If you’re searching for things to do in Berrima, this small Southern Highlands village delivers an unusually rich mix of history, food, and nature within easy reach of Sydney. Established in 1831, Berrima is widely recognised as the best-preserved Georgian village on the Australian mainland, with its sandstone buildings and colonial layout still largely intact.
Before diving in, it’s important to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Gundungurra and Dharawal peoples. The name Berrima itself is derived from an Indigenous word meaning “to the south,” grounding the village’s identity long before European settlement.
Getting There from Sydney
Berrima is located in Berrima NSW, around 125 km southwest of Sydney, making it an ideal day trip from Sydney. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes, primarily via the Hume Highway, with the village just off the historic Old Hume Highway route.
The journey itself is straightforward, and once you arrive, most of Berrima village can be explored on foot.
Top Things to Do in Berrima
Explore Berrima Courthouse & Museum
The Berrima Courthouse is one of the most significant heritage buildings in the region. Built between 1835 and 1838 and designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis, it played a central role in early legal history. Notably, it was the site of the first trial by jury in NSW .
Today, the building operates as a museum, and it also hosts guided tours and occasional ghost tours, offering a different perspective on colonial NSW. For groups, it’s one of the most conversation-starting stops in the village.
Discover the Historic Surveyor General Inn
The Surveyor General Inn holds the distinction of being the oldest continually licensed hotel in Australia. Inside, you’ll find Bistro 1834, which serves modern Australian dishes in a setting that reflects the building’s early 19th-century origins.
It’s a natural gathering point for groups, the kind of place where you settle in for one drink and end up staying for two hours.
Walk Through Harper’s Mansion
Managed by the National Trust since 1978, Harper’s Mansion was built around 1834 by James Harper. The property includes a historic garden and a well-known hedge maze, offering a structured but relaxed way to experience life in early Berrima.
Groups tend to love the maze, it’s one of those activities that brings out a surprising amount of competitive spirit.
Learn the Story of Berrima Gaol
Berrima Gaol opened in 1839 and later served as a World War I internment camp. The site is heritage-listed and is currently the subject of a proposed adaptive reuse project known as The Berrima Quarter, with FAQs published in June 2025 outlining redevelopment plans.
Public access is currently limited, but the former gaol remains an important part of Berrima’s layered colonial history and ongoing local heritage discussions.
Walk the Wingecarribee River (and Spot Platypus)
One of the more unique experiences in Berrima Southern Highlands is the Wingecarribee River walk. This peaceful trail follows the riverbanks and offers opportunities to spot wildlife, including platypus, which are occasionally seen in this area.
Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best chance, though sightings are never guaranteed. Groups staying at Berrima Retreat often start their mornings here, it’s a genuinely restorative way to ease into the day, especially before a full afternoon of exploring the village.
Discover the Berrima District Museum
Located at 1A Market Place, the Berrima District Museum is run by volunteers and provides deeper context about the village’s development, including the impact of the railway bypass in 1867, which contributed to Berrima’s preservation.
Market Place Park Highlights
In the heart of the village, Market Place Park includes lesser-known but worthwhile features:
- A boules court, adding a relaxed, European-style activity space
- A bronze statue of Charlotte Atkinson, an early colonial artist and naturalist whose work documented Australian flora
These elements are often overlooked but contribute to the character of Berrima village.
Where to Eat in Berrima
Food is a major drawcard, and Berrima offers a compact but high-quality dining scene:
- Eschalot
- A hatted restaurant known for seasonal, produce-driven menus
- Gumnut Patisserie
- A popular stop for pastries and coffee
- Bistro 1834
- Located inside the Surveyor General Inn
- Josh’s Café
- Casual café option for a relaxed bite
If you’re self-catering as part of a group stay at the Retreat, the local providores and the Bowral Farmers’ Market (around 20 minutes away) are worth the trip for stocking up on regional produce, artisan bread, and local cheese.
Nearby Additions for Your Day Trip
If you have extra time, extend your visit beyond the village:
- Joadja Estate
- Around 10 minutes from Berrima, offering a local winery and cellar door experience.
- Southern Highlands wine region
- Multiple cellar doors within a 30-minute drive, including Centennial Vineyards and Artemis Wines. A natural fit for group wine tasting tours.
- Fitzroy Falls
- A spectacular waterfall lookout in Morton National Park, about 25 minutes away.
- Bowral
- 20 minutes away, with boutique shopping, cafes, and the famous Tulip Time Festival in spring.
- Robertson
- 25 minutes away, set in lush dairy country and known for its Big Potato and verdant landscapes.
These additions turn a simple visit into a more complete Berrima Retreat-style getaway.
Practical Tips for Visiting Berrima
- E-bike hire is available from Schmokin’ Cafe, making it easy to explore beyond the village centre on two wheels.
- Walking tours can be booked through berrimawalkingtours.com.au for a guided perspective on the village’s history.
- Ghost tours are occasionally held at the courthouse, a memorable evening option for groups with a taste for history.
- Comfortable shoes are essential. Most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
- Book restaurants ahead if you’re visiting as a large group, especially on weekends.
Why Berrima Stands Out
What makes things to do in Berrima distinctive isn’t just the number of attractions, but how intact the village remains. Unlike many colonial towns that were heavily redeveloped, Berrima’s growth slowed after being bypassed by the railway in 1867, an accident of infrastructure that preserved its sandstone buildings and original layout for nearly two centuries.
Combined with its First Nations history, heritage architecture, quality food scene, and accessible location from Sydney, Berrima NSW offers a focused, historically grounded experience that works equally well as a short stop or a slower, more immersive visit.
And for groups who want to experience it all properly, staying at a great large group accommodation turns a day trip into something genuinely memorable, the kind of weekend away people talk about long after they’ve gone home.
Ready to experience Berrima with your group? Visit berrimaretreat.com.au to check availability and plan your stay.