A guide of what to do in Berrima, NSW.

 

Berrima

 

Read on to discover why fab Berrima won the Top Tourism Town of 2021....

 


This beautiful, historic village is like the grand old dame of the Highlands. Berrima’s stunning sandstone buildings, country cottage gardens and river walks make it super popular with visitors and Highlanders.

 

There are plenty of gorgeous cafes and bakeries for delicious breakfasts, brunches and lunches, and Berrima is also home to some pretty fabulous restaurants – including the wonderful Eschalot – and a fun, country pub.

 

Get your history fix at Harper’s Mansion (check in with them first as they have some COVID restrictions happening) and the local museum, visit the lovely gallery or just shop ‘til you drop – so many gorgeous stores!

 

Here’s The Fold’s guide to all things Berrima – what to do, see and experience in this beautiful town that time forgot (but remembered again!). 

 

 

Berrima Shopping



 

GREAT OUTDOORS
 

Berrima’s location on the banks of the Wingecarribee River means there are some gorgeous spots for picnics, barbecues and leisurely walks.

 

One of our faves is the Stone Quarry Walk, also known locally as the Platypus Walk which starts behind the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. If you have the patience to sit tight, you may even catch a glimpse of a platypus!

 

We love the Berrima River Walk - it's like a history lesson and workout all rolled into one!  And if you’ve got a kayak or canoe, you can drop it in here and head west up the Wingecarribee for a leisurely paddle. 

 



 

Berrima

 


 

JUST FOR KIDS
 

You know that a park with a flying fox is always going to attract the little ones, right? Berrima Market Place Park, smack bang in the middle of the village has one!

 

A fantastic playground with loads of green space for kids to run off the sugar rush they may have got from visiting The Lolly Swagman, a traditional lolly store literally bursting at the seams with anything and everything sweet and delicious.

 

If your kiddos adore whimsical stuff, Six Impossible Things is a fab spot. They offer tons of cute knick-knacks to create and spruce up a magical fairy garden. Plus, their collection of toys, games, and accessories is lovely and sure to earn you the title of parent/auntie/uncle/grandparent of the year.

 


 

RETAIL THERAPY 
 

There are so many fabulous stores in Berrima. It’s the diversity of offerings we love!

 

Meander your way from the top of the village down the main street ducking in and out of the fab shops – fashion, homewares, goodies for the foodies, and gorgeous arts and craft items.

 

Be sure to pop into Berrima's Natural Australia for beautiful winter woollies in the cooler months and fresh linen and cotton fashion in the summer - did you know this family run business has been here 30 years? Read more about it here

 

We could spend all day wandering around shopping here (in fact, we have!).

 

And don’t forget about Berrima Schoolyard Markets on the fourth Sunday of every month – it’s a busy, fun market with a buzzy vibe - perfect for a weekend stroll and shop.



 

 

 

RAINY DAYS
 

The Berrima District Museum is a place to while away a rainy afternoon. The passionate museum volunteers help bring local stories to life – historical AND current – with a mix of state of the art digital storytelling, gorgeous photography and awesome historical treasures.

 

And the fabulous Whitewall Art Projects is another place to take shelter and get your creative fix thanks to the vision of Gallery Directory Thomas Bucich - this is a stunning gallery full of super-interesting art from locals, the Australian Masters and international artists. 


 

 

WINING + DINING


There are some pretty amazing restaurants in Berrima. For a small town, it has a super impressive roll call of wining and dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Josh’s Café,  Eschalot and PepperGreen Estate's Tasting Room are all fab options for a delicious lunch or night out.

 

Berrima Vault House ticks all our boxes and is a must-visit. It’s open for brekkie and lunch on Saturday + Sundays and for dinner Thursday through to Saturday.

 

Head a little further afield for Joadja Estate's awesome live music events or taste wine, buy a book and eat delicious food by the fire at Bendooley Estate.

 

We are also loving Schmokin thanks to it's unique mix of live music, food, drink, motorbikes, e-bikes, clothing and more - told you it was unique! 

 

 

 

Berrima NSW Australia

 

 

 

STEP BACK IN TIME


Harper’s Mansion is a beautiful Georgian residence, built in 1835 and furnished in colonial period style. It’s a super way to learn more about what life was like in the Highlands in the 19th century.

 

One of the best things about Harper’s Mansion is the gorgeous two acres of garden it sits within. Rose bushes, fruit and vegetable gardens, a woodland walk and (this is a local favourite) a garden maze! They’re open on weekends from 11am to 3pm and you can grab your ticket at the door or book in advance to guarantee your spot. 

 

You can also tour Berrima Courthouse, built in 1835 and home to numerous trials involving bushrangers and some not-so-law-abiding citizens of The Highlands. Take it to the next level and book yourself in for a night-time ghost tour. Boo! 

 


 

SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Berrima comes to life on Australia Day – it’s one of the most popular places in the Highlands to celebrate all things Aussie! Markets stalls, jumping castles, live music, face painting, and allllll of the lamingtons. Yum!

 

The highlight is the Grand Parade – such a fun, street parade quite unique to Berrima. See classic cars and vintage tractors, give the emergency service volunteers a wave and clap along with the local bands. Fun for all ages! 

 


 

CREATIVE BERRIMA 


What is it about gorgeous, historic villages that attract super-talented and creative people?

 

Pop into Berrima Village Pottery to have a chat with ceramicist Paul Bruce.

 

We also loved getting to know more about New Yorker now Highlander, Thomas Bucich's creative life when we visited him at Whitewall Art Projects recently.

 

Visit Berrima Patchwork for everything patchwork & quilting. They even host sewing retreats twice a year for 3 days of all things hand sewing if you’re interested in getting stitchy.



 

Berrima Village Pottery shopping

 

 

WHEN FRIENDS COME TO STAY
 


The iconic Bendooley Estate is a favourite among locals and foodies, and is a must-visit if you’re hosting out-of-towners. The reinvention of the Bendooley Estate began when the Berkelouw family bought the estate forty years ago.

 

Browse the gorgeous Berkelouw Book Barn, settle in for share plates and wine tastings at The Cellar Door or a long lunch by the fire in the main dining room. A quintessential highlands experience, for sure. 
 

For a change in pace, head to Zen Oasis on Medway Road for a peaceful afternoon escape. The restaurant onsite serves up deliciously, fresh oriental cuisine and loads of super healthy delights – vegetarians will LOVE this place! Walk off your delicious lunch with a stroll around the lake surrounded by gorgeous sculptures. You’ll leave this place feeling super calm and relaxed. 

 


 

BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
 

We are so lucky to have so many amazing local businesses in Berrima, and our Business Directory is the place to find them! From medical to manufacturing, beauty salons to builders, pet boarding to finacial planning….The Fold’s Business Directory has got you covered.   

 


OTHER TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS



Check out our guide to the other towns and villages in the Southern Highlands.

 

 

LOVE THE HIGHLANDS? US TOO!

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