Berrima is a well-loved and well-known historic village in the heart of the Southern Highlands. It is popular with day trippers as a charming and grounding destination. Famous for its beauty, Berrima is home to many fine examples of Georgian Era architecture that house a variety of great restaurants, pubs, bars, galleries, stores, and museums.
Established in 1834, Berrima sits beautifully on the Wingecarribee River on the traditional land of the Gundungurra people. The river walk and stone quarry walk are both lovely trails tucked in the middle of the village and are an easy stroll through the natural environment. Take your time walking the track taking in the surrounding features.
What is fascinating about this village is that it has been quietly going through a renaissance. Within the Southern Highlands, it is now a very cool place both day and night to visit and popular with locals as well as visitors. You’ll discover incredible quality everywhere you go and a village atmosphere that is youthful, vibrant, and buzzing.
Start your day exploring the village, it’s worth doing a short drive around to get your bearings but find a park near the Berrima Gaol on Old Hume Highway. This gaol was built during the 1830s and was used as a correctional facility until 2020. There are now plans for it to be redeveloped into a boutique hotel and entertainment precinct.
Head right across the road to the Berrima General Store & Café. They do a great breakfast and coffee. If you’re arriving early, you’ll see many locals there too. You may even spot a few famous faces.
There is also the Baked in Berrima – just around the corner – which is a fantastic bakery worth saving your appetite. Grab yourself a very tasty pie baked to perfection and start exploring!
Take your time strolling through the variety of stores that line the Old Hume Highway in Berrima village. One institution you can’t miss is Mrs Oldbuck’s Pantry a great place to try gourmet products from their well-selected collection. No visit to Berrima is complete without picking up a great jam, chocolate, or tea. It’s a great way to take a little bit of Berrima home with you.
Throughout the village you will see some beautiful stores full of homewares, vintage wares, and even something for your pets.
Another key historic building at the northern end of Berrima is Harper’s Mansion, which is a National Trust property open to the public on weekends. The huge building overlooks the township and boasts a large garden hedge maze.
For the art lovers, make sure to also visit the stunning Whitewall Art Projects, a gallery just across from Berrima Market Place Park at the southern end of the village.
When it comes to eating, you’ll be spoilt for choice but before you do, try and see if you can get a spot at Peppergreen Estate for a wine tasting. It’s a great cellar door experience right in the village with wine created from grapes grown in their Southern Highlands vineyard. It’s also a great spot for lunch with a sophisticated dine in menu.
At the southern end is Schmokin’ Aus which is very popular café for motorbike and car enthusiasts, and you’ll often see all manner of vintage cars and bikes parked outside.
The Surveyor General Inn is also great local and historic pub. Magpie Café is full of old-world charm with the duck pie a local favourite, or there’s Gumnut Patisserie if you want to grab a treat to eat in the park. Josh’s Café is a beautiful restaurant as is Eschalot if you are wanting something elegant, classic, and wholesome. There’s simply so much choice, you’ll want to return to try it all.
Another little hidden gem is the Berrima Vault House. It’s an incredible café, bar, and restaurant with exclusive spaces for members and a space open to the public. You’ll be lost in time and transported to another world with great service, great food, and incredible wines and cocktails.
With so much to see and do, all on the one place; you may be tempted to stay the night and spread your adventure over two days. There are several places to stay including airbnbs and guest houses nearby. If you do stay, you get to see the idyllic quiet calm of Berrima in the morning, often misty and full of charm.