Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands, is located around 110 kilometres (70 miles) southwest of Sydney, in New South Wales. It sits between 500m and 900m above sea level on the Great Dividing Ranges and is under the local government area of the Wingecarribee Shire which covers an area of around 2,700 sq km (1000 sq miles). The region is centred on the charming towns of Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale, Bundanoon and Robertson as well as the historic town of Berrima.
The Great Western Wildlife Corridor (GWWC) is a key link through the Southern Highlands for wildlife migration between the southern Blue Mountains World Heritage area and Morton National Park further south. This includes species such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, lizards, bushbirds and amphibians. The area was historically cleared for farming, but contains a series of significant fragments of remnant woodland vegetation on private and public land, that act as stepping stones for flora and fauna to move through the landscape.
The Wingecarribee Shire is an important catchment area for water supply to Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Shoalhaven, with several rivers flowing through the region, including the Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, and Paddy’s river. There are several important biodiversity projects in the region being led by the Wingecarribee Shire Council, including the Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project, Southern Highlands Platypus Conservation Project and Glossies in the Mist Project, tracking the beautiful Glossy Black Cockatoo. These projects aim to gain a deeper understanding of distribution, habitat and threats throughout the Southern Highlands for these species, along with providing a more complete dataset to assist key decision-makers.
Quick facts
- Part of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, linking the Blue Mountains through to the Morton National Park.
- Spot Kangaroos, Platypus, Wombats, Echidnas, Emus, Rosellas and Cockatoos
- Beautiful mix of national park, forests, private farmland and charming towns
Experiences
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Australia's Big 5
From $7,290 USD
15 days/14 nights
Australia's Big 5
From $7290.00 USD
15 days/14 nights
Australia has its very own Big Five with this journey dedicated to spotting the beloved Kangaroo, Koala, Echidna, Wombat and Platypus.
Explore the pristine Southern Highlands with your naturalist guide, to learn about the significance of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, with a nocturnal spotlighting opportunity to see possums and... -
East Coast Australia Self Drive
From $3,120 USD
15 days/14 nights
East Coast Australia Self Drive
From $3120.00 USD
15 days/14 nights
Experience a 15-day journey through Australia's breathtaking landscapes, from vibrant cities to tranquil rainforests, featuring iconic wildlife encounters, coastal adventures, and rich natural wonders.
Discover diverse habitats in Southern Highlands, Byron Bay, and the Daintree Rainforest, encountering koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, and cassowaries, and enjoying whale watching in Hervey Bay.
Explore... -
East Coast Family Adventures
From $3,930 USD
13 days/12 nights
East Coast Family Adventures
From $3930.00 USD
13 days/12 nights
A blend of family-friendly activities combined with wildlife spotting is the focus of this itinerary which covers several of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the eastern side of Australia.
Explore scenic bushland and private farmland locations just outside of Sydney, with short walks providing access to Emus, cockatoos, rosellas,... -
Family with Teens Wildlife Adventure
From $7,510 USD
16 days/15 nights
Family with Teens Wildlife Adventure
From $7510.00 USD
16 days/15 nights
Perfect for families with older children, this itinerary provides the opportunity to explore wildlife regions just outside of Australia's two most iconic cities, along with a visit to the natural paradise that is Tasmania.
Discover scenic bushland and private farmland near Sydney, where short walks offer encounters with emus, cockatoos,... -
Fauna of the Forests
From $7,400 USD
16 days/15 nights
Fauna of the Forests
From $7400.00 USD
16 days/15 nights
Traversing through some of Australia's most beautiful eucalypt woodlands, wet and dry rainforests and alpine forests, this adventure combines breathtaking scenery with forest-dwelling birds and mammals.
Discover picturesque bushland and private farmland just outside Sydney, where short walks offer opportunities to spot emus, cockatoos, rosellas, kookaburras, and kangaroos. In the... -
Iconic Cities and Wildlife
From $4,530 USD
10 days/9 nights
Iconic Cities and Wildlife
From $4530.00 USD
10 days/9 nights
Combine Australia's two largest cities with the diverse landscapes of the outback, lush rainforests and pristine shores of the Southern Ocean on this active adventure.
Visit iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge before heading to the Southern Highlands to spot emus, cockatoos, rosellas, kookaburras,... -
Sydney Wildlife Safari
From $260 USD
Full Day - Sydney
Wildlife Interests: Birds, Land Mammals & Marsupials
Wildlife Interests: Birds, Land Mammals & Marsupials
Sydney Wildlife Safari
From $260.00 USD
Full Day - Sydney
Venture to the pristine bushland of the Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes from Sydney, to observe several of Australia's most iconic species in the afternoon and evening.
With the help of a knowledgeable and passionate naturalist guide, you will have the chance to spot Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Emus, wallabies, cockatoos,... -
Ultimate Birdwatching Australia - Forests to Coast
From $9,490 USD
13 days/12 nights
Wildlife Interests: Birds
Wildlife Interests: Birds
Ultimate Birdwatching Australia - Forests to Coast
From $9490.00 USD
13 days/12 nights
Discover renowned birdwatching regions across Southeastern Australia at their migratory and seasonal peak, combining the biodiverse forests, beaches and wetlands of East Gippsland, Kangaroo Island, the Southern Eyre Peninsula and Tasmania.
Explore scenic bushland and private farmland locations just outside of Sydney, along the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, with Emus,... -
Wine & Wildlife of the Southeast
From $7,000 USD
13 days/12 nights
Wine & Wildlife of the Southeast
From $7000.00 USD
13 days/12 nights
This itinerary provides a taste of the beautiful flavours offered across McLaren Vale, Hunter Valley, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania, as well as the iconic landscape and wildlife encounters Australia is known for.
Explore the picturesque McLaren Vale Wine Region, where over 50 small to medium wineries are set against a...