The Word on SOHI

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Sometimes when publishing we forget that we have two audiences.  We have our local audience, and we have our non-SOHI audience: the SOHI-curious.  We were asked today about our recommendations for places to do and things to see in the area and we thought since Winter is approaching it might be timely to post on ‘Friends of SOHI’ who are doing their ambassadorial bit to impress out-of-towners and generally give all of us a good name!

Regarding places to stay : For those of us who have our batteries recharged by a little bit of isolation, The Rectory Park Cottage at Kangaroo Valley is the place to go.

We also love ‘friend of SOHI’ Bluemetal Vineyard with their cute cottage.  It gives the feeling of being away from it all but it’s very close to the villages of Berrima, Mittagong and Bowral.

For things to do, we would recommend a treasure hunt at Grandpa’s Shed at Fitzroy Falls.  You have to go right inside to appreciate it as the street view is pretty awful.  Don’t forget your heart medication.  We had heart palpitations when we saw the floor to ceiling wonder.

The Burrawang Pub is where we take Sydney friends to try and trick them into thinking that the whole of the Highlands looks this awe-inspiring.  The views are unbeatable and if you don’t mind your kids running rampant and free over green grass, then it’s what you might consider kid-friendly.  The Burrawang General Store Cafe is where we go when we want fine food on a Wintry day and it’s right across the street, so you can arrive then decide on the spot what your tummy is asking for.

The Robertson Cheese Factory serves an incredible breakfast – we highly recommend the brekky roll.

If you have an entire day free, you can’t go past FoodPath Tours for both a brilliant learning experience and a way to pretty much cover the whole Highlands area and all it offers.  The tours are an essential foodie experience.  Jill and Nick are so incredibly knowledgeable and the suppliers you will meet are so candid and fascinating.  There will be more on Jill and Nick and their passions in our upcoming print edition.

Sturt is great.  There is a gallery filled with works which all tell a story, a shop stocking clothing, homewares and furniture all hand made in Australia, and a wonderful sunny cafe and garden.  You could spend some serious time here.

If you’re thinking of rambling, pack a picnic and plenty to drink and keep your eye out for signs to Belmore Falls, Carrington Falls, Fitzroy Falls and the walking track before Joadja.  We don’t want to give away too much detail here as the best rambles we have had have come from randomly following signs with no firm plans.  Stick to the roads and tracks and open your heart to an adventure.  It’s the only way.

(image: Sascha Walters, the Burra Pub view).

Please comment if you would like to share your tips on SOHI visits.