Roadtrip Sydney to Taralga NSW – Discover the Charm of Rural Towns
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approx. 200–220 km (one way).
- Drive Time: Around 2.5–3 hours (without extended stops).
- Suggested Duration: 1 full day or 5 days if you want to take your time exploring the towns.
Roadtrip Sydney to Taralga NSW and you’ll get a good dose of warm country towns, stunning scenery and mouth watering food and wine. Plus a mix of great attractions. Check out this laid-back itinerary with must-do activities and some top-notch accommodation options in this beautiful region.
Day 1 Sydney to Mittagong
- Distance: Approx. 110 km
- Driving Time: Typically 1 hr 15 – 30 min
- Drive via the M5 motorway or traverse the slopes in the cross country lane.
- Mittagong is a great town – not too big and not too small surrounded by stunning landscapes. Walk the main street and admire the historic buildings or enjoy a picnic around Lake Alexandra. Definitely worth a visit is the Sturt Craft Centre and Gallery which showcases contemporary and traditional Australian crafts, ceramics, textiles, and more. If you’re in Mittagong on Market Day (the 3rd and 5th Saturday of each month except if the 5th Saturday falls between Christmas and New Year) to sample fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts. The markets often showcase the region’s unique offerings.
- Take a bird’s eye view at Mittagong Lookout or Nattai National Park Lookout to capture stunning panoramic views of the town, its surrounding natural beauty and glorious sunset. If you’re staying overnight, then consider these nearby attractions:-
- Carrington Falls: Explore the nearby Carrington Falls, located within the Budderoo National Park, a breath-taking waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest, offering various walking tracks and opportunities for bushwalking and photography.
- Gibbergunyah Reserve: Go bushwalking in Gibbergunyah Reserve, an area with scenic trails, native flora, and fauna. The walks range from easy to moderate, providing a chance to connect with nature.
- Wineries and Vineyards: Discover the Southern Highlands’ burgeoning wine scene by visiting some of the 20 or so local wineries and vineyards. Enjoy wine tasting sessions and tours to learn about the wine-making process. Visit Southern Highlands Wine Trail to work your way through these, noting it’s easy to chase lots, so we suggest you choose your wine style and follow those rows of vineyards!
- Mittagong Maltings: Visit the Mittagong Maltings, a historic industrial complex that has been repurposed into a vibrant space with shops, galleries, and cafes. Explore the unique architecture and enjoy local art and crafts.
- Mount Gibraltar Reserve: Hike or cycle and don’t forget to pack your picnic and discover Mount Gibraltar Reserve, a natural reserve offering scenic trails and viewpoints. The summit provides stunning vistas of the Southern Highlands and beyond.
- Mittagong Golf Club: Enjoy a round of golf at the Mittagong Golf Club, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Wombeyan Caves: Interested in a detour? Then consider visiting the spectacular Wombeyan Caves when it reopens to the public. Check for opening times, guided tours and a chance to explore stunning geological formations.
Day 2 Mittagong to Berrima
- Distance: Approx. 5 km
- Drive Time: 5 to 10 mins, depending on traffic conditions.
- Explore the historic village of Berrima. Wander its picturesque streets with boutiques offering unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and locally made products. Indulge in sweet treats at the popular Lolly Shop, visit the Berrima Courthouse Museum, and stroll along the Wingecarribee River. Don’t miss the Berrima Gaol for a glimpse into the past and relax at The General Cafe or award winning Josh’s Cafe – 9 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima or Eschalot or Bendooley Estate (housed within the Book Barn on a vineyard with reservations essential). If you’re a bike lover, then Schmokin’Aus is for you.
Berrima to Bowral
- Distance: Approx 10 km
- Drive Time: 10 to 15 mins, depending on traffic conditions.
- Bowral offers good quality boutiques, antiques and unique shopping. (It’s a vintage lovers’ paradise). Others will enjoy the stunning Corbett Gardens renowned for its floral displays especially during the annual Tulip Time festival and Bradman fans will love the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame. Indulge in gourmet delights at charming restaurants like Onesta Cucina and you can even hot air balloon rides or wine tasting tours amidst the picturesque countryside.
Bowral to Bundanoon
- Distance: Approx. 20 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 20 to 25 mins, depending on traffic conditions and chosen route.
- Bundanoon epitomizes the charm of a quaint country town. Its heritage buildings, lush landscapes, and welcoming community create a serene atmosphere. Explore the scenic trails in Morton National Park to the waterfalls, or enjoy a picnic by the picturesque Glow Worm Glen. Don’t miss the annual Bundanoon Scottish Festival celebrating Scottish heritage with bagpipes and Highland games. Discover charming boutiques and cafes like The Terrace Tea Shop or indulge in fine dining at The Bundanoon Hotel.
Day 3 Bundanoon to Goulburn
- Distance: Approx. 70 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr, depending on traffic and route.
- Goulburn was the first inland city of Australia. Take some time to explore Goulburn’s heritage precinct and visit attractions such as the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre and the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum. Admire the park, the orchid pavilion and its historic city with well-preserved architecture. Grab a bite to eat at Bryants Pie Shop located at 170 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW or any number of good cafes or visit the Big Merino, a giant sheep-shaped structure, and explore local museums and galleries. Visit Goulburn Historic Waterworks, an 1885 pumphouse and steam beam engine that provides a glimpse into Goulburn’s early water supply system. Don’t forget Wollondilly Lookout and Stonequarry Creek Dam a bit of a detour but a picturesque location for a relaxing stop and perhaps a picnic.
Day 4 Goulburn to Crookwell
Day 5 Crookwell to Laggan
- Distance: Approx. 10 kilometers
- Drive Time: Approx. around 8 min
- The Argyle Inn for more sumptuous cuisine (check for times). If you happen to motor through early on a Saturday morning, the Argyle Inn offers a ‘Shop our Menu’ between 8am to 10am and indulge in freshly baked, bread, pastries, charcuterie, ferments, prepped proteins as well as local vegetables from Glenbrae Produce and Holmbrae free range eggs.
- Laggan, is a quaint village with scenic surroundings. Have a drink at the historic Laggan Hotel, dating back to the 19th century, and enjoy a meal or drink at Evan and Sally’s Laggan Pantry, or the Mill. Or have a picnic, bushwalk, birdwatch in nearby Wombeyan Caves or Abercrombie River National Park. You’ll love Laggan’s artisanal community offering handmade treasures, unique gifts and homemade treats at Laggan Village markets … Every 3rd Saturday at the Memorial Hall. There are over 50 stalls, tea Room and BBQ, raffle and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5 Laggan to Taralga
- Distance: Approx. 29 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 21 min
- Taralga is a small historic village and an up and coming foodie hub. The Argyle Inn (hatted) offers sumptuous cuisine (check for times) and on a Saturday morning, it has a ‘Shop our Menu’ between 8am to 10am and indulge in freshly baked, bread, pastries, charcuterie, ferments, prepped proteins as well as local vegetables from Glenbrae Produce and Holmbrae free range eggs. Mel’s Speedy Beans is located at 75 Orchard St, Taralga.
- Take a self guided Historical Walk around Taralga to explore the town’s historic buildings and sites, including the Taralga Courthouse and the St. Simon and St. Jude’s Church. Visit the Taralga Historical Society Museum to learn more about the town’s history and heritage. The Orchard Street art gallery at 43 Orchard St, Taralga is worth a visit as is Galong Cemetery located on Galong Road which holds the graves of early settlers and historical figures.
