If you’re planning to cook for yourself, the park makes it easy. The Camp Kitchen has everything you need for simple meals, and the BBQs are a great option on warm Highlands evenings. We found ourselves cooking in more than we expected — surrounded by tall trees and crisp air, it’s a lovely place to settle in after a day exploring.

For your morning coffee, we like to wander over to Highlands Merchant Café, one of Moss Vale’s most consistently good brunch spots. Their coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the menu offers a range of seasonal dishes.

For lunch, The Briars Historic Inn offers that quintessential Highlands atmosphere — open fireplaces, heritage charm and hearty classics done well. Sitting out in the garden on a sunny day with a schnitzel or a steak sandwich feels like the perfect regional afternoon.

Wine lovers are spoilt for choice here. Sutton Forest Estate Wines and Cuttaway Hill Wines are both a short drive away and offer the full cool-climate experience — crisp whites, elegant reds and friendly cellar door chats.

One of our favourite ways to ease into the day here is with a simple walk. Start at Leighton Gardens in the centre of Moss Vale, a beautifully kept green space with wide lawns, shady trees and plenty of room to stretch your legs. From there, the Moss Vale to Burradoo walking track is an easy next step — a peaceful riverside trail following the Wingecarribee River.

For something with a little more wow factor, make the short drive to Morton National Park, where the Belmore Falls lookout delivers one of the region’s most dramatic views. It’s an easy add-on to any day trip, and we’ve found mornings offer the clearest vistas.

Moss Vale is also perfectly positioned for exploring the Southern Highlands’ charming towns. A quick trip north brings you to Bowral, where boutique shops, galleries and cosy cafés line the streets. If you’re visiting in spring, Corbett Gardens is unmissable — its tulip displays turn the town into a patchwork of colour. We often stop in at The Press Shop Café for lunch in a classic heritage setting.

Wine lovers are well placed here too. Centennial Vineyards and Cuttaway Hill Wines (mentioned above) are both within a short drive and offer cellar doors with sweeping Highlands views. The cool climate creates ideal conditions for producing chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines.

The Southern Highlands gets cool quickly once the sun dips (even in summer), so pack a warm layer if you’re planning evenings outside or early morning walks.