The ‘Cutest Town In NSW’ Is Just 2 Hours From Sydney – With Trendy Cafes And A Charming Main Street

Boutique shops, history, stellar eateries and heritage architecture converge in the adorable town of Berry, just a stone's throw from Sydney.

Ria Lawrence - Senior Staff Writer • February 2, 2026

Heritage shopfronts in Berry, NSW with parked cars, historic balconies and people walking past boutiques — Image: Shoalhaven Tourism

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It only makes sense that a state as large and diverse as NSW has some of the best small towns around. Imagine charming main streets lined with shops and old-world buildings, national parks enveloped in ancient natural wonders and stylish beachside hotspots perfect for outdoor lovers. While many people gravitate towards places like Katoomba or Byron Bay, Berry is a charming option all year round. Located a short drive from Sydney, the small town packs a big punch with country-style charm, vintage boutiques, quaint cafes and a buzzing town centre. That impression is widely held; global travel publisher World Atlas recently naming Berry one of the cutest towns in NSW. Keen to plan a trip? Here are some of the best things to see, eat, and do in Berry this summer.

Things to do in Berry this summer

A wide view of Berry's main street lined with shops, parked cars and leafy trees, with green hills rising in the background — Image: Shutterstock

Berry is quickly growing into a vibrant foodie hub and a visit to town usually starts with the Famous Berry Donut Van, arguably the town’s most recognisable stop. You’ll most likely have to queue up for their fresh cinnamon donuts and coffee, but it’s well worth the wait.

From there, the town is easy to explore on foot. For a dose of local history, make a beeline for the Berry Historic Museum and explore exhibits, memorabilia, photographs and records tracing the town’s early settlement. The self-guided Berry Historical Walk is also an easy way to acquaint yourself with the town, winding past a mix of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, old shopfronts, cute cottages and boutique shops. One standout landmark along the route is the heritage-listed Berry Courthouse, built in 1890 and set amidst lush private gardens. Several heritage buildings now house antique stores and vintage shops so you could easily combine your sightseeing with browsing for collectable and knick-knacks.

People strolling past cafes, pubs and heritage buildings along the main street in Berry, NSW, on a sunny afternoon — Image: stanciuc/ Getty

Just outside town, Silos Estate is a popular summer stop, known for its wine tastings, relaxed dining and resident alpacas that roam the property. Berry also sits surprisingly close to the coast, with Seven Mile Beach less than a 10-minute drive away. The stunning stretch of sand is ideal for swimming, surfing or a coastal walk. For a different perspective, Drawing Room Rocks is about a 12-minute drive from town and offers sweeping views over Berry and the surrounding countryside. If you’re keen for more sun-kissed adventures, plan a drive to Jervis Bay for pristine white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, coastal walks and incredible national parks.

Other ways to enjoy the town

A box of sugar-coated doughnuts at a bakery in regional NSW with customers blurred in the background — Image: Destination NSW

Berry has no shortage of bakeries and cafes where you can linger over lunch or settle in for something sweet, and summer presents an excellent opportunity to sit outside and watch the town go by. The Berry Tea Shop is a long-time favourite for morning or afternoon tea, best known for its classic scones served with jam and cream alongside a generous cake selection and Il Locale is hard to pass up, for its locally sourced gelato and lunch menu. For a sit-down meal, head to The Garden for a leafy courtyard, fresh seasonal produce and a great vibe.

Two women sharing a teacup inside a charming tea shop in Berry, NSW, with floral decor and shelves of teas behind them — Image: Destination NSW

Other local favourites include JavaLife Acai & Health Bar for acai bowls, smoothies and organic coffee, EASYS for great coffee and Aussie classics, The Berry Chocolatier for all things chocolate and Bangalay Dining for an elevated dining experience.

For shopping, you can fill your bags at the Berry Barn, a lovely little boutique for clothing, Global Contact for a variety of books, It’s Berry Necessary for jewellery, accessories and more, and Haven & Space for homewares. To get a snapshot of the local community, the Berry Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday at Berry Showground, selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, seafood, baked goods and other produce. The Berry Markets are held on the first Sunday of each month at the same location and feature a variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, collectables, plants and local produce. Read more about Berry and find accomodation options here.

Getting there

Berry is an excellent day trip whether you’re driving or taking public transport. It also makes a good base for exploring nearby South Coast towns like Gerringong and Nowra. By car, Berry is just around a 2-hour drive from Sydney with the option to follow the picture-perfect Grand Pacific Drive along the way. If you’re travelling by train, catch a train from Central Station to Kiama, and then transfer onto Berry. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.