge. A stay here can include picnics by its lake, a game of tennis or a stroll along its private walking track — and that’s only if you don’t want to leave the hotel to explore the main Southern Highlands town of Bowral. Room types are King Room, Deluxe Suite or, if you’re travelling as a group of friends or family, Three Bedroom Apartment. Dine at on-site restaurant Briar’s, open for lunch or dinner.
Berida Hotel
Prefer to stay in busier Bowral? Located just minutes from the Bowral High Street, Berida Hotel was originally built as a private home in 1925. Today, it has 46 rooms and suites, an open-fire guest lounge and is home to the European restaurant, Bistro Sociale. It’s also got a health club with an indoor heated pool, a sauna and a spa called Sculptress. Plus, there are tennis courts and a gym to ensure you earn all that luxury treatment.
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