Five Romantic Things to Do on a Loved-Up Weekend Away in the Southern Highlands

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When you want to cosy up with your special someone but don't want any interruptions, your best bet is to get out of town. Just a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney puts you in the Southern Highlands, a wonderland of cool climate wines, waterfalls and beautiful hotels. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, that's why romantics have been retreating there since the late 19th century.

Now, our friends at Peppers, who have not one but two properties in the Highlands where you can call home during your time away, know a thing or two about the region and have helped us create an itinerary for all you lovers out there. So, here are five ways to build even more romance into your next weekend away with your SO.

DRINK WINE IN FRONT OF A ROARING FIRE

Elevated 600 metres above sea level, the Southern Highlands is a mecca for wine lovers — especially those fond of cooler climate. Pioneering winery Joadja was the first winery to open in the region in the 1980s, and, since then, another 16 wineries — plus 60 vineyards — have jumped on the bandwagon. Visit Tertini for multi-award winning boutique drops, Centennial for crisp sparkling wines and the eco-friendly Tractorless, where you'll find sheep helping out in the vineyard. Once you've found a bottle or two to suit your tastes, it'll be time to scope out a roaring fire. Luckily, you'll find a ton in the hotels and pubs throughout the area, including Peppers Manor House and Peppers Craigieburn.

Biota Dining.

INDULGE IN AWARD-WINNING LOCAL PRODUCE

Once you've sampled a few wines and stretched your legs, you'll be ready for a hearty feast. Make tracks to one of the Southern Highlands' most famous restaurants, Biota Dining, a double-hatted marvel in Bowral dedicated to local produce — including that from its flourishing kitchen garden. The best way to experience chef James Viles' magnificent creations is via a five- or seven-course tasting menu, matched with local wines. Other hatted spots include Katers at Peppers Manor House where Executive Chef Thomas Pirker transforms local veggies, herbs and edible flowers into artfully plated dishes and Eschalot, which sits in a stunning 19th-century sandstone house in Berrima.

CHASE WATERFALLS

If you and your date are craving some outdoor time, do go chasing waterfalls (sorry, TLC). The best known are Fitzroy Falls, which tumble 81 metres over a sandstone cliff face in the Morton National Park. You can reach them via an accessible boardwalk or wander along one of the circuit tracks, which range from 1.6 kilometres to five kilometres in length. From there, it's just a few minutes' drive to Belmore Falls, which cascade for 130 metres across three tiers. The best makeout point, erm vantage point is at the end of the Belmore Falls Walking Track, a 750-metre stroll from Hindmarsh Lookout Car Park. Also worth a good look are Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park.

Flickr.

GO PLATYPUS SPOTTING

There's nothing like ooing and awwing over cute animals, especially rare Aussie ones. So, head out to the bush for some platypus spotting. The only catch is, you'll need to be patient — and super quiet. The favourite place of Southern Highlands platypuses to meet humans is the Wingecarribee River around Berrima, where a walking track travels for 1.8 kilometres along the water's edge. If you see some teeny-tiny bubbles on the water's surface, then you might be in luck. Hang tight and wait for a duck-like bill to appear. If no one's prepared to meet you, there's not much you can do. At least you'll get to take a romantic stroll through pretty bushland.

Peppers Cragieburn, Destination NSW.

STAY AT A COUNTRY ESTATE

Many of Australia's rich and famous – including Nicole Kidman, Peter Garrett and Jimmy Barnes – have owned country estates in the Southern Highlands. But, if you're not in a position to buy a grand manor, you can stay in one for a night or two, at least. Peppers Manor House, built back in the 1920s, places you among landscaped gardens and peaceful paddocks. Whether you book a Highland Queen Room or the mighty Elizabeth Broughton Suite — with a king-sized bed, expansive living areas and a free-standing bath — you can count on high ceilings, plenty of natural light and relaxing rural views. Meanwhile, just outside Bowral, Peppers Craigieburn occupies a century-old estate, with its own nine-hole golf course, billiards room and guest lounges with open fires.

Start planning your trip to the Southern Highlands, and book you and yours into a luxurious stay at Peppers.

Top image: Destination NSW.