Moss Vale

Surrounded by rolling farmlands, vineyards and beautiful gardens, Moss Vale is one of NSW’s most charming country escapes in the Southern Highlands. Base yourself here and take some time to explore its surrounds, where you’ll also find local breweries, acclaimed restaurants and a vibrant arts scene.

Moss Vale, Southern Highlands

Food trails & wineries

From gourmet restaurants to casual eats, Moss Vale makes the most of its rich seasonal flavours. Savour some exquisite food and wine pairings at Birch Restaurant, an intimate fine dining experience with changing degustation menus and an award-winning wine list. For classic pub dining, the Porterhouse Bistro serves award-winning steaks, wood-fired pizzas and a kid’s menu.

Sample some of the region’s delicious cool-climate wines at Mount Ashby Estate, a lovely boutique vineyard with a cellar door and a French-inspired cafe. For award-winning craft beers, visit the stylish Southern Highlands Brewing Taphouse. Discover more tantalising flavours at the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival, held every February. At the annual event, you can expect an array of local vendors, including restaurants, winemakers, distillers and brewers, as well as live music and cooking sessions.

Birch Restaurant, Moss Vale

History & nature

Moss Vale is rich with colonial heritage and architecture. Explore on a self-guided walking tour, past historic landmarks such as the Leighton Gardens and the Railway Overbridge. Leighton Gardens is a beautiful oasis of greenery that blooms with tulips in September.

Home to an array of thriving birdlife, the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve is a gorgeous wetland perfect for birdwatching, walking and picnics. You’ll also find one of the prettiest golf courses in NSW at the Moss Vale Golf Club. Set on a rolling property, take a tour of The Pines Pastoral, a 700-acre Angus cattle farm. At Ashton Park, one of Moss Vale’s original farms, discover the countryside by horseback or sign up to a creative workshop.

The Barn at Ashton Park in Moss Vale, Southern Highlands - Credit: Peta Seaton

Shopping & galleries

Home to boutique and craft shops, there is plenty to explore in Moss Vale. Hunter and Gatherer Collections sell beautiful homewares from around the world. For fantastic local and international art, including painting, prints and jewellery, pay a visit to Made by Others opposite Leighton Gardens.

Getting there

Moss Vale is less than two hours’ drive from Sydney and Canberra. You can also catch a train direct from Sydney on a 1hr 45min trip. Places to stay include cottages, guesthouses, B&Bs and country pubs. Sleep in a part of local history at the Argyle Hotel, first built in 1868, or the 1920s-era cottage, Corelli Cottage.