With so many gorgeous towns to visit in Southern Highlands, discover the best things to do in Robertson in NSW. Robertson is the art hub of the Southern Highlands, famous for a pie shop and a set location for major blockbuster movies. We’re going to share our favourite things to do in Robertson, so you can plan your next Sydney getaway here.
Whether you’re visiting Kangaroo Valley, Bowral or Berry, make sure you put Robertson on your list to visit as well. It’s a gorgeous part of NSW, we know you’ll love it too!
Where Is Robertson?
Robertson is in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Whilst it might not be as popular as Bowral or Kangaroo Valley, it packs a punch as being a gorgeous little town with plenty to do.
If you’re driving, it’s going to take around 1h45m to get there. Head down through Bowral on the way there and check out our 28 Best Things To Do In Bowral Guide first. Then make your way over to Robertson and back through the coast on the way home to Sydney.
You can take public transport to Robertson. Simply take a train and bus from Sydney and you’ll be there within 3 hours. We do however recommend hiring a car as you’ll be able to see much more than just the town.
Best Things To Do In Robertson
There are loads of things to do in Robertson. We’re going to share the best waterfalls, shops, places to eat and so much more!
1. Visit The Set Location From The Movie ‘Babe’
Remember the movie Babe? The one about the cute pig? The backdrop for the English countryside was filmed right in the heart of Robertson. To be honest, when we drove around, we couldn’t help but think how much it reminded us of England, in a lovely way. Go for a drive around (especially if you’re heading to Belmore Falls from Robertson) and enjoy the stunning views of the countryside.
READ OUR GUIDE: 18 Hollywood Movies Filmed In Sydney
2. Robertson Public House
The Robertson Public House has had a long history since it was established in 1887. Expect a gorgeous pub with character and a good pub food menu with pub favourites such as house crumbed chicken schnitzel and bangers & mash. It’s situated in the middle of town and is a lovely pub for a town of this size.
Address: Robertson Public House, 89 Hoddle St, Robertson NSW 2577
3. Visit The Robertson Pie Shop
The Robertson Pie Shop has become a bit of an institution in the Southern Highlands. No visit to Robertson would be complete without trying their famous pies. The line was long and I think the other Sydney day trippers must have known about this stop over on their Southern Highlands day trip. Were the pies good? Steve said he’s eaten better but it’s worth stopping off for the novelty.
Note – when we visited in April 2020, there was no branding outside of the shop. Simply follow Google Maps to get to the correct pie shop.
Address: Robertson Pie Shop, 4400 Illawarra Hwy, Robertson NSW 2577
4. Robertson Cheese Factory
Indulge in some of the best local produce in Southern Highlands at the Robertson Cheese Factory. With a cafe and produce store to choose between, sit and have homemade coffee and cake before you pick local cheeses, sweets and ice-cream to take home with you.
Address: Robertson Cheese Factory, 107 Hoddle St, Robertson NSW 2577
5. Visit The Big Potato
Home to potato farming, Robertson is a proud owner of one of the big things in Australia! The Big Potato aka ‘The Big Spud’ is part of around 150 unique ‘big’ sculptures dotted around the country. We love visiting the random big things, and although the big potato might not be the most exciting one, it’s hard to miss this sculpture which sits in the middle of town.
Address: The Big Potato, Illawarra Hwy, Robertson NSW 2577
Robertson Waterfalls
Robertson is all about the waterfalls! It’s home to some of the best waterfalls in Sydney! Make sure you stop by a couple of these special Robertson waterfalls and swimming holes when you visit the area. You can check out our full guide for the Best 13 Kangaroo Valley Waterfalls Guide here.
6. Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls is located just outside of Robertson and between Kangaroo Valley. The drive from Kangaroo Valley to Belmore Falls and onto Robertson is beautiful, and worth it alone. Whilst Belmore Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Southern Highlands, the impressive tiers is beautiful in itself.
There are a couple of viewing platforms and you’ll actually drive over the top of the falls too. You’ll probably see a lot of people at the bottom swimming, but be aware it is actually illegal to swim there. If you’re caught, you’ll be fined $450!
