Berry is a vibrant and charming rural town on NSW’s South Coast, nestled among rolling green hills and dairy farms. The lovely ‘town of trees’ is an excellent starting point for exploring the South Coast’s attractions.
Just 2 hours south of Sydney and a short 10-minute drive to spectacular Seven Mile Beach. This beautiful country town is steeped in history yet has a chic metropolitan edge with boutique shopping, busy café life and excellent restaurants. The surrounding countryside is an absolute treasure that appeals to couples seeking a romantic getaway.
You will find Berry to be warm, welcoming and incredibly beautiful. It is an ideal country life that many urban folks yearn for, yet there is plenty to keep you engaged. Here are our favourite picks on things to do in Berry for a day trip from Sydney or a relaxing and memorable weekend.
Getting to Berry
Drive
Berry is an easy drive from both Sydney and Canberra. If you are travelling from Sydney, we recommend taking the Grand Pacific Drive for magnificent coastal views. You’ll pass through the Royal National Park, Wollongong and Kiama, where you can take in the sights of stunning vistas of the South Pacific Ocean.
Alternatively, you can also explore the inland route that passes through the southern highland towns of Bowral, Moss Vale and Kangaroo Valley. It is easy to forget that you are close to shore when you are driving through the lush green hills of this region.
Public Transport
Berry has a train station, which is a short walk from the town centre. If you’re coming from Sydney, you can take the South Coast Line that links Berry to Illawarra and Sydney. Take the train from Sydney Central Station to Kiama, then switch the train for the final leg of the journey to Berry.
Sydneysiders can avoid the purchase of tickets and instead use their opal cards to tap on and off. If you don’t own an Opal card, simply tap your credit card to avail of the services. You can plan your trip and route here at the NSW Transport website. Check for any scheduled trackwork that may cause disruptions in train service and could result in trains being replaced with buses for portions of the journey.
You can also take a bus, which takes about the same amount of time as the train. The buses are operated by Premier Motor Service that usually runs every week. Check their website for more information.
Berry Highlights
Kick-start your day at one of Berry’s gorgeous cafes
Visit the Berry markets
Browse the local retail stores with a stroll through the town
Unwind with traditional afternoon tea
Embark on the Berry Historical Walk
Get your donut fix at the Famous Berry Donut Van
Check out the Art Galleries
Sit back and relax in Apex Park
Explore the region’s award-winning wineries
Hike up to Drawing Room Rocks
Kick-start your day at one of Berry’s gorgeous cafes
There is no better way to start the day than a hearty brekkie and a cup of coffee. The love affair between Australia and coffee is undeniable, and Berry is no exception, with a plethora of charming cafés dishing up breakfast cuisine in an Instagrammable setting. It should come as no surprise that the list of best cafes in this town is a pretty long one.
Courtyard Cafes
The very first café visible to anyone who visits Berry is Milkwood Bakery. The Bakery is listed as one of the better-known bakeries outside Sydney and is in the heart of Berry on Queen Street.
They are renowned for their sourdough and delectable takeaway coffee and pastries. Grab a cup and relax in the leafy courtyard watching the world go by. Milkwood Bakery is open seven days a week.
A well-known and charming Berry chocolatier café is located in the same courtyard and is only a few feet away. The café specialises in high-quality Belgian chocolates prepared from scratch using its proprietary recipes. In addition to the chocolate experience, the shop is well-known for its handmade pastries and excellent coffee. They are open every day of the week from 9:30 AM to 4 PM and provide a more enjoyable place to sit and relax in Berry’s beautiful sunshine.
Wine & Dine
Garden Berry, located just around the corner from Berry’s bustling courtyard, is more than a café. It is a social and fully licenced dining venue in the heart of Berry. Indoor seating is available at the front of the building, which leads to a dog-friendly courtyard area in the back. Outdoor seating is ideal for breakfast or afternoon drinks with friends while soaking up the sun and having a wonderful time.
