Located just 140 kilometres south of Australia’s largest city, the scenic NSW village of Berry is a popular destination for short-tripping Sydneysiders … and for Big Lapping grey nomads.
Although it has a population of just 2,500, the settlement is packed with excellent restaurants and cafes, fascinating shops and galleries, and numerous historic buildings.
Alexander Berry established the sprawling Coolangatta Estate here in the 1820s and brought in many convicts to work the land.
Originally known as Broughton Creek, Berry – which is five kilometres inland – quickly grew as timber workers and pastoralists also moved into the area. Then came a tannery, a water wheel-powered sawmill, churches … and more people.
Berry is surrounded by stunning scenery. PIC: Destination NSW
Today, Berry’s economy relies heavily on tourism and it’s not hard to see why so many are keen to visit the town, which was bypassed in 2017.
Taking the Berry Short Historical Walking Trail is the perfect way to get a sense of what this friendly community is all about and to see some of the many heritage buildings. These include; the Old Post Office; the railway station, the former council chambers and bank building which now houses the Berry Museum; the Berry Courthouse, which was built in 1891; and St Luke’s Church.
Buildings aside, this is a stunningly attractive place.
Grey nomads can treat themselves at the Treat Factory. PIC: Destination NSW
The early settlers planted a large number of oak and elm here and Berry is sometimes known as the ‘Town of Trees’. And at its heart is beautiful Apex Park, with its magnificent lawns, trees, and historic rotunda.
Berry is a haven for lovers of arts and crafts and is bursting at the seams with galleries, boutiques and potteries, as well as stores specialising in everything from textiles to beads. Grey nomads with a sweet tooth will also enjoy a trip to the Treat Factory to find some old-fashioned confectionery.
There are, naturally enough, some great pubs for drinks and a meal, including the historic Berry Hotel, and the Southern Hotel. Berry also has an excellent market on the first Sunday of every month except February, and events here include the Berry Agricultural & Horticultural Show every February; and the Berry Gardens Festival in October.
There is great camping at the spacious showground, which boasts powered sites, a dump point, and excellent amenities. There are also, of course, a selection of caravan parks in nearby towns such as Nowra and Shoalhaven Heads.
The rolling green hills around Berry are home to some fantastic wineries that are well worth a drive. These include Silos Estate; Two Figs Winery; and Coolangatta Estate which, as well as offering great wines, gives visitors the chance to look at its restored original convict-built village.
Active grey nomads might also enjoy a trip to the lookout at Drawing Room Rocks in the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, just 10 kilometres or so north of Berry. There’s a 4.5-kilometre return hike here which takes visitors out to some amazing rocks that are shaped like tables and chairs … and where the views are truly spectacular.
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