Best Things To Do In Moss Vale, Southern Highlands

Moss Vale is a charming country town layered with a collection of seriously stylish stores, cafes and eateries that makes for an alluring day-trip destination or long-weekend escape.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Moss Vale that I like to plug each place into my SatNav and plan a detailed itinerary. Getting to Moss Vale from Sydney is a breeze: it’s just a 90-minute drive away or two hours by train to its heritage station. The town of Moss Vale, located on the Traditional Lands of the Gundungurra and Tharawal peoples, was established in 1819. More than 200 years on, the village is firmly established as a destination for a short break.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Moss Vale in NSW’s Southern Highlands.

In short

If you do only one thing in Moss Vale, make it dining at The What If Society. The guiding principle here is one of sustainability, with community at its heart. It’s enough to make you want to ditch your big city life and move to Moss Vale.

Pick up some provisions for a picnic

The best things to do in Moss Vale will always include food. The Exchange is the sister store to The What If Society just a short doddle down Hoddle St. And the question at the providore remains the same as the cafe: what if we cared a bit more about what we eat and where it comes from and committed to businesses that are doing the right thing? The What If Society is a cornerstone of the local community. Check the Instagram page to schedule a return visit to attend pop-ups such as Fields or Supper Club.

Shop the high street

bed furniture at Suzie Anderson, Moss Vale — Freshen up your home with elegant furniture from Suzie Anderson. (Image: Abbie Melle)

Joining the dots between shops is one of the best things to do in Moss Vale. Suzie Anderson has two stores in Moss Vale: her flagship store fitted out with elegant furniture, linens, coffee table books and chic knick-knacks; and the handsome, more rugged lad-leaning store housed in The Old Bank Atelier. Suzie’s impeccable aesthetic is also evident at her Bowral store inside Dirty Janes. Visit the emporium for European antiques, French Provençal decor and homewares. You can also hunt for homewares and gifts at Hunter & Gatherer Collections , Mossy Store , Bowerbird on Argyle , Nest & Burrow , and Made By Others .

Dine at The What If Society

Searching for the best thing to do in Moss Vale? I’ve called it: it’s dining at The What If Society . Head chef Eilish Maloney is at the helm at the rustic-chic eatery, which doubles as a community hub. Today, there’s an artistic couple; one with an Elvis quiff; the other wearing vintage glasses. And a group of bros hoofing down cheeseburgers. You can Trust the Chef with a set menu or order a righteous special such as the pork schnitzel with vodka sauce and cabbage salad. This zero-waste operation is also a co-operative and cooking school.

Have coffee and cake at Highlands Merchant

The laid-back town of Moss Vale is also home to the Highlands Merchant , which is aimed at lovers of good coffee and good food. If uncovering the best things to do in Moss Vale is your goal, then you’ll want to include coffee and cake at this cutesy cafe painted duck-egg blue; it’s always buzzing with stylish locals and out-of-towners who are drawn here for the delicious homemade treats such as cakes, cookies and slices. There’s also a rotating menu of fresh salads. Grab a table under the stripey awning outside and watch the world go by at a meander.

Go for a bike ride in the Southern Highlands

the town of Bundanoon, Southern Highlands from above — Follow the scenic route to the nearby Bundanoon and other Southern Highlands towns from Moss Vale. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the best ways to explore Bowral, Moss Vale and beyond is on two wheels: head to The Fixed Wheel to hire a bike and tackle the loop that connects Moss Vale, Sutton Forest, Berrima and Bowral. Follow Highlands Trails on Facebook to stay across what mountain-biking tracks are open. The single-track trail that slices through Wingello State Forest is one of the most popular. Have kids in tow? Bounce along Bong Bong Common from Moss Vale to Burradoo.

Walk along the river

the Wingecarribee River, Kangaloon — The Berrima River Walk traces the Wingecarribee River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Moss Vale is on the Traditional Lands of the Gundungurra and Tharawal peoples and part of Wingecarribee Shire, named after the river that rushes through it. Close all your rings on your Apple watch with a walk around Stone Quarry, one of the musts on a list of the best things to do in Moss Vale. Go a bit beyond Moss Vale to find the Berrima River Walk, which traces the Wingecarribee River as it squiggles past old World War 2 encampments and relics that are being reclaimed by the bushland all around.

Enjoy a local brew

the al fresco beer garden at Southern Highlands Brewing, Moss Vale — Sip on refreshing ales at Southern Highlands Brewing.

Cameron ‘Camo’ James and Ben Twomey launched Southern Highlands Brewing in 2015 after forming a connection based on a shared love of rugby and beer. The local brew bros are now part of a wider group which includes five other local breweries. Over summer, we recommend the Australian Blonde Ale, while in winter, the gold medal-winning porter is perfection. The brews are on tap at many of the pubs dotted around the Southern Highlands. Or you can pick up a sixpack from a local bottl-o.

Visit a local winery

resident ducks at Mount Ashby Estate, Moss Vale — Resident geese at Mount Ashby Estate. (Image: Kramer Photography)

The French country idyll comes alive at Mount Ashby Estate when a gaggle of geese waddle across the grounds as if on cue. In winter, enjoy a tasting at the cellar door followed by lunch around a roaring fire in Sant’ Alba. In summer, a table on the terrace at Mount Ashby Estate is the place to be, sun on your neck, glass of Petit Rouge Rose in hand. Stay tuned for Mount Ashby Estate 2.0, which will include tiny homes for the ultimate getaway. The relocated 1918 Bowral Produce Store is now an events space for everything from intimate occasions to big, fat country weddings.

Stay in a cosy cabin

the Hideout cabin set on a beautiful dam of a working horse farm — Get the reset you need in an idyllic farm setting.

You will understand why Moss Vale is such a popular destination for a short break with a weekend away holed up in Hideout . Voted as a finalist in Airbnb’s Best Nature Stays category, the 56-hectare property is a working farm and horse stud with stays coordinated around its 80 resident animals. The cosy couples-sized cabins come with all the prerequisites for a gracious stay, such as sumptuous bed linen, under-floor heating, Egyptian cotton towels and wine sourced from the neighbouring Mount Ashby Estate.

Retreat to Moss Manor

a suite with a private tub at Moss Manor — Soak in pure indulgence at Moss Manor. (Image: Tom Ferguson)

There’s a worn path leading from Moss Manor to the local real estate agent’s offices in Moss Vale. The boutique accommodation is so charming my husband and I started dreaming of a tree change. Stay in a Violet Garden room, which mirrors the landscaped surrounds filled with flowers and looks like a vignette torn from the pages of Vogue Living. Here, in the highlands hamlet of Moss Vale, a two-storey terrace is considered a high rise, and the pace of life in wonderfully languid.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

A comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Moss Vale