Looking for a babymoon? The NSW Southern Highlands awaits!

Expert Advice – 17 Jun 24 By Fiona Wright

Babymoon, parents’ escape, or girls’ weekend? Unwind and recharge with the ideal getaway.

Looking for the perfect getaway before your baby arrives? Whether you’re planning a babymoon, a parents’ escape, or a girls’ weekend, the Southern Highlands of NSW has got you covered. Imagine relaxing days, stunning wild scenery, and plenty of activities to enjoy.

I recently spent a blissful weekend in the Southern Highlands. Leaving my two kids and husband at home, my mum and I headed off on a mother-daughter retreat to unwind and make lasting memories.

Where to stay in the Southern Highlands

We stayed at Bowral’s Park Proxi hotel, an easy 90-minute drive south of Sydney or north of Canberra. Nestled on a hill, the boutique hotel offers stunning views of the 18-hole golf course. Our suite on the second floor provided breathtaking panoramic vistas of the green expanse, setting the tone for a relaxing weekend escape.

Despite the pouring rain outside, we were undeterred. We dropped our bags, grabbed our swimmers, and headed straight to the heated indoor swimming pool. It was the perfect way to dive into our relaxing weekend.

The intimate feel of the hotel – with just 70 rooms – makes it perfect for a quiet break for expectant parents or friends spending quality time together.

For more details visit Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral.

The pool at the Park Proxi, Bowral, makes an ideal break for a babymoon or weekend getaway — The heated pool at the Park Proxi, Gibraltar Bowral was as inviting as it looks. *(Image: Instagram)*

Where to dine

No weekend getaway is complete without a memorable dinner, and Paste Australia – less than a 10-minute drive from our accommodation – certainly delivered. Renowned chefs Bee Satongun and Jason Bailey craft exquisite dishes using the freshest Australian ingredients to reimagine traditional Thai recipes. The flavours were unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

The standout dish we ordered was a watermelon salad featuring ground salmon, fried shallots, roasted galangal powder, and Huon River trout caviar. Incredible!

Another must-try is the Phuket yellow curry, featuring barramundi fillet, garlic chive, and freshly squeezed coconut milk. Dining in Mittagong? It honestly felt like we were eating out a million miles away in an authentic Bangkok restuaurant.

For more details visit Paste Australia.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands

Take in the scenery with a walk

The Southern Highlands is perfect for walkers, offering trails for all levels. Explore lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and fresh country air. The Mermaid Pools and Tahmoor Canyon circuit, with its 15-metre-deep pool and natural amphitheatre, mirrors the Northern Territory’s landscape.

Indulge in a high tea

No weekend escape is complete without high tea – whether you’re celebrating your last weekend as a duo, with your girlfriends or your mum. We went to Centennial Vineyards Restaurant – a five-minute drive from the Park Proxi Gibraltor. We enjoyed the beautiful vineyard views, and indulged in finger sandwiches, savoury bites, soup shots, scones with homemade jam and cream, and a selection of sweet treats.

Centennial Vineyards high tea adds a touch of luxe to a babymoon or weekend getaway — Scones are essential for a high tea at Centennial Vineyards .(Image: Supplied)

Pick up a vintage treasure at the shops

Enjoy some time browsing the shops in the Southern Highlands, known for its boutiques, vintage stores, and galleries. Don’t miss The Milk Factory Gallery, housed in a historic dairy factory turned modern art space. Dirty Janes in Bowral is a must-see, offering antiques and collectibles for more than 30 years.

For a whimsical mix of local and international brands, check out HEM boutique and in Mittagong, step through the doors of Twisting Vintage and journey back in time as it showcases incredible fashion pieces from the ’50s to the ’70s.

Whether you’re relaxing poolside, unwinding with high tea, dining out or exploring the shops, the Southern Highlands of NSW is the perfect destination to relax and recharge.