Be transported to the early days of Australia’s European settlement in this Georgian-era village, complete with an old gaol, courthouse and plenty of ghost stories.

Berrima is a beautifully preserved Georgian village in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands. Once a prosperous colonial town, Berrima is a testament to the endurance of Australia’s pioneering past. Discover the unique heritage on a stroll through town and see a collection of stately buildings dating back to the 1830s, including a spooky stone gaol. Investigate the town’s museums and stores selling local gourmet produce, teas, antiques, crafts, souvenirs and wines.

Plan your visit at the Berrima Tourist Information Centre, situated inside the historic old Court House. Built in 1838, the Court House was the site where the fate of several notorious bushrangers was decided. The sandstone building now contains a small history museum and a directory of walking and horse-and-carriage tours. Check out the Old Berrima Gaol next door and gaze up at the building’s eerie stone walls.

Embark on a walking tour and stop by National Trust-listed buildings, such as Harper’s Mansion, the White Horse Inn and Breens Commercial Hotel. Learn more about Berrima’s fascinating European settlement history at the Berrima District Museum. Stop by the heritage Surveyor General Inn, one of Australia’s oldest continually licensed inns, for a cold beer and traditional pub fare. Linger until nightfall to join a ghost tour of Berrima’s historic buildings, where ghosts from the Georgian era are said to roam.

Bring kids to enjoy the town’s exciting playground, antique toys and traditional confectionary store. A village market is held on selected Sundays. Explore the bushland reserves along the Wingecarribee River and spot wallabies, wombats and birds. If you’re lucky, you might see an elusive platypus swimming in the river. In nearby Joadja, wander through the crumbling late 19th-century ruins of a ghost town.

Berrima is within easy reach of Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong. Heritage lodgings and self-contained cabins are available for accommodation. Berrima’s wide range of fascinating heritage sites makes it a great place to visit at any time of year.