Southern Highlands Private Tour with Wine, Waterfall and Garden

The best thing about this Southern Highlands outing is the range packed into one day. You move from rolling green hills and old villages to a rainforest waterfall, a carefully tended garden, and a cool-climate vineyard, all without having to manage the driving. I especially like the private format and the chance to spend real time in Bowral and Berrima rather than simply racing past them.

I also like that the wine tasting and garden entry are included, while hotel pickup and drop-off make the long day easier. Guide Glenn has been praised for his local knowledge, good humor, and ability to keep the day moving. The main drawback is the price: at $523.59 per person, this is a serious splurge, and food is not included.

Key points at a glance

• A full 10-hour private outing: Your group travels alone, with the route shaped by a private guide.
• Five very different stops: Bowral, Fitzroy Falls, Red Cow Farm, Berrima, and Bendooley Estate each offer a distinct experience.
• Glenn may be your guide: He is described as an engaging local guide who adds useful background and keeps the mood light.
• The wine tasting fee is covered: You can sample boutique cool-climate wines without paying an extra tasting charge.
• Central Sydney transfers simplify the day: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with an 8 am start.
• Lunch is separate: Food and drinks are not included, so plan for that cost during your free time.

Why this private day trip works well from Sydney

The Southern Highlands gives you a clean break from Sydney’s traffic and dense city streets. The region is known for broad green hills, village streets lined with older buildings, gardens, and vineyards. You get a taste of all of that in one long day.

The private setup matters. Only your own group participates, so you are not tied to the pace or interests of a large coach party. That can make a big difference during free time in Bowral and Berrima. You can browse, walk, take photographs, or simply sit down without feeling that you must keep up with a crowd.

At roughly 10 hours, this is not a quick half-day escape. You leave at 8 am and spend most of the day away from Sydney. That makes the tour useful if your time in Australia is limited and you want to see the countryside without renting a car or planning several separate stops.

The cost is high, but it covers private transport, a guide, hotel transfers, bottled water, garden admission, and wine tasting. You are paying for convenience and personal attention as much as for the places themselves. For one or two people, the price may feel steep. For a small group splitting the private vehicle cost, the value improves, especially with group discounts available.

Bowral begins the day with country-town charm

Bowral is the first major stop, with about an hour to relax among the Southern Highlands’ rolling hills. It is one of the area’s best-known towns, with an old-world feel and a setting that feels far removed from central Sydney.

This is a useful opening stop because it gives you time to settle into the day. Rather than beginning with a rushed photo stop, you have free time to get your bearings and take in the town at your own pace. The tour details do not promise a specific set of Bowral activities, so your time here will likely be flexible rather than tightly programmed.

You should think of Bowral as a gentle introduction to the region, not the main attraction. The appeal is the setting, the village atmosphere, and the chance to walk around before the more scheduled stops. Admission is free, though anything you buy is your own expense.

Fitzroy Falls brings the most dramatic view

From Bowral, you head to Fitzroy Falls National Park. The stop lasts about 20 minutes and includes admission, with a short track leading to the top of the falls and a lookout over the rainforest.

This is the tour’s clearest nature stop. The view gives you a quick change of pace after the town visit, with water dropping through thick forest and a broad outlook suited to photographs. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long national park walk. Twenty minutes is enough for the main lookout and a brief stroll, not for a serious hike.

That short visit is both a benefit and a limitation. You can see one of the area’s major sights without giving up too much time elsewhere, but anyone hoping to explore the park at length may find the stop too brief. Wear shoes that are comfortable for a short track, and follow the seatbelt and safety directions during the drive between stops.

Red Cow Farm makes room for slow garden time

Red Cow Farm Garden is one of the more distinctive parts of the route. This privately owned property covers 2.5 hectares and includes a walled sanctuary, a monastery garden, an abbess’s garden, and a broad collection of plants.

You have about an hour here, with the garden entry fee included. That gives you enough time to walk through the grounds at a relaxed pace and notice the design of the different garden areas. The setting is more intimate than a large public park, which suits anyone who enjoys planting, garden structure, and quiet paths.

I like this stop because it adds texture to the day. Fitzroy Falls gives you a quick hit of natural drama, while Red Cow Farm asks you to slow down and look closely. The tradeoff is that a garden visit will not appeal equally to everyone. If you prefer active walks or historic buildings, you may find the hour less compelling than Berrima or the waterfall.

Berrima offers an easy step into the 1830s

Berrima is a heritage village dating from the 1830s, with a single main street and restored Georgian sandstone buildings. You get about an hour to wander, browse specialty shops, and look at local arts and crafts.

This is the most atmospheric village stop on the route. The compact layout makes it easy to explore without a map or a long walk. You can focus on the old stone architecture, browse the shops, or use the free time for a drink or snack at your own cost.

