Robertson, a small and charming village in the southern highlands surrounded by attractions like Macquarie Pass, Fitzroy and Belmore Falls along with the English countryside that served as a setting for the movie Babe. Roughly 90 minutes south of Sydney, the quaint little village is ideal for a stress-free weekend escape.
We fell in love with this townlet as soon as we rolled in. With fewer tourists around, Robertson is a lot quieter compared to the other towns and villages of the highlands. It is well-known for its potatoes, which is quite evident with the unusual ‘Big Potato’ that sits in the middle of a park right next to the Illawarra Highway.
This beautiful town has so much to offer, from its twee little high street and famous eateries to incredible treetop walkways. Sharing a few of our favourite things to do in Robertson for your next getaway.
Getting there
Robertson is just over 140 km from Sydney and 50 km from Wollongong. Compared to public transportation, the best way to get to Robertson is by car. You will be able to see much more than just the town.
You can opt to drive through Bowral via the M31 Hume Highway on the way there and make it back to Sydney via the coastal road. Another exciting way to see the sights is by riding the Heritage Trains, which visit Robertson Heritage Railway Station from Sydney around once a month on a Sunday.
Things to do in Robertson
Walk the treetops at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Check out the iconic Big Potato
Visit the old Robertson Cheese Factory
Try some retail therapy at Cool Room Emporium
Discover Robertson’s classic country pub
Explore everything the beautiful village has to offer with a stroll
Visit Belmore Falls, the two-tiered cascading waterfall
Head to Fitzroy Falls, the most visited attraction in the Highlands
Visit the beautifully restored Robertson Heritage Railway
Drop by at Robertson pie shop
Feel on top of the world at Warris chair
Take in the spectacular views of Carrington Falls
Explore the stunning rainforest at Macquarie Pass
Walk the treetops at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, nestled in the temperate rainforest of Knights Hill is home to Australia’s highest Zipline Tour and incredible Treetop Walk experience.
The series of treetop walkways offer a unique perspective like no other. Admire the incredible aerial view of the lush rainforest grounds and eventually the entire rainforest canopy from the Knight Tower. As we walked to the Tower, the elaborate courtship display of lyrebirds on the forest floor kept us enthralled.
Once at the top of the Tower, you will get to see spectacular panoramic views from the ocean to the rolling hills of the Illawarra region. If you want to try something a little more daring, the zip line activity might be your answer.
Check out the iconic Big Potato
The Big Potato, known locally as the Big Spud, is one of the oversized objects sprinkled across Australia. These iconic sculptures have since become the symbols of the towns they represent. The idea behind this tourist showcase was to promote the area’s major crop and is modelled off the North American Sebago.
The structure is about 10 meters wide and 4 meters high and sits in the middle of a park where you can also enjoy a picnic in the vicinity of this local landmark. This symbol of Robertson, built during the 1970s serves as a photo opportunity for visitors.
Visit the old Robertson Cheese Factory
The Old Cheese Factory, which was operational until 1989, is now home to a gift emporium, dairy store and cafe. You can get to feel its past in the remnants of this heritage building amongst the deli, gelateria and homeware shop.
Apart from all the cheese fix you can get, there are heaps of other goodies to pick up like quiches, jam, fudges, relishes, cakes, and gelato, all sold here at the store. The Cheese Factory is also a popular weekend breakfast spot. Devonshire tea is a popular choice at this small café, which serves the best handmade scones and jams. Alternatively, you can keep things easy and order the cheeseboard to savour while taking in the sweeping views of the town’s lush, rolling hills.
Try some retail therapy at Cool Room Emporium
The Cool Room Country Emporium, which spans two levels, is a haven for treasure hunters. We love checking out the beautiful and unique finds behind the doors and on the shelves of the local stores. If you are anything like us, you will enjoy exploring the collection of almost everything new and old the place has to offer.
The Emporium has a unique and varied selection of vintage items like clothing, homewares and creative gift ideas. We couldn’t resist purchasing their adorable succulent pots. Moreover, even if you don’t plan on buying anything, you should still visit the place as it is perfect for some cool Instagram snaps. They are open on all days of the week.
Discover Robertson’s classic country pub
Robertson Public House, a rustic country pub that first opened its doors in 1887, has a long history and a solid character. It is one of the oldest timber buildings still standing in NSW. Affectionately called The Robbo Pub is in the heart of the town and is renowned for its fine food and friendly atmosphere.
They have an ever-evolving menu inspired by the supply of small but high-quality seasonal produce. Crumbed chicken schnitzel with fries, a pub favourite, was delicious. When you visit, do not miss the chance to experience an exquisite taste of Southern Highlands hospitality. Robertson public house is open from 11 AM, 7 days a week. Check out their website here for more information.
Explore everything the beautiful village has to offer with a stroll
The village of Robertson is a perfect country getaway. On the main road of the little town, you may find everything you need, from cafés to emporiums and everything in between. Strolling casually down Hoddle street is always a good idea, and you can never go wrong with coffee. There are numerous cafés to select from, and Moonacres Kitchen is an excellent place to start. The café’s cuisine reflects the season and the available local products.
