The region averages about 640 metres above sea level and, along with the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley, has long been a getaway retreat for Sydney residents, helped by the railway which runs through the area en route to Canberra.
Pretty pioneering towns are scattered about including Mittagong, Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale as well as Bundadoon which celebrates its Scottish settler roots each April. Berrima is an exceptionally well preserved 19th century village even if many of the buildings have been given over to selling wares to local tourists.
The demand from Sydneysiders has spawned a good range of accommodation throughout the region as well as some excellent eating establishments. The limestone Wombeyan Caves and Morton National Park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/(Morton), with spectacular Fitzroy Falls at it's edge (pictured), are the key natural attractions in the highlands.
Australia’s greatest ever cricket player, the late Don Bradman, who was born in Cootamundra, honed his skills in Bowral which is the location for the Bradman Museum. The area also has a number vineyards producing good cool climate wines.
Forming a corridor between the Southern Highlands and the coast at Nowra is the beautiful Kangaroo Valley which also has accommodation and places to eat in some of its quirky pioneering villages.  On the south west edge of the Southern Highlands is the city of Goldburn, which in Australian terms can be described as a historic centre - the Gouldburn Courthouse is pictured.