Nourish Kitchen + Lifestyle, located diagonally across from the Garden Berry, is a foodie’s paradise for those who enjoy good food, wine, and shopping. The place is quieter than other establishments, making it ideal for a relaxing breakfast or lunch with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. You also get to shop exclusive kitchenware and culinary books.
Just Delicious, maybe our favourite tiny café in town, perfectly placed away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. It is easily accessible after exiting from the other end of the courtyard on Albert St, which runs parallel to the main road. Their covered outside dining area is ideal for relaxing and indulging in the local gourmet delights on offer. They welcome pets, so expect to see a few cute puppers enjoy their delicious puppycinos.
Queen Street Cafes
Queen Street Café, famed for its all-day breakfasts, is an exquisite combination of new and old-world features nestled at the back of a boutique arcade on Berry’s main strip. They are all about good food, great coffee and fine wine with a laid back ambience that will transport you to the turn of the last century.
Hidden behind the big green hedges in the heart of the main street is a small yet well-lit and cosy family-owned café. Hedgehogs Coffee Shop is the epitome of old-fashioned cooking and warm country service. Pop in here to experience some delicious home-style cooking, including vegetarian alternatives. They also provide Gluten-Free choices such as cakes, biscuits, and pancakes and are open from 8 AM to 4 PM every day.
Just opposite the hedgehogs is a small speciality coffee shop called IV Coffee that focuses on serving high quality and delicious coffee. You can pair your cup with perfectly baked fresh cookies. They are open seven days a week, and everyone including your fur-babies is welcome here.
Visit the Berry markets
To truly discover the heart and soul of a place, you must visit its local open-air markets. The Berry Showground hosts the Berry Markets, often known as the County Fair. Over 200 kiosks sell primarily homemade and hand-produced goods ranging from locally grown fresh produce to clothing and other collectables. On the first Sunday of every month except February, the locals and visitors flock to this market to experience the delicious food, handicrafts and lively ambience.
We highly recommend visiting the local markets not just in Berry but even otherwise. It is better to spend your money supporting local products than the big companies. The markets also allow you to interact with locals and explore the unique energy and character of the town. Barring a few, no one accepts cards, so make sure to carry cash or visit ATM before visiting. The markets are open from 8:30 AM until 2:00 PM.
The Berry Produce Market is different from the Country Fair and is known for its gastronomic goodies. It is a traditional weekly farmer’s market held every second Saturday and fourth Sunday, packed with fresh local produce and pantry delicacies like jams and chutneys. There are always new things to discover, combine them with a beautiful atmosphere and some live music, a stop at this market is worth your time.
Browse the local retail stores with a stroll through the town
Your first impression of berry would be that it’s brimming with boutiques and homeware stores that ooze country charm. A perfect setting for meandering down the main street, dipping in and out of retail establishments and coffee shops.
Art & Textiles
Our first stop was a unique little store called Juniper Hearth, a shop that combines travel with textiles. The store housed just off the main street in a heritage-listed 1920s home has become a Berry icon.
We instantly could connect to some of the designs. There was a sense of familiarity in what we saw until we discovered that this brand works with designers and artisans in India and Nepal. They also have a lovely selection of European and Australian brands.
If ever there was a store dedicated to men in all of Berry, it is Festive Treasures. A fantastic selection of unique gifts and accessories for the discerning gentleman. This including pocket watches, table clocks, antique aircraft models, and a bartending set, to name a few. This man cave store is open since 2017 between 10 A.M and 4 P.M except for Wednesdays. We cannot recommend highly enough to visit this place, an absolute hidden gem and must-visit. They have another store at the end of the shopping complex corridor that caters to all things women.
The Berry Barn street stands out among the numerous other boutiques in town. This little shop in the heart of Berry caters to men and women of all ages. They offer everyday wear as well as unique labels such as R.M. Williams, Levi’s, and Akubra, to mention a few. The best place to find trendy knitwear and clothes in general at great prices is a store called so lovely and it’s not too far away from The Living Room Berry, a store that houses a huge collection of one-of-a-kind collections from around the world. If you are looking for inspiration on styling your home and garden, this is the place to be.