Memory Lane, a unique little gift boutique just up the road, is full of Soy Mason candles, scented body butter, and hand-made, hand-painted treasures. Not far away is Halvorsen Interiors, a homewares and furnishings business. Do stop by Book Nook 2577, a really cool bookshop with a fantastic selection of books from all genres and a gallery with some beautiful work by local artists.
Talking about artists and artisans, the Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) does an excellent job of highlighting the exceptional creative skills of the NSW Southern Highlands. Check out the country market if you are in Robertson on the second Sunday of a month. If you would like to stick around for a couple of days, there are several fantastic Airbnb farm stay options with expansive views.
Visit Belmore Falls, the two-tiered cascading waterfall
Belmore Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. There are several viewpoints for you to watch the waterfall gushing down the sandstone cliffs and appreciate the magnitude of the scene and setting of this natural wonder.
The first viewpoint starts at the Hindmarsh Lookout, a short walk from the parking that leads you to a fenced platform. Despite the foliage, the view is decent but if you need a clear and closer prospect, continue down the trail. The scene from this vantage point is uninterrupted and at a different angle, allowing you to witness the water plunge into the gorge.
Head to Fitzroy Falls, the most visited attraction in the Highlands
North of Morton National Park, about 20 minutes drive west of Belmore Falls, is one of New South Wales’s impressive waterfalls. A 200-meter stroll from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre car park leads to the most popular overlook. You will get a unique perspective of the falls down the long rock face from this overhanging position.
The best view is from Jersey lookout, about 15 minutes walk further along the West Rim trail. The direct opposite aspect gives you an impressive view of the falls and the escarpment. After you have had your fill of waterfalls, explore the surrounding wilderness on well-marked walking tracks. The East Rim walking track will take you to some marvellous lookouts, while the West Rim walking track offers vistas of gorges and waterfalls.
Visit the beautifully restored Robertson Heritage Railway
The Robertson Railway Station, now a tourist train destination, served at one point in time as a regular rail stop for passengers travelling to Southern Highlands.
You can relive yesteryear train experience by taking the famous Cockatoo Run. A heritage day return train departs from Sydney through the picturesque Southern Highlands to Robertson and Moss Vale. You can board the train at Robertson Railway station and travel through to Moss Vale. It will then loop around and return to Robertson for you to disembark before making the journey back to Sydney Central Station.
The station precinct has a museum, gallery and picnic pavilions, amongst others. The Fettlers’ Shed Gallery hosts two main exhibitions each year, The Heritage Art Prize exhibition and the ‘Flowers in Art’ exhibition in October. On weekends, shows by local artists and artisans are available to the public, allowing passengers and visitors to appreciate the excellent art on exhibit.
Drop by at Robertson pie shop
A trip to Robertson would not be complete without trying the famous pies. The Robertson pie shop has now established itself as an institution of sorts in the Southern Highlands. Despite it being five minutes away from the town centre, there is a continuous stream of vehicles pulling in no matter what time of the day.
You get to choose from over 20 delicious varieties like Meat, Curry Chicken, chilli, vegetables and potatoes. There are options for sweet tooth too, like apple, peach, apricot and cherry. They are open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
Feel on top of the world at Warris chair
Warris Chair, a picturesque lookout offers scenic views of the Kangaroo Valley. The viewpoint is just a short distance return walk from the car park at Nellies Glen. The walk is typically level and gradually leads into the bush, which is ideal for bird spotting. There is some ascent towards the very end as you approach the lookout.
Aside from the spectacular views of the mountains of Budderoo National Park, this lookout has a unique rock platform, which is perfect for taking some cool snaps or simply sitting to ponder. The views here will surely remind you of the Blue Mountains.
Take in the spectacular views of Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls is an absolute stunner of a waterfall cascading down the mountainside from a height of 90m. It is by far one of the most popular attractions at Budderoo National Park. The parking is close to the waterfalls with excellent walking tracks.
The Best way to view Carrington falls is by accessing one of the several lookout platforms, each of which offers a unique perspective. Some are even accessible by wheelchair. If you fancy a dip, you can splash around at the top of the waterfall. It is safe as long as you do not cross the warning signs and move towards the edge. There are also three swimming spots within minutes of the falls, along with a few trails.
Explore the stunning rainforest at Macquarie Pass
Macquarie Pass, a little-known gem in the Southern Highlands close to both Robertson and Kiama, offers some of the best bushwalking opportunities. Wander through the wilderness, taking in the magnificent sights while being kept cool by the dense foliage.
Macquarie Pass National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls and swimming holes including, the well-known Clover Hill Trail, Jump Rock and Cascade Falls. The National Park is also a great place to go birdwatching. If you are looking for something exciting, a trip here is well worth it.
Have you been to Robertson? What was your favourite thing to do there? If you have any suggestions for us, please let us know in the comments below!
👋 If you liked this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends & family.
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to do a day trip to Robertson and visit these places there. Nicely written and keep up the good work.
Thank you for the lovely comment Cedric :-). Robertson is indeed a beautiful village to explore.