 With today's busy lifestyles, those delicious weekend getaways we so enjoy can find themselves pushed right to the very back of the back burner. And yet there is so much to explore on our doorstep, if only we can make some time. Berrima in the southern highlands of New South Wales is the perfect example of a distinctly interesting destination, situated around an hour and a half by car from either the Canberra or Sydney CBD. My co-pilot and sous chef, Peter, and I have driven through Moss Vale countless times on our way to and from the Illawarra in the last several years. Every time we've commented on the sign pointing to Berrima, noting that it has been far too long since we last called in to the area. Recently we decided to stop and revisit the beautifully preserved Georgian village, which is said to be the only one of its period in New South Wales. The town was established in 1831 as the result of the then Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell, being commissioned to find an easier route from Sydney to Goulburn. One historical reference says the Surveyor General and the then Governor were impressed by its situation in a 'picturesque valley, with a good supply of water from the river and many springs in the area, [as well as] the availability of sandstone for building.' What was once the 'village green' or 'common' is now the road through the town's centre and both sides of the road are lined with tall trees and rather magnificent buildings, including a row of cottages as well as a gaol (circa 1836, still operational!), a court house (1838), and the Surveyor General Inn (1834, the oldest continually licensed inn in New South Wales). Many of these were built by convict labour and have been beautifully preserved. We arrived mid afternoon and checked in to the Berrima Bakehouse Motel for the night. The reception was warm and welcoming and our host presented us with a range of options for dinner, as well as breakfast in the morning. There is much to see and do in this fine little town and we will definitely visit again soon. Here are my postcards and morsels from our stay.  Good things to see and do in Berrima...
Breakfast at the Olde Magpie Café...     The Old Bakery cottage and tea rooms...   Berrima Cottage Nursery...     Duck in and explore the various specialty shoppes & galleries...       In a nutshell... If you plan to visit Berrima, there is motel, inn and B&B cottage-style accommodation in the Old Berrima township. There are caravan parks, as well as apartments and hotels in neighbouring Moss Vale and Bowral. For more information about Berrima, see the Destination New South Wales web site.   Tell me dear readers, do you enjoy weekends in quirky little townships? What's your favourite place to visit and explore?
20 Comments
29/9/2014 12:19:49 pm
Hi Liz - I was in Berrima last weekend and we may have crossed paths! I was invited to a birthday lunch at 'Josh's' a few metres away from where the wooden ducks are sold. It was excellent and I highly recommend it when you visit next. It's modern modern Turkish cuisine.
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:17:31 pm
Hi there Ambra, oh wow... we could well have done so! We will check out Josh's next time, thanks... and isn't Berrima a charming place! 29/9/2014 02:18:27 pm
oh how lovely. i'm a rel homebody and i love visiting my backyard on the weekend - that's as far as i get! you've inspired me to do something different.
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:18:10 pm
Hi Elizabeth... you know it's lovely to be at home but it is really good to travel the neighbourhood too, you can find so many lovely places! xo 29/9/2014 02:22:15 pm
Love Berrima and regularly make overnight or two night trips there - one is an annual meet my Sydney friend overnight stay (at the gorgeous Jellore Cottage) mostly. This year hubby and I went for two nights for an anniversary weekend. I never tire of visiting the place. It seems ti have managed to retina something natural and unique despite the "tourist" aspects. Love all the restaurants and cafes (including out at Berkelouws)
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:18:41 pm
So true... and how wonderful that you visit regularly. I think Peter and I need to make a habit of it too! 29/9/2014 02:54:50 pm
What a pretty and inspiring little town, Liz. I definitely love spots like this. It makes me happy to just hunker down and thoroughly enjoy a different world for a while. :-)
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:19:01 pm
Ah Krista, so true, so delicious to do that. 29/9/2014 06:13:51 pm
I've never heard of Berrima before - granted, I still don't know a lot of regional NSW despite living in Sydney for the past three years! It looks like it's definitely worth a visit.
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:19:15 pm
Amanda, you must make a visit, soon! xo 29/9/2014 06:58:47 pm
Think I'd definitely be making my tummy happy at a first stop for brekky before hitting up the book shop. Really love quick getaways like this, we're so lucky in the Berra with everything thats on our doorsteps.
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:19:42 pm
Aren't we ever, Anna! And, yes, it's important to make one's tummy happy on these getaways. : )
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:19:51 pm
Ela, thank you!
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:20:03 pm
Same here Bec, we love the place! 30/9/2014 10:01:48 am
I love Berrima and wrote a few posts about the town earlier this year. You have certainly taken some beautiful images of the town and it looks like you had great weather when you were there. I'm heading to the Southern Highlands today so may visit again xx
Lizzy
30/9/2014 05:20:25 pm
Thanks Charlie... must pop back in and see your posts too! Enjoy your next visit xo
Lizzy
2/10/2014 10:34:12 pm
Oh David, me too! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Photo Jay Cranon, The Canberra Times
Hello. I'm Liz, a writer, cook and traveller based in Canberra, Australia.
Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes, postcards and morsels from my adventures, conversations with cookery writers and chefs, and news on food and cooking.  Search by topicNB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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