Just five minutes from Moss Vale Holiday Park, the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is a tranquil haven dedicated to showcasing the unique beauty of cool-climate plants. Still growing and evolving, these community-driven gardens have quickly become a local gem — and one of the most peaceful places to spend a morning or afternoon.
Spread across 15 hectares, the gardens feature a diverse range of landscapes — from native woodland and wetlands to formal plantings of roses, tulips, and ornamental trees. You’ll find winding paths perfect for a leisurely stroll, open lawns ideal for picnics, and seasonal highlights that change the gardens’ mood throughout the year.
In spring, the grounds burst with life — tulips, cherry blossoms, and azaleas paint the scene in brilliant colour. In summer, the shady groves and native gardens provide a cool escape. Autumn brings spectacular displays of gold and crimson leaves, while winter reveals the stark beauty of bare branches and misty mornings.
Keep an eye out for the wetlands area, a magnet for local birdlife. Bring your binoculars and you might spot kookaburras, rosellas, or even a swamp hen patrolling the pond’s edge.
The gardens also host seasonal events, including plant sales, open days, and the much-loved Tulip Time Festival, held in nearby Bowral. There’s a small café on site, perfect for coffee and cake after a walk, and the volunteers who maintain the gardens are always happy to share their knowledge.
Local tip: Visit in autumn if you love photography — the contrast of mist, colour, and texture makes for incredible shots.
There's so much more to explore...
You've only just scratched the surface!
Southern Highlands Wine Trail
Taste your way through rolling vineyards and cool-climate wines.
Skip the Tourist Trail — This Is Casino, the Local Way.
Want to know where to find the best country brunch, wander through secret gardens, or sip cool-climate wine by the fire? This guide is your insider’s pass to experiencing the Southern Highlands like a local.
Spring in Full Bloom: 5 Things to Do in Moss Vale This Season
Spring transforms Moss Vale into a canvas of colour — blooming gardens, fresh produce, and crisp country air make it the perfect time to visit the Highlands.
Day Trips from Moss Vale: Discover the Highlands and Beyond
From historic villages to cool-climate wineries and rainforest waterfalls, Moss Vale is your perfect base for exploring the Southern Highlands.
Country Charm Awaits: Things to Do in Moss Vale
From garden strolls and heritage pubs to bushwalks and local markets, Moss Vale offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in the Highlands.
Taste of the Highlands: Where to Eat in Moss Vale
From paddock-to-plate dining to charming cafés and classic pubs, Moss Vale’s food scene serves up local produce and warm country hospitality.
Paws and Play: Dog-Friendly Adventures in Moss Vale
From leafy parks and scenic trails to dog-friendly cafés, Moss Vale is made for travellers who love to explore with their four-legged friends by their side.
