🏫 If you feel like an adventure not too far off the beaten track from Berrima, checkout historic Joadja Site and Distillery – an intriguing precinct founded in the 1870’s, which sits in a beautiful valley just 30 minutes drive away. Joadja was once a thriving community for hundreds of Scottish shale oil miners. The mining activity and town were abandoned long ago but lucky for us a successful single malt distillery has been established on the site to continue the Scottish tradition. Joadja Town is now privately owned, so you’ll need to pre book tickets for an informative tour in the “people mover” (which kids love), followed by tastings at the distillery, and even a picnic lunch if you pre order.
🎨 Berrima is blessed with some gorgeous art galleries. Take a meander through the beautiful artworks at striking Whitewall gallery which celebrates visual art and design, and Michael Reid Southern Highlands for ever evolving curated group and solo exhibitions.
🍷 If you’re keen to try some premium cool climate wines there are several renowned cellar doors in and around Berrima. Don’t miss Peppergreen Estate and Bendooley Estate just on the edge of town. Both have beautiful cellar doors and restaurant offerings.
🚶‍♀️Amble along the 1.8km Berrima River Walk – an easy bushland track along the Wingecarribee River, with markers highlighting the fascinating lives of German seamen who were interned here in WWI. Furpals on leads are welcome on this walk too! Then grab a refreshing beverage at an outdoor table at popular & pooch friendly Schmokin Café or the historic Surveyor General Inn.
🍴For a special lunch or dinner date, first drop into the beautifully preserved Berrima Vault House to pop some bubbles or sip a cocktail in the sandstone vaults. Then nab a table at award winning restaurant Eschalot across the road, renowned for showcasing the best of the Highlands it’s always a special treat to celebrate here. Spoilt for choice, another dinner option which locals love just as much is the cosy and delicious Josh’s Café .