Experiences
THINGS TO SEE & DO
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Southern Highlands. Whether you’re a nature lover, food fanatic, or simply looking for a place to unwind, you’re spoiled for choice in this rugged region of NSW.
Osborn House is surrounded by glorious countryside and quaint market towns. You can take a map and head out on a walk through the town or borrow our bicycles and explore the neighbouring villages and towns.
We have a lovely list of recommendations for our guests to explore; please refer to the below.
HORSE RIDING
Rosthwaite Farm is the ideal country riding destination for the local rider or horse loving traveller!
They are open 7 days a week for lessons from beginners to more experienced riders, plus farm rides for those who want to enjoy the scenery around the farm. Must be booked in advance.
GOLF
Mt Broughton Golf Club
Located deep in the heart of the Southern Highlands, Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club is less than 20 minutes from Osborn House. They have a number of tee positions that enable golfers of all levels to enjoy the course and their day which includes the black tees for the lower handicap golfer.
Moss Vale Golf Club
Moss Vale Golf Course is a golfer’s paradise, and is regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging courses in regional NSW.
The 18 Hole Championship Golf Course is a par 71, and measures 5,805 metres from the men’s tees, and par 73 and 5,300 metres from the women’s tees. A number of twists and turns, creek crossings and deceptive greens make the course a true test.
BIKE RIDING
Grab our mountain bikes and a helmet for an adventurous day on 2 wheels!
Bundanoon cycling route is in Morton National Park and offers an easy, yet rewarding day on the bike for all fitness levels. Boasting amazing views from Southern Highland escarpment lookouts, assortment of picnic areas and undulating unsealed roads through the forest.
When riding to the park from Bundanoon, avoid the steep route down Constitution Hill. Instead, turn right down Gullies Road just after the church. You may need to walk back up this dirt road on your return trip, but this route makes for a pretty, shaded trek. Allow 3 hours to complete this fun route!
E-BIKE TOUR
This tour starts at Osborn House and follows quiet roads and fire trails through Morton National Park, leading to several spectacular lookouts, looking into the Shoalhaven river catchment.
This tour is an immersive experience as you ride through the Aussie Bush and see the spectacular views. You will also feel a sense of adventure as you ride on the fire trails and tackle a couple of little hills.
This tour is for anybody who can ride a bike, and takes 2.5 hours.
BRUCE PRYOR POTTERY
New Zealand-born Bruce Pryor set up his first studio, the Martinsville Pottery, near Lake Macquarie, NSW, in 1972. Here he taught himself to pot using Bernard Leach’s ‘A Potter’s Book’ as a guide and falling in love with the work of Hamada Shoji and Shimaoka Tatsuzo, whom he finally met on a visit to Japan in 2006.
In 1988, he moved to Bundanoon, NSW, and set up the Bundanoon Pottery and Gallery, where he still lives and works. Early works are marked with separate B, P and Japanese ‘torii’ or gateway seals. From around 1977, he started using an impressed ‘BP’ underneath the torii, with two impressed shells. (He stopped using the shells after the move to Bundanoon.)
BUSHWALKS
Morton National Park, located within the expansive Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, stands as one of the largest parks in the state. Whether you’re a seasoned bushwalker in search of a remote wilderness trek, a novice mountain biker seeking a leisurely ride, or an enthusiastic photographer aiming to capture picturesque waterfalls, this vast park offers something to cater to every interest and preference.
Our team would be delighted to recommend a walking trail based on your interests and abilities.
FLYFISHING
Haul Fly Fishing is the best way for you to experience fly fishing in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Fully insured, experienced guides with over 10 years experience in professional fly fishing tours.
They are renowned for delivering excellent adventures and going the extra mile for our clients. There are a number of experiences available, please get in touch with our team to chat through.
GLOW WORMS
The dazzling Glow Worm Glen in Bundanoon has reopened, following extensive repairs and reconstruction of the walking track and viewing platform following the 2019-20 summer bushfires. The best time to see the glow worms is from December to February.
This is a short, relatively easy 30 minute walk to the sandstone grotto known as Glow Worm Glen. The glow worms can only be seen at dusk and in the evenings. After a 30 minute walk visitors reach a platform. A torch is needed for the return trip. The site is also accessible from Riverview Road within the park. Fern Tree Gully can also be accessed from Riverview Road.
1910 IRON WORKS
Due to the ongoing demand for experiencing the artisan crafts, Steve Hogwood, Artist and Master Metalsmith from The 1910 Ironworks is now offering limited private one-on-one blacksmithing classes to Osborn House guests. Now in his 70’s, his teaching time is limited. The courses offered are for a half or full day where you’ll get truly personal tuition from one of the last remaining old-school blacksmiths.
The venue is very traditional too. So, step back in time to 1880s for a day and experience what it was like to work with the local village smith in the Southern Highlands.
The full day courses run from 10.30am – 4.30pm and include everything you need for the day, such as all PPE gear, materials, equipment, and a light lunch on the veranda of the blacksmith shop!
WINERY TOURS
Southern Highlands Wine Trail
With over 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors, it’s the perfect time to introduce your palette to the broad variety of cool climate wines now being produced in the Southern Highlands, including, but not limited to: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also feature a Distillery and a Brewery.
The Highlands Tour Co (HTC) – Southern Highlands Wine Tours
Follow the food and wine trail and let HTC show you the best of the Southern Highlands in a luxury vehicle on a personalised tour. HTC has strong affiliations with many of the prestigious cold climate wineries in the region, including Centennial Vineyards, Bendooley Estate, Sutton Forest Estate wines, Tertini, Artemis, and St Maur.
Whether you are a couple wanting a romantic wine country getaway, or a group of friends looking for a fun and relaxing day of gastronomic discovery you can experience Australia’s premium cool climate wines in the comfort of chauffeur driven luxury sedans, luxury vans or modern mini-coaches, with experienced drivers. Or you may wish to visit during the Food and Wine Festival where Highlands Chauffeured Hire Cars can provide groups with comfortable transport to and from venues.
KORE PILATES
Laura from Kore Pilates has brought quality group Reformer Pilates classes to the Villages of the Southern Highlands, two beautiful boutique studios located in Penrose and Robertson.
An avid reformer lover? Haven’t tried a reformer before? Which ever one you are, you are sure to fall in love even more with pilates and all its benefits. You will be blown away with how GREAT you feel after a class. With multiple group class times available, come and see for yourself.
DESIGN YOUR ITINERARY
Our Experiences Team are here to help you plan your magical stay. Please enquire here, or email reservations@osbornhouse.com.au to create your itinerary.