A weekend on a train in the Southern Highlands
The beautiful and chilly Southern Highlands had long been calling me, so I was VERY excited to finally go down for a weekend in wombat wonderland.
For anyone looking for a unique stay in the Southern Highlands, check out these charming converted trains in Redleaf Farm, bookable through Airbnb. Set in the middle of scenic farmland, these quirky carriages are surrounded by paddocks and a Noah’s Ark of farm animals. Peacocks strut around freely, the squawking of poultry is constant, and the resident donkey, Hector, lives just out front.
Antique meets chic in these 1920s carriages, which retain their old-fashioned wooden interiors and train compartments for a cosy, authentic feel. Our carriage had a small kitchen & dining area, three (small) bedroom compartments and an outdoor deck looking out over beautiful farmland. With virtually no internet coverage and a small bathroom with limited hot water supply, a weekend here guarantees a rustic, eco-friendly experience complete with a digital detox. Our only neighbours were the highland cows in the adjacent paddock and we awoke each morning to the sound of roosters losing their shit. Suffice to say Redleaf Farm is authentically free range.
The ‘secret’ oasis and waterfall in Redleaf
About 200 metres from the cabin is a secret waterfall, right next to a children’s play area nestled in the bush (which also happens to be a wombat hotspot, though sadly we didn’t spot any that day – wahhh). This beautifully serene waterfall vista was truly a delight to discover!
The best place to see wombats in the Southern Highlands
It’s perhaps no secret that the best place to see wombats in the Southern Highlands is Bendeela Recreation Area, a campsite and picnic ground on the banks of the Kangaroo River. The elusive burrowing marsupials are locals of this campsite and while mostly nocturnal, they’re often seen throughout the day – particularly early in the morning and at dusk.
We arrived at around 3pm and were disappointed not to see any straight away since I’d heard wombats were so plentiful here. I was expecting to be basically tripping over them. After about fifteen minutes of forensic wombat searching, mindful of the fact we’d soon have to drive back to Sydney, I was quite devvo and resigned to the reality of going home without having seen a single one. But when I heard a suspicious rustling noise coming from the bushes, I suspected I was in luck. Sure enough, the cute and fluffy barrel-like creature was sitting right outside his burrow, chomping on some grass. Needless to say, I left Bendeela very content with having seen one of Australia’s ‘big five’ up close in the wild. Yay.
I hope to return here one day for a camping trip as it’s a beautiful riverside spot.
A visit to Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls is the main sight to see in the Southern Highlands. Head to Fitzroy Falls look-out for the best view of the falls plunging dramatically over a steep escarpment into the valley below. It’s also the starting point of many a bush walk.
Exploring Bowral
The cute town of Bowral is roughly a 20-minute drive from Redleaf and worth a visit – if not a whole weekend. Home to wineries, boutique shops and quaint architecture, this historic, colourful place has an English country town feel. For those who like cooler climate wines, Bowral’s wine is for you.
Looking for a short stay in the Southern Highlands? Check out Redleaf Farm’s converted trains. This unique retreat offers an authentic taste of farm life while being affordable and close to all the spots that make the Southern Highlands great.
Your carriage awaits!
Edgy Satsuma 