Weekend Escape Series – Southern Highlands

I don’t know about you but we just love Autumn, as the leaves on the trees start to change colour and the evenings get a littler cooler, it has us yearning for weekends away with our loved one, girlfriends, friends and family.  Our Lifestyle team have been exploring idyllic destinations that are either a two – three hour drive or flight from Sydney to share with our members.

Our first destination is one that is close to our hearts, the Southern Highlands.

Bowral
Located only 90 minutes drive from Sydney, Bowral is the heart of the Southern Highlands and provides a stunning setting for a weekend in the country.

The first step to planning your getaway is where do you stay.  You are really spoilt for choice in the Southern highlands, from 5 star resorts to private cottages for you to explore and enjoy the passion of cooking in the country.

Hotels & Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Gibraltar Hotel Bowral, Bowral
Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral
The Sebel Bowral, Bowral
Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa, Bowral
Berida Manor, Bowral
Peppers Manor House, Sutton Forest

Country Homes & Estates
Rona Lodge Country Estate, Bowral – 18 guests
Springfield Farm, Bundanoon – 11 guests
Velleron, Exetor – 9 guests
Arafel Park Estate, Bowral – 12 guests
Marthaguy Luxury Retreat, Bowral
Grantham House, Bowral – 10 guests
Linden Hall, Bowral – 6 guests
Satori Springs Country Estate, Canyonleigh – 21 guests
Heritage Coach House, Bowral – 13 guests

Couples Cottages
Woodbine Cottage, Bowral – 4 guests
The Gardener’s Cottage, Burrawang Village – 2 guests
Rose Cottage, Bowral – 4 guests
Baynton Cottage, Bowral – 4 guests

Stocking up your weekend supplies is something you don’t need to do before you head off to the Southern Highlands, you will be spoilt for choice at the local produce at Harris Farm with premium fruit & vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, deli, bakery and grocery items.

Before you head back to Sydney, stop in at The Loch farm stall for your fresh, seasonal delights from Brigid Kennedy’s fresh harvest, condiments and herbs..

When it comes to dining in the Southern Highlands, you really are spoilt for choice.  Start your day with a coffee and the most delicious hearty breakfast at Ludo Bowral, on Station Street where you can dine inside in the nearly refurbished cafe or on a beautiful sunny autumn morning, sit outside and enjoy the crisp air and sunlight.

For morning tea, stop in at Bespoke Letterpress for couture stationary for thank you notes, personalised stationary, business  cards or invitations for that special day.  Pop next door to the Press Shop for a coffee and sweet treat before continuing on for some retail therapy at Dirty Janes for antiques, furniture and pre-loved treasures.

Casually take your shopping adventures along bong bong street to Grand Bistro Restaurant for a taste sensation that will recharge you for the afternoon’s adventures.  The delicious lunch menu of cauliflower fritters, hainanese chicken salad and warm 7-hour lamb salad beetroot.  Operated by sensational husband and wife team, Justine and Damien Monley from the icon Flat White, Woollahra.

Shopping in the Southern Highlands is something to be enjoyed over your weekend, here are a list of our hot spots for your shopping itinerary.

Barbara’s Storehouse, Mittagong & Bowral
Dirty Janes Emporium & Antique market, Bowral
Shaz’s Secret, Bowral
Suzie Anderson Home, Moss Vale
Made by Others, Moss Vale
Sally Beresford Antiques, Moss Vale
The Summerhouse Store, Exeter

If dining out is on your agenda for your escape to the Southern Highlands, we have some absolute gems for you to experience.

Biota Dining, Bowral
Eschalot Restaurant, Berrima
Grand Bistro, Bowral

  
Bistro Officina, Bowral
Ludo Cafe, Bowral
Onesta Cucina Restaurant, Bowral
Centennial Vineyards Restaurant, Bowral
Bernie’s Diner, Moss Vale

No matter what the occasion is that you are planning for – romantic weekend, family farm stay, girls weekend, boys golf trip or an escape with a group of friends; our Lifestyle Managers have all the insights into where to stay, play, shop and eat.  Join today with a gift membership, casual membership  with a dedicated Lifestyle Manager to take care of your getaway to-do-list.