Situated 114 kilometres South of Sydney on the escarpment behind the South Coast’s most scenic coastline is the Southern Highlands.
With a rich history dating back to the 1830s when the town of Berrima was envisaged to be a busy English style county capital and a stop-over on the new Great South Road.
Berrima prospered in the early days but soon became a sleepy backwater town after it was bypassed by the main Southern railway line, though to this day much of this prosperity has remained and the town and surrounding areas of the Southern Highlands have become enshrined in the history of days gone by as some of Australia’s most well preserved towns.
As rich in colour as it is rich in talent, nestled within some of the best cycling terrain in Australia it is home to locals like Olympic track medallist and Grand Tour conqueror Brad McGee and rising sprint superstar Caleb Ewan.
The Southern Highlands is a perfect place to hold a cycling event like the Bowral Classic with some awe-inspiring terrain and plenty of activities and leisurely pursuits for afterwards, it is also a great place to escape the commotion of the city according to Destination Southern Highland’s General Manager Steve Rosa.
“There’s something for all ages to love about the Southern Highlands. With its picturesque landscape and close proximity to Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast just an hour away the Highlands hosts some major attractions.”
Before heading to the Southern Highlands visit their website for a tailor-made experience to discover what the area has to offer and explore your accommodation options.
When visiting the region the first stop for participants of the Bowral Classic should be the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong for what Destination Southern Highlands promises as “Red carpet VIP treatment and advice from the knowledgeable ‘concierge’ staff” where you will find ‘What’s On’ happenings as well as free maps and publications to help you explore the region for yourself.
Southern Highlands Welcome Centre Reception
The Southern Highlands also has a plethora of activities for families to take part in, Mr Rosa said, “Our majestic waterfalls of Fitzroy, Carrington and Belmore are star attractions of the region and they are FREE. If you want to cool down after the Bowral Classic ride take a dip in the postcard-scene that is Nellies Glen or walk above the rainforest at the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk. Or whilst in Berrima why not dress up in colonial clothes at the Berrima Courthouse or pop over to the Lolly Swagman for a sugar treat of old style fudges and confectionary. If you love your sport a visit to the Bradman Centre and International Cricket Hall of Fame will wow the family.”
Fitzroy Falls
Bradman Museum
For those looking to refuel after a big day exploring or cycling perhaps, Mr Rosa said the Highlands boasts some of the worlds best wines and local produce, “The Highlands has over 17 cellar doors positioned in picturesque locations across the region all serving a variety of cool climate wines with Pinot Noir representing the region as our signature wine.
The new cellar door at Bendooley Estate and the regions flagship winery of Centennial Vineyards are a must.
The Highlands abounds in fresh produce and is known for its Black Angus beef. You can savour local ‘paddock to plate’ dishes at one of the regions award winning hatted restaurants like Biota or Eschalot or try alfresco dining at one of the many town and village cafes.”
The Highands is also a romantic destination that caters for the discerning or budget-minded short-break visitor where Mr Rosa says you can meander the retail shops of the quaint villages and visit the galleries or discover the secrets of the region on the many scenic tourist drives.
With plenty to see and do in the Southern Highlands, it’s the perfect place to host a cycling event, with terrain that inspires courage but at the same time allows riders to soak in the colourful scenery the region has to offer.
