How far is the Southern Highlands from Sydney?

The Southern Highlands is located approximately 110 to 130 kilometres southwest of the Sydney CBD. Depending on your exact destination—such as Bowral, Berrima, or Moss Vale—and local traffic, the drive typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours. Travelling in our private Mercedes V-Class turns this transit into a relaxing, premium experience via the Hume Motorway.

How many wineries are there in the Southern Highlands?

The Southern Highlands is a premier cool-climate wine region boasting over 60 vineyards and more than 15 boutique cellar doors. Renowned for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region features iconic stops like Centennial Vineyards and Bendooley Estate. Booking a private charter allows you to safely and comfortably taste your way through the region without the stress of navigating country roads.

What makes Escape Scenes different from a standard Southern Highlands tour or transfer service?

Unlike high-volume tour operators or rideshares, we leverage over 15 years of professional experience in the coach industry to provide a highly curated, private experience. Whether you are visiting Bowral for a weekend getaway or touring cool-climate wineries, we deliver the precision of a large-scale operator combined with the personal touch of a bespoke luxury service.

What kind of vehicle will I be travelling in?

All our Highland tours and transfers are conducted in a premium, dark grey 2023 Mercedes V-Class V300. This vehicle is easily identified by its signature 'ESCAPE' number plates and offers a first-class cabin experience with luxury leather seating and multi-zone climate control for up to 5 passengers.

Are your Southern Highlands tours and itineraries customisable?

Yes. Because we focus exclusively on private tours, we specialise in curating Highland itineraries that go beyond generic guidebooks. Whether you want to explore historic Berrima, shop for antiques in Mittagong, or taste at boutique regional wineries, we tailor the entire day to your specific interests and pace.

Do you provide private transfers from Sydney to the Southern Highlands?

Absolutely. We provide a reliable, luxury transfer solution for travellers heading from Sydney to Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale, and surrounding villages. We offer fixed-price, bespoke quotes for these routes, including a professional Meet & Greet service at Sydney International and Domestic terminals to ensure a seamless transition to your country escape.

Bowral & Berrima: Southern Highlands Villages & Wineries

Southern Highlands Villages: Heritage and Charm

The Southern Highlands is defined by its historic towns, each offering a distinct country charm. Navigating between these villages is an experience in itself, with winding tree-lined roads that are best enjoyed from the comfort of a premium vehicle.

Bowral: Boutiques and Grand Estates

As the commercial heart of the Highlands, Bowral is synonymous with elegance. It is home to high-end boutiques, artisan cafes, and the renowned Corbett Gardens. Visitors can explore the Bradman Museum or enjoy high tea at one of the many heritage estates. The wide, leafy streets make it a perfect first stop on any regional itinerary.

Berrima: A Step Back in Time

Recognised as one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages, Berrima offers a rich colonial history. Walk past sandstone cottages, visit the historic Courthouse, or enjoy a drink at the Surveyor General Inn, Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub. It is an essential stop for history enthusiasts and foodies alike.

Mittagong: The Gateway to the Highlands

Often the first welcoming sight when travelling south from Sydney via the Hume Motorway, Mittagong sits at the base of Mount Gibraltar. Known for its antique stores and local artisans, it also offers spectacular scenic lookouts. A quick drive up ‘The Gib’ provides panoramic views over the surrounding valleys—a stunning photo opportunity.

The Rise of Cool-Climate Bowral and Berrima Wineries

The Southern Highlands is not just a scenic country escape; it is one of Australia’s most exciting wine destinations. Officially recognised with its own Geographical Indication (GI) in 1999, the region now boasts over 60 vineyards and more than 15 boutique cellar doors.

Unlike the bold, robust wines of hotter regions like the Hunter Valley, this area specialises in refined cool-climate wines. High altitudes (500 to 900 metres) and rich volcanic soils mean grapes experience a much slower, longer ripening period. This develops complex, elegant flavours while retaining a crisp, natural acidity. The result is exceptional, terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and sparkling varieties.

Must-Visit Cellar Doors for Your Private Itinerary

Whether you are looking to explore Berrima or relax on a sprawling estate, these standout cellar doors are perfect for a bespoke tasting tour:

Centennial Vineyards (Bowral): Known for its grand cellar door and spectacular views, offering a luxurious setting for high-end tastings and long lunches.
Bendooley Estate (Berrima): Famous for its iconic Book Barn, blending literature, exceptional wine, and fine dining set against rolling hills.
PepperGreen Estate (Berrima): Located right in the historic heart of the village, providing a contemporary tasting experience pairing premium drops with signature extra virgin olive oils.
Joadja Estate (Berrima): The oldest continuous vineyard and winery in the Southern Highlands, delivering an authentic, rustic tasting in a peaceful bushland setting.
Tertini Wines (Mittagong): One of the region’s most awarded wineries, highly sought after by serious wine enthusiasts for its hand-picked Pinot Noir and intimate tasting room.
Artemis Wines (Mittagong): A family-run vineyard crafting boutique spirits, local craft beers, and outstanding wines with a relaxed tasting experience on the lawn.

With so many incredible cellar doors scattered across the countryside, exploring these vineyards privately allows you to taste at your own pace. Travelling in our private Mercedes V-Class ensures you can safely and comfortably indulge in the region’s best drops, entirely free from the strict timetables of a crowded tour bus.

Getting to the Southern Highlands from Sydney

The journey from the Sydney CBD to the Southern Highlands is a straightforward and scenic drive down the Hume Motorway. Taking approximately 90 minutes to reach Mittagong, and just a little longer to arrive in the heart of Bowral or Berrima, it is the perfect distance for a comfortable day trip or weekend getaway.

Luxury Transport Built for the Wine Region

Navigating winding country roads and mapping out cellar doors should not be stressful. When you book a private charter, your journey is conducted in a premium, dark grey 2023 Mercedes V-Class V300. Offering luxury leather seating, generous legroom, and multi-zone climate control for up to five passengers, it is the ultimate way to tour the region.

Backed by over 15 years of professional touring and coach industry experience, every itinerary is expertly paced and safely navigated. Whether you are transferring to a heritage estate for a wedding or spending the afternoon sampling Bowral and Berrima wineries, you can relax knowing the logistics are completely handled from door to door.