2025 Berrima Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Stop: Berrima, New South Wales Berrima, nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages, carrying with it the charm of a bygone era. Set against rolling countryside and surrounded by leafy landscapes, the town invites visitors to slow down and take in its blend of natural beauty and colonial history. Strolling along its streets feels like stepping back in time, with sandstone cottages, heritage buildings, and tree-lined avenues creating an atmosphere of rustic elegance. The town is dotted with historical landmarks, including the 1839 courthouse and the sandstone gaol, both reminders of Berrima’s early colonial past. Around the village, cozy cafés, antique stores, and artisan shops provide a leisurely experience, while nearby vineyards and cool-climate wineries offer a taste of the Southern Highlands’ growing reputation for fine food and wine. The countryside itself is equally inviting, with walking trails leading through bushland and riverside settings, especially along the Wingecarribee River. Berrima is more than just a stop on the highway between Sydney and Canberra—it is a place where history, culture, and nature converge. Whether pausing to enjoy a heritage pub meal, exploring historic buildings, or simply admiring the tranquil scenery, the village embodies the charm of rural Australia. It’s an escape into both the story of the past and the calm of the natural surroundings. #mytraveldiary

🌸 Chinoiserie Garden: An Oriental Poetic Garden in the Southern Highlands #SydneySuburbanTour #SecretGarden #SouthernHighlands 🕰️ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open on select days only; please check for updates before your trip) 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: • Private garden open to the public • A clever fusion of Chinese and English gardening styles • Perfect for strolling, photography, and flower viewing 📍 Address: 23 Webb Street, Mittagong, NSW, Australia 💰 Cost per person: • Entrance fee: AUD 10 (for reference only; proceeds primarily go to charity or park maintenance) • Nearby dining: AUD 20–40 per person 🌿 The charm of a hidden garden Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Chinoiserie Garden is a private garden lovingly created by a gardening enthusiast. Unlike typical public parks, this garden showcases the owner's ingenious blend of Eastern aesthetics and Western horticulture. The garden is dotted with Chinese pavilions, stone lanterns, and winding paths, alongside English rose gardens, azaleas, peonies, and seasonal bulbs. This blend of East and West creates an elegant and poetic landscape. 🌸 Flower Viewing Highlights • Spring (September–November): Peonies are in full bloom, the park's crowning attraction. The delicate pink, snow-white, and crimson blossoms enhance the tranquil atmosphere of the Chinese garden. • Summer (December–February): Hydrangeas and lavender adorn the garden, creating a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere. • Autumn (March–May): Red maple leaves and ginkgo biloba trees add an exotic touch, creating a picturesque scene. • Winter (June–August): Although the blooms are less frequent, the gardens possess a uniquely tranquil beauty under frosty mornings. No matter when you visit, you'll be able to appreciate the garden owner's ingenuity and dedication. 📷 Best Spots 1. Chinese Pavilion and Sea of ​​Peonies – A classic spot for capturing oriental-inspired photos 2. Flower Path – Perfect for capturing those "secret garden" shots 3. Flower beds beside stone lanterns – Elegant during the day, adding a touch of classic charm at dusk 🥪 Nearby Dining Recommendations After exploring the gardens, take a break in Mittagong or Bowral: • The Shaggy Cow (Mittagong): Known for its creative brunch • Gumnut Patisserie (Bowral): A local favorite, their pies and cakes are a must-try • Bowral’s Elephant Boy Café: A unique blend of cafe and bookstore 🏡 Extended Tours and Accommodation Chinoiserie Garden pairs well with other Southern Highlands attractions: • Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame (Bowral): Perfect for experiencing Australia's unique cricket culture • Southern Highlands Botanic Garden Gardens: Another great spot for flower viewing • Bendooley Estate: A romantic blend of a winery and a bookstore For accommodations, we recommend: • Peppers Craigieburn (Bowral): A European-style manor-style resort • Gibraltar Hotel Bowral: With a pool and golf facilities, perfect for families or couples • Mittagong Motel: Affordable and convenient, just a few minutes' drive from the gardens 🚗 Transportation: • Driving: About 1.5 hours from Sydney, the most convenient and flexible option • Train: Take Central Station to Mittagong, then transfer to a taxi (the gardens are about a 5-minute drive from the station) Chinoiserie Garden is an understated yet stunning private garden retreat. It weaves Eastern elegance with Western flourishes into a captivating canvas. If you're planning a trip to the Southern Highlands, consider including this garden on your itinerary and spend an afternoon immersed in the vibrant beauty of the flowers. This place is not only suitable for taking photos, but also a perfect place to relax and get close to nature.

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