Elph Ceramics | Autumn Guide To The Southern Highlands
Autumn Guide To The Southern Highlands
- by Elph Ceramics
Elph Ceramics was founded by sisters, Eloise and Sophie, and is a unique combination of artistic sensibilities and minimalist design. Having recently moved their studio to Exeter, we sat down with the duo to get their recommendations on what to see, do, eat and drink in Autumn in the Southern Highlands.
Check out their guide below!
PLACES TO DINE
We love celebrating special occasions at Dinah’s. The food is outstanding with a view to match. George’s is the perfect spot for lunch with expansive views overlooking the National Park.
The Sutton Forrest Inn is perfect for a Sunday afternoon classic pub meal. The dining room overlooks paddocks with horses and plenty of outdoor tables, meaning that dogs (including our studio pup, Emily) can join us for dinner.
The What If Society is great if you’re looking for a top-notch casual meal. You can also enjoy coffee out of Elph Ceramics mugs!
MARKETS
We’re biased because they’re our locals, but we love Exeter Village Markets and Bundanoon Markets.
They’re full of local artisans and great food options including our favourite Southern Highlands caterer, Black Hen Kitchen. You can’t go past her freshly made doughnuts.
Be sure to pick up a bag or two of Robertson potatoes and of course, stop by the Elph Ceramics stall.
PLACES TO DRINK
If you can tear yourself away from George’s at Osborn House, we love the Sutton Forrest Inn for a casual afternoon beer, Briars for something a bit fancier and, if you can get a table, Birch Restaurant.
Dawning Day is our local winery and we are particularly partial to their Skin Shady and their gin, The Bandit. The cellar door is beautiful and to make an afternoon wine-tasting even better, they have a brown border collie, Kevin who loves a pat (and to chase the sheep!).
BEST WALKS/GARDENS
We’re very lucky to have a studio located in a beautiful ever-changing parkland garden so we find it hard to beat. When we do venture further afield, we always check out The Fold Southern Highlands for an expansive list of the best places to walk and explore. Some we’ve tried so far include Fitzroy Falls and Morton National Park.
If you love a manicured garden, make time to visit Retford House, the former residence of James Fairfax. The house is full of history and the surrounding garden is beautifully maintained by the amazing volunteers at The National Trust.
SPAS
We love Osborn House Spa for a relaxing massage or to treat ourselves to a “Journey”. Being able to use the pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room before and after a treatment makes the experience truly memorable.
SHOPPING
Birch Store is amazing for local produce, incredible pre-made meals and homewares. The Honey Thief for some of the Highland’s best honey.
Nala Wild and We Are Mindful for fashion, homewares and gifting. Mossy Store and Made by Others for all things designer homewares.
A Touch of Tea is really worth a visit, they have the biggest collection of teas. Sophie’s favourite is the Bowral Breakfast which is a floral take on the traditional English Breakfast. Eloise loves classic Peppermint!
Ngunungulla has a great selection of local artisan-made products including a selection of Elph Ceramics!
things to do
We host bespoke ceramic classes at the Elph Ceramics Studio which can be booked through Osborn House as part of your stay. At each class, you’ll learn to make our iconic Tiny House object, a pinch pot and a thrown piece in our high-quality Australian clays.
Ngunungulla Regional Gallery located at Retford Park is one of our favourite places to visit. The exhibitions are contemporary and expertly curated by Megan, Milena and their team.
If you’re not an art lover, the building itself is enough to warrant a visit as is Hearth by Moonacres in the adjacent building.
ABOUT ELPH CERAMICS
Founded by sisters, Eloise and Sophie, Elph Ceramics is a unique combination of artistic sensibilities and minimalist design. Elph ceramics was born from Eloise’s passion for making functional ceramic art pieces and Sophie’s goal of creating an iconic Australian design brand. Eloise is a ceramic artist and production potter and Sophie is an Industrial Designer.
The Elph Ceramics studio is located in idylic Exeter, Southern Highlands. Their classes are taught by their head of production and co-founder, Eloise. Eloise has over 10 years of pottery experience and expertise in hand-building, wheel-throwing, decoration and glazing.
Our Experiences Team would be delighted to help you organise a class during your stay. Please email reservations@osbornhouse.com.au to learn more.
