Southern Highlands Full Day Wine Tour Sydney Pick Up

A Taste of the Southern Highlands: Full-Day Wine Tour from Sydney

Imagine spending a day exploring some of New South Wales’ most picturesque spots, from rolling green hills to historic towns, all while sampling excellent wines and local produce. This Southern Highlands Full Day Wine Tour from Sydney offers just that — a relaxed yet immersive experience designed for lovers of wine, history, and scenic drives. With a price tag of around $132 per person, you’ll get a full nine hours of tasting, sightseeing, and country charm, all capped off with the convenience of pickup from Sydney.

What we really like about this tour is its flexibility — the itinerary includes a mix of large commercial wineries and small family-owned vineyards, giving you a taste of the region’s diversity. Plus, the stops in Bowral and Berrima add a dash of history and character, making the trip richer than just wine tasting. The inclusion of a shared platter and a complimentary glass of local wine right at the start sets a welcoming tone.

A minor consideration might be the lack of included lunch, which means you’ll want to plan ahead or be ready to enjoy the country pub or winery restaurant stops. This is perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely, unhurried day and are happy to explore local dining options. The tour is best suited for adventurous wine lovers, history buffs, or anyone keen on experiencing the natural beauty and authentic charm of the Southern Highlands.

If you’re looking for an engaging, well-rounded day trip that combines wine, history, and scenic countryside, this tour offers exceptional value and a taste of Australia’s beautiful hinterland.

Key Points

• Diverse Wineries: Visit both large wineries and small family vineyards, offering a varied tasting experience.
• Historic Towns: Explore Bowral and Berrima, two towns rich in heritage and character.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy stunning views of rolling hills, garden bursts in spring, and vivid autumn foliage.
• Flexible Stops: 4-5 stops allow for tasting, sightseeing, and relaxing without feeling rushed.
• Local Food & Drink: Includes a shared tasting platter and a glass of wine upon arrival.
• Value for Money: At approximately $132, it offers a comprehensive day of tasting, sightseeing, and culture.

An In-Depth Look at the Southern Highlands Full Day Wine Tour

The Overview: A Day in the Countryside

This tour, priced at $131.56 per person, offers a full day of exploring the Southern Highlands, an area just 1.5 hours from Sydney. The tour’s core appeal lies in its mix of wine tasting and cultural exploration. With an approximate duration of 9 hours, it’s a satisfying way to escape the city without feeling like you’re rushing through a packed schedule.

The tour operates year-round, from late February to early October 2026, making it suitable for all seasons. You get the added convenience of pickup from a central location in Bowral, with the journey ending back at the same point, simplifying logistics.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Bowral
Your day begins in the charming country town of Bowral. Surrounded by vineyards and breweries, Bowral has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll spend about 1-1.5 hours here, wandering through local shops, tasting rooms, or just soaking in the beautiful scenery. The guide typically offers a glass of local Southern Highlands wine upon arrival, offering an immediate taste of what’s to come.

Stop 2: Berrima
Next, you’ll visit Berrima, one of the oldest Georgian-era towns in New South Wales. This historic village is lined with sandstone buildings and houses some of the region’s oldest pubs, still licensed today. An hour here lets you stroll through the streets, enjoy the architecture, and perhaps peek inside the licensed pubs for a quick drink or some history.

The day usually involves 4-5 stops total, which could include visits to wineries, breweries, distilleries (e.g., whisky, gin, vodka), and country pubs. This variety keeps the experience lively and offers different styles of beverages and atmosphere.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your ticket is a shared tasting platter featuring cheese and other local nibbles, plus the vineyard cellar door tasting fees. These tastings tend to be generous, and the guide will usually provide insightful commentary about the wines and producers.

Your first glass of wine is included at the start, which sets a relaxed tone for the day. However, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for stops at a country pub, winery restaurant, or perhaps grab some pizza at a winery. This flexibility allows for a personalized experience, letting you choose between a sit-down meal or a quick snack.

Transportation is a shared, comfortable bus with no more than 25 travelers, allowing for a friendly, intimate atmosphere. The experience is guided by a knowledgeable host, who can share insights into the region’s history, agriculture, and wine production.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Brad, describing him as “super friendly and knowledgeable.” Their insights make a big difference in understanding the region and the wines, elevating a simple tasting into an educational experience.

Stunning Views: The tour’s stops at Bowral and Berrima offer not just wine but exquisite scenery — think lush hills, historical architecture, and gardens that burst into bloom in spring. The autumn leaves turn the vineyards into a palette of oranges and reds, making for memorable photos.

Potential Drawbacks

One aspect to consider is the lack of included lunch, which could be a downside for those wanting a more structured, all-in-one experience. But for many, this flexibility is a plus, allowing you to explore local eateries at your own pace.

Plus, the tour is quite popular, with bookings typically made about 61 days in advance, so early planning is smart if you want to secure a spot.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This experience suits wine enthusiasts eager to explore diverse vineyards in a scenic setting without the hassle of self-driving. It’s also perfect for those interested in local history and countryside charm, with stops in towns that have preserved their heritage. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for both casual drinkers and dedicated connoisseurs.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves sampling different wines, appreciates learning from friendly guides, and enjoys seeing authentic Australian countryside, this tour is a winner. It offers a well-organized day out that balances tasting, sightseeing, and cultural discovery. Perfect for a day trip from Sydney or even a weekend escape, especially if you prefer a guided experience that takes the weight of planning off your shoulders.

It’s a particularly good choice for those who want variety — from large wineries to historic towns — and value local stories just as much as the wines themselves. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, this tour provides a fun, engaging way to experience the region together.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy multiple stops and take in the scenery.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll have opportunities to stop at local country pubs, wineries, or enjoy pizza at some stops.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a friendly and intimate experience.

What is included in the price?
You get a glass of local wine on arrival, tasting fees at vineyards, and a shared platter of snacks.

Are there any seasonal considerations?
Yes, the region offers different scenery across seasons — winter for cozy fires, spring for gardens, summer for vineyards, and autumn for vibrant leaves.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, including service animals. The tour is designed for those interested in wine, history, and scenic countryside.

This Southern Highlands full-day tour offers a genuine taste of Australia’s wine country, wrapped in history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned sipper, it promises a memorable day out that combines relaxation, learning, and picturesque views.