Homewares & Furniture
‘Haven & Space’, a chic homeware store where you will love everything and start envisioning how a purchase here can spruce up your home décor. It is spread across two stores; one store houses the smaller homeware like lamps, dinnerware and other decorating accessories, while the other immediately across the street is home to unique furniture and antiques. This is a perfect stop for people looking to brighten up their homes.
You can also check out ‘Few & Far‘, a one-of-a-kind homeware store with curated pieces from around the globe. This is another store where we found that sense of familiarity as most items are sourced from the creative minds, artists and craftsmen of eastern cultures like India and China. They have a much bigger presence in Huskisson as it is their flagship store but have also established footing in Berry, Bowral and Leura.
The magnificent ivy-clad facade of Amara Home, which brings off the charming rural charm vibe on the outside, was another store that drew our eye. The inside, on the other hand, is overflowing with east Asian treasures. An extraordinary selection of furnishings and luxury jewellery that will appeal to any global traveller’s mood. Another noteworthy store to check out is Hampshire Interiors, a retail and studio facility that offers consulting on the interior décor of your new or existing house.
Unwind with traditional afternoon tea
For all things tea, the Berry Tea Shop is the place to be. The decor is so lovely that it will entice you in with an immediate sensation of warmth and comfort. After all, a cup of tea does fix everything. They freshly hand-blend over 48 varieties of tea every week. Among the exquisite china and teapots, mugs and handcrafted cosies, the boutique exudes old English elegance. There is also a colourful display of handpicked selection teaware from across the world.
Take the time out to sit down enjoy one of their exquisite hand-blended teas. No. 13 Masala Chai with freshly made scones and raspberry jam is our particular favourite. They are open from 10 A.M to 5 P.M everyday day of the week but serve tea and cake between 10 A.M and 4 P.M.
The charming little tea store is located at Shop 1/66 Albert Street. The Berry Tea shop opened its doors for the first time on Queen’s Birthday long weekend of 2010 and has been serving up some of the most enticing tea and scones ever since.
Embark on the Berry Historical Walk
Berry has a rich history, and the Berry Heritage Walk is the ideal way to learn a bit more about it. You have the option of taking a short historical tour (about 30 minutes) or a longer stroll (about two hours) soaking in Berry’s charm.
The walk begins at Queen Street, where you will see the majority of heritage buildings. It begins on the north side of town and winds its way down to the south. Here the architecture is more Victorian and Edwardian in style with great bungalows. Admire the beautiful weatherboard homes, the Historic Courthouse, and other original structures. If you are a train enthusiast, don’t miss out on visiting the heritage-listed train station.
The final section of the walk takes you somewhat outside of town, across Broughton Mill Creek and Pulman Street. The site of Broughton’s first settlement. Our favourites among them all were the Berry Museum, the old courthouse, post office and the Berry Hotel.
Get your donut fix at the Famous Berry Donut Van
You cannot claim to have travelled Berry without visiting the famous Berry Donut Van. An institution in its own right since 1964. There is a buzz around this place as early as 8:30 A.M. If there is no queue when you visit, consider yourself lucky.
The Donut Van is well known for its fresh and warm cinnamon coated donuts. A place that Homer Simpson dreams of. The Van also serves hot dogs, pies and sausage rolls with a few beverage options. The winning combo, however, is coffee and cooked to order donuts.
The Van has travelled a whole year around Australia before, deciding to call Berry it’s home. It is now a landmark serving old school treats and a must-visit tourist attraction in the historic town of Berry.
Check out the Art Galleries
Berry has a vibrant art and craft culture, with both utilitarian and modern art on display. Handmade textiles and design objects are available for purchase. Here are a few galleries and community art centres in Berry.