Berrima also helps explain why this region is more than just pretty countryside. Its buildings and street plan offer a direct link to the area’s colonial-era settlement. The stop is not a formal guided museum visit, so the experience depends on how you choose to use the hour and on the commentary provided by your guide.

If you want a substantial lunch, this is one of the places where free time may be useful. Food is not included, and one account of the day describes a guide taking the group to a good local pub. That kind of stop can depend on the day and the guide, so treat it as a possibility rather than a scheduled feature.

Bendooley Estate finishes with cool-climate wine

The final listed stop is wine tasting at Bendooley Estate. You spend about an hour tasting boutique wines from the Southern Highlands, a region shaped by cool nights, mild days, and dry conditions during ripening.

The tasting fee is included, which keeps the cost clearer. You are not arriving at the last stop only to discover an extra charge for the main activity. The one-hour format should give you a focused introduction to the local wine style without turning the afternoon into a long tasting session.

This stop is especially well suited to adults who enjoy wine and want to connect the region’s climate with what is in the glass. The minimum drinking age is 18. If you do not drink wine, the vineyard setting may still be pleasant, but this is one part of the day that will naturally have less appeal.

Remember that food and other drinks are not included unless specifically stated. If you plan to eat at the estate or elsewhere, budget separately. You should also make sure you follow your guide’s instructions about drinking and travel safety during the return journey.

The guide can shape the feel of the day

A private tour is only as good as the person behind the wheel and the commentary. Glenn is specifically associated with this route and has been praised for being enthusiastic, entertaining, and familiar with the area. He is also described as a local to the Southern Highlands, which can help when deciding where to stop during free time.

The strongest praise focuses on his driving, his easy manner, and his ability to add useful background without making the day feel like a lecture. A good guide can turn the gaps between stops into part of the experience, pointing out the character of the towns and explaining how the region fits together.

Your vehicle is described as comfortable, and bottled water is supplied. Since the tour is private, you can expect a more personal exchange than on a large bus. You can ask questions as you go, though the exact amount of commentary will depend on your guide and your group.

What the $523.59 price really buys

At $523.59 per person, this is not a bargain day trip. The price makes the most sense when you value time, convenience, and privacy more than the lowest possible fare.

You receive:

• Private transport and a private guide
• Pickup and drop-off at central Sydney hotels
• A full day of about 10 hours
• Wine tasting at Bendooley Estate
• Entry to Red Cow Farm Garden
• Fitzroy Falls admission
• Bottled water
• Informative commentary

You still pay for lunch and other food or drinks. That matters because a 10-hour outing almost certainly requires a meal break, even though the exact arrangement is not specified.

The price becomes easier to justify for a small group using the private vehicle together, particularly with group discounts. It is also useful for people who have limited time and would otherwise need to rent a car, navigate unfamiliar roads, pay admission separately, and coordinate several stops. If you already have a car and enjoy planning your own days, you may find the premium harder to accept.

Timing, pickup, and practical details

The scheduled start is 8 am. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central Sydney hotels, so confirm that your accommodation falls within the service area when booking. The experience is also near public transportation, though the included hotel transfer is the simpler choice if available to you.

The day is long, and the route includes driving between several locations. Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk at Fitzroy Falls and the garden paths at Red Cow Farm. You should also allow room in your budget for food, since it is not included.

Seatbelts must be worn at all times under government regulations. Most people can participate, but no detailed accessibility information is provided, so ask before booking if you need specific mobility arrangements.

Confirmation is normally received at booking. If you book within four days of travel, confirmation may arrive within 48 hours and remains subject to availability. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this Southern Highlands route most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a broad sample of the region without driving. It works particularly well for couples, families, or small groups who value a private vehicle and personal commentary.

It is also a smart choice if your Sydney visit is short. You can see several country towns, a waterfall, a garden, and a vineyard in one organized day. The route gives you variety without forcing you to arrange separate tickets and transfers.

Wine lovers will appreciate the final tasting, while garden enthusiasts may consider Red Cow Farm a highlight. People who enjoy old buildings and browsing small shops will likely prefer Berrima. If you want long hikes, extended time at one vineyard, or a slow village stay, this schedule may feel too packed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an easy, private escape from Sydney and value having the driving, admissions, and route handled for you. The strongest reasons are the varied stops, included wine and garden fees, and guides such as Glenn who can add local character to the day.

Skip it if $523.59 per person feels too high, if you do not care about wine or gardens, or if you prefer to set your own pace. For everyone else, especially a small group with limited time, this is a well-rounded way to see the Southern Highlands without the stress of doing it alone.

FAQ

How long does the Southern Highlands private tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from central Sydney hotels are included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

Which places are visited?

The route includes Bowral, Fitzroy Falls, Red Cow Farm Garden, Berrima, and Bendooley Estate for wine tasting.

Is wine tasting included in the price?

Yes. Wine tasting fees are included.

Is entry to Red Cow Farm Garden included?

Yes. The garden entry fee is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.