Address: Belmore Falls, Belmore Falls Rd, Wildes Meadow NSW 2577
7. Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls is an amazing waterfall in Robertson you need to make the effort to visit. The granite cliffs protecting the waterfall is absolutely amazing, we think it’s an incredible waterfall. Just don’t try to walk down to the bottom of the falls, it’s super dangerous and the track isn’t maintained by National Parks. In fact, you’ll have to do some rock climbing with ropes to even attempt it!
Address: Carrington Falls, National Park, 44-48 Hoddle Street Budderoo, Robertson NSW 2577
8. Nellies Glen
Even though hiking to the bottom of Carrington Falls is really dangerous, if you’re visiting Robertson on a hot day, we recommend popping over to Nellies Glen. This swimming hole in Southern Highlands is the perfect place to cool off without putting yourself or others at risk. You’ll see the signs for Nellies Glen next to Carrington Falls.
Address: Nellies Glen, Carrington Falls, National Park, 44-48 Hoddle Street Budderoo, Robertson NSW 2577
9. Blue Pool
Blue Pool at Carrington Falls is another swimming hole, located next door to the waterfall. As it’s just 50m from the car park and next to the Carrington Falls campground, it’s a fantastic way to spend the day in the heat of the summer. We saw loads of families swimming here as well.
Address: Carrington Falls, National Park, 44-48 Hoddle Street Budderoo, Robertson NSW 2577
10. Gerringong Falls
Whilst Gerringong Falls is an impressive waterfall, we recommend only going to the top of it. The bottom of Gerringong Falls is actually super hard to find (we tried to find it years ago!), and we definitely do not recommend trying to find it. To get to the top of Gerringong Falls, simply walk a long 8.4km return walk or take your bike like we did.
The walk isn’t particularly exciting as it’s along a fire trail. But the falls are amazing and it blows your mind how it’s not far from Carrington Falls and feels like a million miles away. Don’t get too close when you get to the top, there’s no fences to keep you safe.
Read Our Gerringong Falls Guides
11. Jump Rock At Macquarie Pass
Jump Rock at Macquarie Pass is a beautiful swimming hole in Southern Highlands region. Simply walk about 30 minutes, and you’ll come to this magical place. Be careful if you take kids with you! The drive down Macquarie Pass is absolutely beautiful as well!
Places To Visit Nearby
12. Jamberoo Lookout
When driving back to Kiama from Robertson, make sure you stop off at the Jamberoo Lookout. You’ll see a sign for it just before you pull over from the highway. We’re glad we stopped off because the view is spectacular. You’ll be able to see all the way to the coast, and even see as far as Wollongong in the distance.
Address: Jamberoo Lookout, Budderoo National Park, Jamberoo Mountain Rd, Budderoo NSW 2535
13. Illawarra Fly Treetop
As the official highest zipline tour in Australia, the Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour is a fantastic family activity, when you’re looking for things to do in Robertson. If swinging from trees on a series of elevated cable spans, opt for the tree top walk instead.
Address: Illawarra Fly Treetop, 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill NSW 2577
14. Minamurra Rainforest
Around the corner from Illawarra Fly Top is the beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest. Make sure you do The Falls walk, which will take you between 1-2 hours to complete the circuit. The highlight is seeing Minnamurra Waterfall on this Southern Highlands walk. You’ll be able to access viewing platforms at the top and bottom of the waterfall.
Address: Minnamurra Rainforest, 345 Minnamurra Falls Rd, Jamberoo NSW 2533
15. Jamberro Action Park
I remember Steve taking me to Jamberoo Action Park not long after I first came to Australia with him. We had so much fun here and loved the slides and floaties! Jamberoo Action Park is a fantastic day out for families in Sydney. If you’re looking for day trips from Sydney for families, this is the place to come to! Add on the Illawara Fly Tree Tours on top and you’ve got yourself a fun day out for the family!
Address: Jamberoo Action Park, 1215 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo NSW 2533
Best Things To Do In Robertson
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