About the Southern Highlands

Posted by Alina

November 4, 2008

The Southern Highlands is a unique area within Australia, sitting atop of a sandstone plateau 700 meters above sea level, which straddles the Great Dividing Range. The area covers 2,700 square kilometres with a population of 40,000, consisting of over 20 villages clustered around the major towns of Bowral, Moss Vale and Mittagong.

It is within a comfortable driving distance from Australia’s two major cities, Sydney 114kms and Canberra 170kms and other regional cities and coastal towns, Wollongong, 69kms, Kiama 62, Nowra 62, Kangaroo Valley 40kms and Goulburn 79kms.

This region is known for its picturesque towns and countryside, historic buildings and heritage, and many beautiful and spectacular natural attractions. It offers a wide range accommodation, services, facilities and activities for all budgets and preferences.

The Southern Highlands is considered a cool climate region with four distinct seasons with mild summers and cool winters. In autumn the average temperature has a Max 22° and Min 5°, the days are sunny and mild with cooler nights. In winter the average temperature has a Max 14° and Min 2°, yet often have sunny days. Heavy frosts and fogs are common and time to time it will snow in the later winter months.

Although the Southern Highlands region is changing with the pressures of residential and commercial developments, it still retains its rural aesthetics and lifestyle. Where once the main industry was predominantly dairy farming, now tourism, bouquet farming with exotic species (alpacas, emus, and deer), special breeds of cattle, and sheep for coloured wool is common. Horticulture is also strong with potato growing still significant and berry farms, olive groves, lavender farms and nurseries being multi-million dollar industries.

In recent years the viticulture industry has rapidly increased with the fast growing interest in cool climate wines. The Southern Highlands now has numerous successful wineries with open doors and restaurants serving an integral part of the tourism industry.

For accommodation booking go to www.southern-highlands.com.au and utilise the free booking service available.