Things to do in Berry NSW: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
Our complete guide of fun things to do in Berry NSW with your besties.
Grab the girls, pile into the car, negotiate custody of the playlist and then head two hours south of Sydney to Berry, a stylish country town with so much warmth and charm.
Heritage buildings, an enviable foodie scene, boutique shopping, beautiful homesteads and wineries all play their part in the nostalgic lifestyle for which Berry is renowned. And we're just scratching at the surface of the things to do in Berry NSW.
Berry has a year-round appeal owing to its proximity to the stretches of white sand South Coast beaches and pristine Kangaroo Valley landscapes. All this makes for the perfect girls' weekend getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Gather the girls and work your way through all that is tasty, indulgent and relaxing about this South Coast gem.
Things to do in Berry NSW: Eat
Queen St. Cafe
In the heart of Berry, Queen St. Cafe is the new go-to spot when ticking off all the best things to do in Berry NSW. With an all-day menu that seamlessly blends international cuisines, this café's charm lies in its eclectic ambience. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by a warm, inviting space adorned with vintage furniture. It's a place where service takes centre stage, and they'll host you and your companions with care and attention. Whether you fancy a leisurely breakfast with a Bloody Mary or a late brunch with their tempting array of dishes, Queen St. Cafe is the place to be while in Berry.
Stan Burt Arcade, Shop 5/94 Queen Street
Milkwood Bakery
Croissants or ciabatta, sourdough or sweet treats... Milkwood Bakery does it all. Equally as delicious as it is picturesque, this spot is at the top of our Berry hit list. Make sure you pick up the bakery's iconic sourdough.
109 Queen Street, Berry
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
There's something uniquely delicious about small-town ice cream shops. At Il Locale Gelato, they scoop up locally produced gelato, so does The Dairy Bar in The Treat Factory, but they also do really yummy sundaes and milkshakes.
Another must-visit for sweet tooths is Berry Sweet Treats & Ice Creamery, a quirky ice cream and lolly shop that will have you struggling to pick just one sweet treat. As well as their locally made artisan gelato, they also stock a huge range of American candy.
South on Albany
Tucked away in a side street of Berry, this intimate, hatted restaurant has fast become one of Berry’s most popular venues for a special meal out. The menu, which is changed fortnightly, is all about spotlighting the best of the South Coast's produce with a contemporary, relaxed and honest vibe.
A typical menu at South on Albany offers up delights such as puff pastry tart of sautéed Mittagong mushrooms, onion lyonnaise, goat’s curd, zucchini, toasted pine nuts and chorizo dressing, pan-roasted fish of the day with cauliflower, green beans, crisp kale and shellfish and fennel sauce and for dessert a mouthwatering Pointer Mountain honey panna cotta with strawberries, plum and pistachios.
3/65 Queen Street, Berry
The Famous Berry Donut Van
Our first stop anytime we're in the South Coast? The Famous Berry Donut Van, naturally. The winning combo of coffee and donuts has long ranked as one of the best things to do in Berry. While they have a whole menu of options, nothing beats their classic cinnamon donut.
73 Queen Street, Berry
Things to do in Berry NSW: Drink
The Berry Tea Shop
The Berry Tea Shop is a charming little tea shop-slash-tearoom and is the go-to for a good old-fashioned morning or afternoon tea. They serve everything from the traditional jam and scones to hummingbird cake. They also stock plenty of tea-related paraphernalia so you can stock up on sweet souvenirs, too.
1/66 Albert Street, Berry
Check Out the Local Wineries
At Silos Estate Cellar Door, taste the flavours of the Shoalhaven region in their fully restored 1870s building. Coolangatta Estate is a little further out of Berry, but it’s well worth the trip for its award-winning wines and beautiful grounds. The boutique winery, Two Figs Winery produces wines that are equally as impressive as the views that look out over the Shoalhaven River.
Great Southern Hotel
After a day of exploring and eating, join the locals for a drink at The Great Southern Hotel. Located in the heart of town, it features fireplaces, a wraparound verandah, and a courtyard with a sandpit for the kids.
95 Queen Street, Berry
The Hungry Monkey
For a vibey night out, The Hungry Monkey has you covered! Be sure to check out their happy hour special on Wednesday nights, where you can snap up $10 cocktails, $5 tap beers, wines and spirits and $12 burgers.
23 Prince Alfred Street, Berry
Things to do in Berry NSW: Shop
Berry Farmers' Markets
Local growers, producers and providores are at these popular markets, which are held every Thursday afternoon from 2pm until 5pm. Pick up fruit, veg, fresh seafood and one-of-a-kind market trinkets and treats.
Albany Street, Berry
Hit up a Local Boutique
No trip to Berry is complete without a stroll along the main shopping strip, because after all, it is one of the best things to do in Berry.
Around Berry village, it’s brimming with boutiques and homeware stores that ooze country charm. Moss Nest is an eclectic treasure trove while Few and Far is a beautiful curation of homewares from around the world.
