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Swing through the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and you can instantly tell why Sydney’s rich and famous have made this region their own for more than 150 years.

The difference is, today they’re sharing it a bit more generously, thanks to swift transport from the city and the emergence of great value places to stay, as you’ll see in these pages.

Bowral, where cricket legend Don Bradman first played the game, is as good a place as any to commence a tour of the area. And weather-wise, it’s always a good time to visit, as the relatively cooler climate allows four distinct seasons, each with its own charms.

Luxury accommodation & cottages in Southern Highlands NSW

Luxury accommodation & cottages in Southern Tablelands NSW

Winter is wonderful for horse riding or snuggling up with a book in front of a log fire; spring brings the Tulip Festival, open gardens and the best in seasonal produce; while the other seasons have their special attractions. Bowral has plenty of cafes and restaurants, and there is no shortage of galleries, gift shops and antique stores.

Moss Vale, one of the smaller villages, has faithfully maintained its country atmosphere with its tree-lined streets and shops supplying the rural needs of the area, as well as catering to its visitor traffic.

Robertson describes itself as the “Green Heart of the Southern Highlands” and is known for its potato production and the fact it was the place where the hit movie Babe was filmed in the early 1990s. The town has a busy program of events throughout the year, including the Robertson Show in March and the Spring Festival in October. The town is also a centre for heritage railway activities. The views over the escarpment from Robertson down to the South Coast are quite spectacular and worth travelling for in themselves.