Cool and Clear

The cool, clean mountain air and beautiful rural landscapes, combined with its close proximity and direct highway links to Sydney (130 kilometres to the north) and Canberra (170 kilometres south)
make the Southern Highlands immensely popular throughout the year.

The Southern Highland's greatest claim to fame is its graceful gardens although conference groups can enjoy activities such as fly-fishing, caving, 4WD excursions or simply wandering the numerous villages and towns.

Bowral is the commercial centre for the Highlands, founded in the mid-nineteenth century as a summer retreat for wealthy Sydneysiders. Their legacy of stately homes and intricately-arranged gardens gives Bowral a decidedly English appeal.

Bowral was also hometown to celebrated cricketing giant, Sir Donald Bradman. Sports fans will want to seek out the Bradman Museum on Bradman Oval, where exhibition matches and charity functions are played throughout the year.

Some other popular places to explore include Mittagong, at the northern gateway to the Highlands. Historically, Mittagong was the first settlement in the district and has heritage galore. A quiet break can be enjoyed at Lake Alexandra, close to the town's main street.

Berrima contains many superb Georgian buildings and has a village atmosphere crowded with quaint stores, restaurants and antique and craft shops. The Museum at Berrima Court House (built by convict labour in the late 1830s) tells a fascinating story of the Southern Highland's colourful past. A tableau in the Hall of Justice re-enacts the trial of Lucretia Dunkley, the first woman to be hanged at Berrima Gaol.

Follow this link to find >> conference venues in the Southern Highlands >> Southern Tablelands.