Things to do in Berry NSW: Play
Go on one of Berry’s historic walking trails
Discover Berry's rich history with a leisurely jaunt along its Historical Walking Trail. This stroll, ranging from a quick 30-minute walk to a more extensive 2-hour exploration, lets you soak in the Late Victorian and Edwardian eras' charm. Begin at Prince Alfred Street's drinking fountain, venture to the south side to admire the heritage-listed train station, classic weatherboard cottages, and the historic Courthouse. Take a detour to the north side, cross Broughton Mill Creek, and wrap up with a peaceful walk past dairy farmland to the David Berry Hospital. It's a family and dog-friendly adventure, and you can even enrich the experience with a free audio guide you can listen to from your phone.
Prince Alfred Street, Berry
Go on a tennis tourney
When it comes to kicking back with mates, include a round of tennis in your list of things to do in Berry. The Berry Tennis Club has a neat setup with four snazzy synthetic grass courts, a chill clubhouse, and an undercover BBQ spot - the perfect recipe for some leisurely tennis action. For those who thrive on competition, dive into one of their weekday tourneys and show off your best serves. Enjoy the game, the banter, and the Berry ambience, all in one ace spot.
North Street, Berry
Learn how to skateboard
When it comes to leisure activities in Berry, Sydney, there's one standout spot that's making a buzz among thrill-seekers: The Berry Skate Park at Boongaree. It's not your run-of-the-mill skate park; it's designed to meet technical standards for competitions and as a go-to training ground for novice skateboarders. They've got features like a flowing snake run, kicker over hydrant, slappy kerb quarter, mini bowl, roller run, and more. So, if you're in Berry with your skate crew, this is the spot for some quality skateboarding action.
North Street, Berry
Cool off at Seven Mile Beach
One of the essential things to do in Berry is to visit Seven Mile Beach. It offers a serene stretch of coastline surrounded by the national park, providing a sense of seclusion—like it’s your own private beach! Taking a dip in the ocean or enjoying a leisurely walk on the shore is a perfect way to unwind with friends. Hitting up Seven Mile Beach should be in your list of things to do in Berry, striking a balance between solitude and seaside relaxation.
Seven Mile Beach
Explore Nature with the Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk
When it comes to things to do in Berry, you can't miss the tranquil escape of Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk and Lookout. This 4.5km round trip isn't for the faint of heart, so make sure to lace up those walking shoes. As you amble along the well-trodden path, the picturesque landscape unveils itself gradually. The payoff at the end? An expansive lookout that's practically made for contemplation. The serene silence of the natural world will have you feeling refreshingly grounded.
Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk and Track, Berry
Explore Kangaroo Valley
Just a 25-minute drive inland from Berry is the hidden beauty of Kangaroo Valley. Surrounded by Cambewarra and Barrengarry mountains, this small town packs a serious punch. Antique stores, boutiques, cafes and tearooms have breathed new life into the weathered buildings.
As well as the small town charm, you can also explore natural beauty by kayaking in the Kangaroo River. Paddle through the serene surroundings solo or on a guided tour.
Indulge in a Spa Treatment
Sometimes we want to get back in touch with nature and other times we want to totally lose ourselves in pampering. When it comes to things to do in Berry, why not switch things up with a spa treatment? There are a few choices here, depending on how many of you there are and what you’re after. Check-in with Lou Lou if you fancy the best of the best.
Things to do in Berry NSW: Stay
Berry View
For a slice of Palm Springs in the South Coast, a stay at the Berry View is a must. This new boutique hotel in the heart of Berry is a retro step back in time and features 13 well-appointed rooms, ideal for a girls' trip. The Berry View provides the perfect combination of scenic locale and uber-stylish interiors where you can get lost in the ultimate hillside escape.
180 Queen Street, Berry
Drawing Rooms of Berry
The Shoalhaven escarpment forms the backdrop to four stylish self-contained lodges. Tucked away on beautiful acreage, all the lodges at the Drawing Rooms of Berry are designed differently, but each one is fitted out with all the mod cons you and the girls will need. Plus, a much-welcomed sense of privacy.
21 Wattamolla Road, Berry
Circa 1890
A classic period cottage with a picket fence is the holiday house to rent in Berry. Not only is Circa 1890 steps from Berry’s foodie scene, but it also sleeps up to six adults across three double bedrooms. It has a country kitchen, open fire, private massage and treatment room and an outdoor entertaining area.
68 Queen Street, Berry
The Berry Inn
Once working stables, the building has been transformed into the gorgeous Berry Inn. Situated in the middle of town, this hotel is the king of convenience. They offer different room setups such as the traditional suite, two-bedroom apartment, and family suites. With its winning location, you never have to compromise on things to do in Berry.
17 Prince Alfred Street, Berry
Berry is by far, one of Sydney's most loved weekend getaways. And it really is easy to see with so much going on from the charming village to the must-visit foodie spots. Get to know everything there is to know about this suburb, and if you have enjoyed our round-up of things to do in Berry, then be sure to check out our guide to the Hunter Valley. After that, why not have a look at our round-up of the best road trips in NSW?
