5 ways to wind down in the Southern Highlands

THIS cool-climate rural playground is only 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney and lulls visitors into turning back time.

We recommend staying at the Old Bank Hotel, which is full of old country charm.

THIS cool-climate rural playground along the Great Dividing Range only 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney lulls visitors into turning back time.

The old-school pleasures and country charm of historic villages such as Berrima, Bundanoon and Mittagong are an invitation to meander down a country lane and take tea.

1. OLD BANK HOTEL

Luxury transforms this 1890s bank into your charming Mittagong country base; oldbankhotel.com.au.

The old bank at Mittagong is now a boutique hotel.

2. OLE COUNTRY COOKING

Trade kale smoothies for Old Bank’s country brekkie, cream-filled afternoon tea and three-course Sunday dinners.

Indulge in a high tea.

3. VINTAGE SHOPPING

Try Mittagong’s Twisting Vintage, 0407 923 018, and An Englishman Abroad in Bowral, [phone].

Pick up a quirky vintage find.

4. McVITTY GROVE WINERY

Sample a classic Southern Highlands pinot gris at the region’s most lavish cellar-door restaurant; mcvittygrove.com.

Be sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the wineries.

5. BEST BUSH TRAILS

The region’s old-world charm is set amid the raw beauty of the Belmore Falls and Illawarra Fly Treetop walks; southern-highlands.com.au.

The Belmore Falls are a must while in the Souther Highlands.

Originally published as 5 ways to wind down in the Southern Highlands