NSW Family Sunday Drive: We're Off To Berrima!

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Put down the screens, pack up the car and get the family on the road to one of the great day trips and drives from Sydney. Where are we off to this week? Berrima! 

Just an hour-and-a-half drive from Sydney, Berrima is a historic little village in the gorgeous Southern Highlands, the perfect place to give you and your family a mini city break. Here are our top tips and suggestions for places to go and things to see for families:

1. Berrima Heritage Walk

Grab a map from the Berrima District Museum or download it here, and get going! Follow the numbers on the map and you will be lead on an adventure through Australia's past. Along the tour you'll see Berrima House from 1835, cottages and inns from the 1800s, the old Berrima gaol, the post office from 1887, the first bank of Berrima, an old public school, an old well and lots more. The perfect way to see all of Berrima, have an explore and go on a family adventure. 

via LesterLost

2. Bendooley Estate Book Barn

This estate is home to a vineyard, a historic sandstone homestead, cottage style accommodation, and a book barn with a restaurant. The Book Barn is the centrepiece of the estate, a magical book-lined space where you can have a coffee and a cake, and marvel at the timber beams, cathedral ceilings, huge rustic iron pendant lights and an enormous stone fireplace. Needless to say, it's a divine and popular wedding venue.

via The Significant Space

3. Berrima Courthouse

Built of hand-hewn sandstone in Regency style, this courthouse was the place that all manner of notorious bushrangers and murderers were convicted through to 1900. You can take fascinating tours, ghost tours, see audio and light shows with historical presentations, all the while learning something new. Kids and families will love it!

via Berrima Courthouse

4. Berrima District Museum

Housed inside a historic weatherboard cottage! You'll see a range of artefacts from across the Southern Highlands including a canoe built by German prisoners of war back when Berrima Gaol housed internees, as well as old photographs and snippets of old film. Well worth a stopover.

via Museums & Galleries of NSW

5. Harper's Mansion

This circa 1835 house is a perfect example of a colonial Georgian residence, and it has been preserved so that once you step inside, it's like you've travelled back in time. Set in 2 acres of garden with a spectacular hedge maze and overlooking the village, families will love exploring the house and grounds of this little slice of history.

via Harper's Mansion

6. Mrs Oldbucks Pantry

For families with a sweet tooth, stop off here for Mrs Oldbucks famous jams, teas, chutneys and preserves, confectionery, peanut butter, mustards and more. 

via Mrs Oldbucks Pantry

7. Lolly Swagman

Children and parents will love this one- you'll find old school lollies you never thought you could get anymore, as well as their signature Mr's Swags fresh fudge. A bright, colourful and sweet treat to enjoy on your day trip. 

via Lolly Swagman

8. Berrima Schoolyard Market

On the fourth Sunday of every month ( (Feb-Nov) and the 2nd Sunday in December head to these fun-filled markets! Here you'll find over 50 stalls selling fresh produce, delicious food, handmade jewellery, a jumping castle and playground for the kids and live music to entertain you whilst your browse and feast.

Feature image via Harper's Mansion

 

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