Welcome to the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands region lies a little more than 100km to the southwest of Sydney. It stretches south west from the Sydney Water Catchment reserves to Morton National Park and east to the top of the escarpment overlooking the South Coast. It is known for its picturesque towns, grand and historic mansions and public buildings, as well as its genteel lifestyle. With four distinct seasons, the area is climatically diverse and remains a geographic masterpiece with undulating plateaus, steep escarpments, stunningly green pastures and fertile forests.
The Southern Highlands attracts over a million visitors each year who come to enjoy the Highlands style: wonderful shopping, fine restaurants and cafes, spectacular scenery and a rich history. The Highlands is home to a large community of painters, artisans and craftspeople and their work can be found in the many local art and craft galleries.
There is something for everyone, from the simple pleasure of a drive through the countryside to a weekend of indulgence at one of the many luxury resorts and boutique wineries.
The region boasts numerous beautiful and spectacular natural attractions to delight any visitor, such as Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls, Wombeyan Caves and Mt Gibraltar.
Bowral is the commercial centre of the district and there are two other major towns - Mittagong and Moss Vale - plus a number of charming small country towns Bundanoon, Robertson and Berrima, and villages like Exeter and Burrawang. The delightfully picturesque countryside is suitable for beef and dairy cattle, alpacas, horses, grapes and olives.
The area features quality private and public schools, a university campus, excellent shopping facilities, fine restaurants, private and public hospitals and good sporting facilities. The Southern Highlands is one of the steadily growing regions outside of Sydney in New South Wales.
Links to more Information about the Southern Highlands
Wingecarribee Shire Council - local Shire Council information for property owners in the Southern Highlands, and other useful information about the Shire.
Southern Highlands Tourist Office - general information for tourists and visitors provided by the official Shire Tourist Office.
Information for Businesses - useful and important information provided by the Shire Council for existing businesses in the Shire and for those considering establishing a business here.
The Southern Highlands Online - a comprehensive directory of businesses, attractions, accommodation etc in the Shire, plus other general information about the area.
Community Information - a community developed site about the Wingecarribee Shire and all its activities.
Southern Highlands News - the local newspaper on-line (3 times a week), plus a directory of information about the Southern Highlands.
Southern Highlands Food & Wine - information and a directory about the developing food and wine industries, and a guide to good restaurants and cafes.
