Collette Dinnigan’s guide to the Southern Highlands
Explore the picturesque region under the guidance of one the country’s most celebrated fashion designers, who now calls Bowral home.
They say when one door closes another opens, and for Collette Dinnigan, departing fashion in 2013 has been replaced with a clutch of creative pursuits.
Dinnigan, one of Australia’s most celebrated designers, has turned her focus to an extensive portfolio of projects, including curating and hosting experiences and stays in and around the New South Wales South Coast, as well as restoring and revitalising crumbling properties with her husband, Bradley Cocks and son, Hunter, in tow.
One such locale happens to be in the idyllic Southern Highlands, where Dinnigan unveiled her AirBnb offering Black Barn Bowral in 2020. Featuring pieces from her travels throughout Europe, especially Italy, the renovated farmhouse delivers the kind of “refined and authentic country experience” Dinnigan lives for, made all the better with a roaring open fire, rustic floorboards and modern luxuries, all just two minutes away from the town of Bowral where Dinnigan’s main residence is located.
It’s no wonder, then, that when the Travel + Luxury team approached Dinnigan to spotlight a beloved destination and share its local insights, she chose the picturesque region.
From where to find the best pastries, cheese and wine, to exploring one of the state’s newest artistic hubs, the designer has curated the perfect jaunt through the New South Wales Southern Highlands which blends both culinary and creative pursuits – and who doesn’t love that?
STAY
Ideal for a family getaway: After 18 months worth of renovations, Dinnigan’s Black Barn Bowral is the perfect stay for a family or group of friends looking to escape to the country. With enough space to sleep six comfortably, the barn is handcrafted with recycled materials, including floorboards made from Danish cheese boards and bathroom tiles crafted from salvaged French marble. The handsome barn is a short drive from Bowral’s village centre and has sweeping views of the Southern Highlands. Visitors can reserve it through AirBnb.
A touch of exclusivity: Another charming option is The Residence at Berrima Vault House. The stylish makeover of heritage listed Taylor’s Crown Inn, built by convicts in 1844, is a new club where members and guests of members can dine, stay and work. The Residence occupies the top floor of the old inn, and is open to the general public as well. Accommodating four, guests have access to a unique, restored dining room and lounge. Think a cosy weekend with family or friends.
EAT
For cheese lovers: Dinnigan’s go-to haunt for decadent savoury bites is Pecora Cheese & Wine in Robertson, a village in Wingecarribee Shire. Known for its award winning sheep milk cheeses and assortment of local produce.
“There are share plates and wines to enjoy too”, she adds.
Cheese Etc. in Bowral is another stop she recommends; visit on Saturdays to pick up one of the most famous loaves in the area supplied by Moonacres Kitchen in Robertson. Dinnigan says you can’t go past a glass of Pinot Noir and the three-cheese toasted sandwiches made from Moonacres bread with stoneground and certified heritage flour. The bakery has a cult following of its sourdough loaves, its morning buns pastries, sweet and savoury danishes and soft potato bread.
Pub grub: For a traditional pub dinner with all the classics, Dinnigan suggests trying The Surveyor General Inn’s Bistro 1834 in Berrima. Also in Berrima is Josh’s Cafe, one of her favourite eateries, where the perfectly cooked sea trout and duck confit are a must-try.
For a sweet touch: Highland Merchants in Mossvale serve hearty breakfasts and all the goodness of home baked treats. Think dainty tea cakes, orange and almond frangipane tarts and pork and kimchi sausage rolls. It also brews some of the best coffee in the highlands, according to Dinnigan. “Always ask for it strong,” she says.
PLAY
Take home something preloved: Take one look inside Dinnigan’s properties and her eye for design shines. Luckily, many of the items she styles in the interiors can be found in local stores. “The Orangery in Bowral is one of my favourite shopping destinations for ceramics, fragrances and plants,” she says. “Also in Bowral is Dirty Janes which is an eclectic barn filled with preloved furniture and bric a brac antiques”
Dinnigan also suggests driving to Braemar to Lydie du Bray where “a great collection of French and Belgium antiques and garden furniture” is in abundance. “Take the Mittagong turn off on the left.”
Style guide: Visiting Sophie at The South Store in Bowral will have you leaving with a new wardrobe. With a great edit of clothing and accessories from local and international designers as well as items from exclusive brands like Nackiye from Turkey, Sophie “works her magic putting together outfits for any occasion.”
A slice of Italy:For those after a piece of Dinnigan herself, her new store in the old post office in Mittagong will be opening in July where shoppers can find ceramics handmade and hand printed in Italy, silver cutlery, lamps, candles and many more pieces.
Located in the Old Mittagong Post Office, the store dates back to 1881 and houses various antiques hand-chosen by Dinnigan, including decorative mirrors, occasional chairs, paintings and vessels sourced from Puglia and Calabria. Her limited edition collection of ceramics and her full range of candles are also available, as well as Belgian linen curtains hand printed in India and cushions made from original Collette Dinnigan exclusive archival fabric. Rustic furniture crafted by local artist Joe Vinks and original antique shell mirrors from the late Paul Bruce are also showcased.
Something for everyone: The newly opened Ngununggula regional art gallery in the old dairy shed in Bowral has been transformed into a sensational gallery space with the help of local artist Ben Quilty. The work of brothers Abdul-Rahman Abdullah and Abdul Abdullah is currently on display as part of the Land Abounds exhibition alongside the work of Tracey Moffatt, 57th Venice Biennale Australian representative.
Collette’s top five
- Shop at The Orangery
- Dinner at Josh’s Cafe
- Drink at Pecora Cheese & Wine
- Stay at Black Barn Bowral
- See Ngununggula regional art gallery
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