10 Things to Do in Historic Berrima NSW

An hour and a half south of Sydney is the beautiful Georgian village nestled amongst the lush green surrounding of Southern Highlands. Berrima’s heritage buildings and rustic rural charm reminiscent of times passed makes it a delightful destination.

Whether you are looking for an ideal day trip or a weekend getaway, there is something for everyone. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Berrima, NSW.

Navigation Guide

Berrima’s Café Culture
Retail Therapy
The Bay Tree Gallery
The Surveyor General Inn
Historic Berrima Courthouse
Berrima Gaol
Bendooley Estate Book Barn
Harper’s Mansion
Berrima District Museum
Berrima River Walk

Berrima’s Café Culture

Australia’s love affair with coffee is evident even in the smallest of towns and Berrima is no exception. We decided to drop by for brekky and flat-white at the infamous Berrima General Store & Café which oozes decades of character and old-world charm.

Fancy an upmarket European ambience? then you should check out the Magpie Café. Their lovely outdoor seating is ideal for soaking up the winter sunshine.

If you are looking for more options, then stroll down the town’s main street and you’ll come across many quaint little cafes and patisseries.

Retail Therapy

Nothing beats a dose of retail therapy and for those who appreciate a good buy will find plenty to captivate their interest in this lovely village.

Own a piece of history by exploring the nooks and crannies of antique stores. These stores sell a gorgeous trove of beautiful, trendy and exclusive treasures from the old days. Honestly, we could have done this all day long.

Mrs Oldbucks Pantry may be known as the famous jam shop on the corner, but they stock a wide range of contemporary gourmet products including sauces and chutneys.

Pineapple jam must be our favourite because we can’t seem to get enough of it. They also offer you their delicious products online.

Further down the street is Brown Shutter that offers a large variety of gifts including homewares, toys and jewellery.

Do check out The Little Hand Stirred Jam Shop. They offer quality, handmade products and their scones are to die for. If you’re hankering for that sugar rush, then don’t miss the Lolly Swagman.

The Bay Tree Gallery

On the main street of the historic tourist village of Berrima sits The Bay Tree Gallery. They opened their doors in 2012 to provide an opportunity and venue to encourage new and emerging local and regional artists.

The artworks on display range from woodworks to figurines and jewellery. The Gallery also has a large variety of paintings to please the most ardent art lover.

This gallery-cum-retail store delivers a special shopping experience. If you are looking for that gift item that is quite different and unlike anything you find in large department stores, you have come to the right place. We especially liked the unique selection of handmade gift cards.

Check out what you can buy online.

The Surveyor General Inn

Standing tall amongst oodles of eateries around town is The Surveyor General Inn. Established in 1834, Australia’s oldest continuously licensed Inn is an elegant convict-built establishment.

Like countless travellers before us, we passed through its doors to experience the vibe of its archaic bar. We spent a great deal of time admiring the artefacts and colonial paintings decorated on its rough-hewn sandstone walls. With its historic bar and modern bistro, it offers you the best of both worlds.

Surveyor General Inn is open 7 days a week serving delicious meal and crispy ale.

Historic Berrima Courthouse

The Regal and monumental Berrima Courthouse designed by colonial architect Lewis Mortimer is now home to “Treachery Treason & Murder”. An interesting audio and light show experience, which excellently portrays the most infamous trial of the 1840s.

Although the foundation stone was laid in 1835, it wasn’t completed until 1839. Today, a trust of local residents manage this historic courthouse.

Registered as a charity organisation, any fee to tour the courthouse ensures that this iconic building is cared for now and in the future. The tours operate 364 days a year.

Did you know: Berrima Courthouse is also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in Australia.

Berrima Gaol

The formidable Berrima Gaol stands opposite the courthouse, partially obscured from view by towering trees. This convict-built sandstone structure has been operational since 1839. The Gaol was closed in 1909, only to be reopened as Berrima Training Centre in 1949.

During World War I the Berrima Gaol was used as an internment camp for German Prisoners.

Did you know: Under the “silent” system introduced in 1866, talking to others within the first nine months of a prisoner’s sentence was prohibited.

Bendooley Estate Book Barn

The iconic Book Barn, a haven for book lovers is a transformed hay shed that forms the Bendooley Estate’s alluring centrepiece.

We loved the serene and beautiful paddocks surrounding this exquisite building. We waded through endless rows of books and were mesmerised by the exposed timber beams, soaring cathedral ceilings and massive rustic chandeliers.

You can spend hours browsing through thousands of new and second-hand books. The barn is also home to the renowned Bendooley Estate Restaurant and cellar door, where weddings and special events are held.

They are open every day from 9am to 5pm but can be closed for private functions. Please check here before visiting.

Harper’s Mansion

Harper’s Mansion placed high on the hill overlooks the historic village of Berrima. The two-storey brick house built in 1834 has undergone extensive restoration and is listed as a property of State heritage significance.

The Garden and Maze, which are ideal for photography and filming can be rented for events. The property is maintained by volunteers and all proceeds are used to maintain the house.

Berrima District Museum

Berrima District Historical & Family History Society is perfect for all ages. With its intriguing digital storytelling, The museum gives life to the district’s past and is engaging a whole new audience of locals and visitors alike. If you are travelling with kids, then this place is a must-visit.

The museum is a non-profit community organisation and managed by its volunteer members. They are open Wednesday to Sunday between 10AM to 4PM.

Berrima River Walk

If you love the outdoors, then Berrima has something unique to offer, The Berrima River Walk. This trail is a short and easy walk with almost no obstacles or stairs and can be completed in one hour. You can explore what the German seamen built along the Wingecarribee River while being interned at Camp in Berrima during World War I.

But if you do not want to do the entire river walk, you can walk the 20-minute return trip Quarry Path as we did. This section of the Berrima walk leads you to a stretch of river where Platypus can often be seen splashing about.