We’re all about sun-drenched beach days in Sydney, but sometimes a weekend trip is in order. Even a few days away from the city can be therapeutic and offer a peaceful respite from city life. That said, with so many lovely small towns dotted around NSW, it can be hard to decide on a destination. From charming spots made for book lovers to idyllic foodie destinations, NSW has plenty to offer if you’re looking to holiday locally. With a long weekend around the corner, we recommend getting wrapped up in the unhurried, historic charms of Berry. This elegant country town offers excellent restaurants, a community atmosphere and old-world charm in spades. Here’s everything you need to know about the vibrant village.
Berry, NSW
Part of the Shoalhaven region on the NSW South Coast, Berry has an abundance of things to do for locals and out-of-towners. Anyone who’s been here will tell you to make a pitstop at the Famous Berry Donut Van which has been a staple in the area for 55 years. We recommend getting there nice and early because you’ll almost certainly need to queue up to get your hands on one of their delicious donuts and equally good coffee. It’s also an underrated culinary and shopping destination with eclectic stores and tree-canopied streets. Don’t leave before checking out all the heritage buildings in town.
Cafes and Restaraunts
Berry is brimming with several no-frills but charming cafes and restaurants where you can sit for a while and enjoy a reliable dining experience. Head to the Berry Tea Shop for afternoon tea, Queen St. Cafe for bottomless brunch and Milkwood Bakery for a pastry or a sweet treat. The stylish South on Albany is a must-try for foodies with seasonal local food on offer as is Silo restaurant and winery which features excellent wine and views over the vineyard. The menu is ever-changing but you can always expect something wholesome and delicious.
Places to visit
Meander along the main street and you’ll find a number of cute boutique stores, heritage buildings and art galleries to explore. Berry is also rich in history with several landmarks to see including The Berry Museum which gives visitors a glimpse into the town’s past and the heritage-listed Berry Courthouse within a private-hedged garden which was built in 1890. On a nice day, the Berry Historical Walk is a must — an easy, relaxed trail where you can admire all the Victorian and Edwardian architecture and cute cottages peppered around town. Berry is also known as the “Town of Trees” so you can expect plenty of lush landscapes along the way.
Local shops and markets in Berry
Prepare to also do some serious shopping for homewares, designer fashion and accessories, flowers, books and more. Some popular shops to check out include homeware store Haven and Space, Candleberries, for candles and bedding and Juniper Hearth for funky yet familiar Aussie and imported designs.
You can also opt to shop local from Berry Markets, held every first Sunday of the month at Berry Showground, Berry Produce Market, which are held every second Saturday and fourth Sunday of the month in Andrew Place, or pick up knick-knacks and souvenirs every third Sunday of the month at Berry Flea Markets. It’s always a good idea to stop and smell the flowers so we recommend a stay at The Homestead Berry which comes with picturesque gardens and open-air vistas. Or head to the rustic-chic Silos Estate which is housed within sprawling vineyards with alpacas for company.
Want more out of your weekend trip? Drive further down the coast to Jervis Bay, about an hour’s drive from Berry where you’ll find picturesque beaches, coastal walks with unencumbered views and a beach with some of the whitest sand in the world.
Getting there
Berry is located just under a two-hour drive from Sydney, in the NSW Southern Highlands and 2.5 hours from Canberra, at the end of the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. It’s also easy to plan a trip via public transport. Catch the train from Central to Kiama, stay a while and see the world’s largest ocean blowhole, then catch a train from Kiama Station to Berry Station, from the station it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Berry. Plan your travel at Transport NSW.
Read more about Berry on Visit NSW and find accommodation options here.