The Precinct Galleries, opened in 1999 by Nell and Tony to showcase Australian Arts, Crafts and Design. Almost everything you see here is Australian made, unlike other places where they get designed here but made overseas. They hold contemporary sculptures, art for the outdoors and a few ikebana supplies and designer glass.
They are in Berry’s main shopping street, and it is easy to locate them as the storefront has a porch that faces the street, painted in the colours of the Illawarra flame tree with a dark purple façade. The Gallery is open seven days a week during NSW school holidays between 10 A.M to 5 P.M. Otherwise, they operate four days a week except for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The art and craft collection at the Berry community cottage is open every day, and you are free to peruse it. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the lovely volunteers at the centre. They sell great craft pieces along with other goods like jams, pickles, ceramics, and handcrafted jewellery.
A wide collection of local arts and crafts are on display and for sale in the Historical Muir house gallery. The gallery is free to enter and is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 A.M till 4 P.M. They host Art and Craft Open Day, every fourth Sunday of the month, where you can see artists demonstrating their painting skills and techniques.
Sit back and relax in Apex Park
Apex Park is a sweet patch of greenery with tall trees and a historic Rotunda right in the heart of town. The gazebo surrounded by beautiful green grass is the park’s focal point, making it an ideal spot for peaceful reflection and a modest picnic. The park is available for hire for weddings and other special occasions. For additional information, contact the Booking Officer at Shoalhaven City Council.
Pets are permitted in the park if they are on a leash. There is ample street parking on Prince Alfred Street, close to the small playground for young children. You can also park behind the IGA Supermarket in Albert Street Car Park. It is a 200-meter walk to the park from here but gives you a chance to make your DYI snacking platter for your picnic.
Explore the region’s award-winning wineries
Tasting the local wine is a great way to get a genuine feel for a region, and fortunately, Berry has an excellent selection on offer. Sample the wine while taking in the stunning countryside scenery of vineyards, luscious rolling green hills, and award-winning cellar door experiences.
The Two Figs Winery, a boutique winery perched on a hill, produce wines that are as spectacular as the vistas. You can opt for wine tasting or order a cheese plate with a bottle of wine and relax on sit on one of the many picnic tables overlooking the Shoalhaven River and beyond.
Silos Estate Cellar Door is a functioning vineyard that operates out of a fully restored 1870s structure. You can enjoy a walk around the vineyard followed by wine tasting and even stay the evening at the luxurious country cottages. The luxury accommodations are nestled between expansive vineyards and manicured gardens, making it a special place to stay for a weekend or longer.
Coolangatta Estate, the Regions Most Awarded Winery. It is a little further out of Berry, but it’s well worth the trip for their estate-grown wines and beautiful grounds. It is also the site of the first European settlement on the South Coast of NSW. Sprawling vineyards and landscaped gardens now surround the original convict-built village.
Hike up to Drawing Room Rocks
The perfect spot to be in for an epic sunrise or a sunset where rays cast a beautiful light over the whole vista. The views are just mesmerising, and photographs do not do any justice to the natural grandeur around you. You can see the ocean, mountains and rolling green farms and the more time you spend here, the more you discover.
This 4.5-kilometer round-trip trek in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve might be strenuous for some since it follows a trodden path that ascends through bush and rock. There are few spots where you might have to clamber over fallen rocks or trees to get to the lookout. It is not punishing but certainly slows you down a little.
The lookout itself is unfenced open cliff faces with a sheer drop, so go with caution. The unique shapes of the Drawing Room rocks are due to the weathering of the Hawkesbury Sandstone. This has given them their distinctive forms, which resemble tables and chairs. That’s why it makes a perfect place for a picnic with a spectacular view and photo opportunities.
Have you been to Berry before? Do you have suggestions and experiences in Berry you would like to share? Please let us know in the comments section below!
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Comprehensive write-up covering all aspects! Beautiful photos!
Thank you so much, it means a lot since it’s coming from an awesome blogger himself 🙂