When it comes to weekends away in the Southern Highlands, Robertson probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind. However, those in the known love it for its sweet little high street and close proximity to all the major attractions in the region. It tends to be quieter than other villages and that’s something that always gets a thumbs up from us.
There’s so much on offer in Robertson from it’s famous eateries - you can’t go wrong with cheese and pie! - to incredible tree top walkways, waterfalls and pristine rainforest.
Here are all the best things to do in Robertson for the perfect weekend break.
The best things to do in Robertson
Robertson is a great place for a weekend away or just about close enough for a day trip, however you may find yourself realising you need more time as there’s a surprising amount to do. We went back a couple of times just to ensure we’d covered it comprehensively for you ;-)
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1. Walk up in the tree tops on the Illawarra Fly
2. Find the secret swimming spot at Belmore Falls
3. Have lunch at the Robertson Cheese Factory
4. Wander through the ancient rainforest at Minnamurra
5. Pick up some local crafts at the Robertson Country Market
6. Adventure to one of NSW’s most beautiful waterfalls
7. Admire the views from Warris Chair
8. Check out views at Jamberoo Lookout
9. Gorge at the famous Robertson Pie Shop
10. Be blown away by Fitzory Falls
11. Feel the magic of the secret glow worm colony
1. Walk up in the tree tops on the Illawarra Fly
We hike every single weekend and were still in awe on the Illawarra Fly. This series of tree top walkways offers a perspective like no other, with incredible birdseye views over the rainforest canopy.
It’s not just the rainforest you can see, but out to the ocean and rolling hills of the Illawarra region as well. You’ll cover 500m of elevated walkway before climbing up 106 steps (yes I counted!) to the top of Knights Tower for even bigger panoramic views.
During our walk, we were serenaded by lyrebirds below on the forest floor for over half an hour which really added to the atmosphere.
If you’re not familiar with lyrebirds they are sound mimickers and we heard them do a whole variety of sounds from kookaburras to whipbirds!
It’s not one for vertigo sufferers because the walkways do gently sway in the wind - everyone else will find that a lot of fun! Kids will also love all the little activities to do along the way, including a Gruffalo trail.
The cheapest way to book tickets is through Experience Oz, who offer discounted entry. You can check out their latest prices by clicking on the button below.
If you are wanting something more adventurous, then Experience Oz also offer a discount on the Zip Line package at the Illawarra Fly.
At the time of writing, the standard price is $75 when you turn up on the day, but Experience Oz are offering it for $67.50 when you book in advance. Click below to check their current availability.
If you’re looking to do something a touch more adventurous you can also zipline which is even higher than the tree top walkways!
We’ve written a full guide to the Illawarra Fly if you’d like more detail.
2. Find the secret swimming spot at Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls is an absolutely spectacular double drop waterfall which thunders down the mountainside into a lush green valley.
After visiting the lookouts we recommend leaving the crowds behind and heading to a secret swimming spot where you can bathe underneath a waterfall. It’s down a short (10 minute) un-signposted bush track which is an easy walk but can get muddy.
The secret swimming spot at Belmore Falls
The first time we saw this pool we couldn’t believe it. It’s like strolling into the pages of a fantasy novel. Dense forest, no one else around, and a perfect swimming hole.
Normally we recommend heading to waterfalls after heavy rain, but this one gets so powerful that it could be dangerous to swim in. You only want a moderate flow here as it really does get wild!
You can find the exact coordinates for the spot in this post. It takes just under 15 minutes to drive to Belmore Falls from Robertson.
3. Have lunch at the Cheese Factory
I add cheese to pretty much everything, so as soon as I heard that Robertson had a cheese factory, I was sold!
There’s a shop where you can taste and purchase a huge variety of cheeses, or you can head to the cafe to sample some for lunch.
There’s cheese platters, baked potatoes with cheese and cheese toasties, as well as a range of deserts. I went for the toastie and it was really good, although I could have had it even cheesier!
That might just be me though…..!
The food is a little on the pricy side, but it’s all quality ingredients like Kangaroo Valley sourdough bread and - of course - the fantastic cheese.
The cafe itself is also lovely with a little reading nook and a relaxed vibe.
4. Wander the ancient Minnamurra Rainforest
Whilst you do get to wander through a little rainforest at the Illawarra Fly, it’s not on the scale of Minnamurra, which is one of the most beautiful and accessible rainforests close to Sydney. We’ve been several times and most recently with my parents who were visiting from the UK, and we all loved it!
You’ll explore the ancient landscape of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, dense with Cabbage tree palms, hanging vines, strangler figs and hundreds of other incredible plants.
The vines sometimes drape across the paths in a bid to reclaim the territory! It’s a beautiful experience and if you visit on a quiet day you’ll hear only the sounds of the numerous birdlife and water flowing through the creeks.
There are hanging bridges and metal boardwalks which make the walk a breeze. Unless you want to visit the gorgeous Minnamurra Waterfall, which does involve a very steep path. It’s worth it though and there are benches along the way to take a break if needed!
The Minnamurra Rainforest has a $12 daily parking fee, unless you have an NSW parks pass. Minnamurra Rainforest is 40 minutes from Robertson town centre.
5. Pick up some local crafts at the Robertson Country Market
If you like local crafts and homemade food, then time your visit to coincide with the monthly market. The Robertson Country Market runs on the second Sunday of the month between 8.30am and 2pm (excluding January) and you’ll probably leave with something you didn’t expect to buy before arriving!
We finally timed it right and enjoyed wandering around and looking at the various handicrafts, as well as a few delicious produce stalls.
They also have bric a brac stalls and things like second hand books, which were really good value. Some stalls take card, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on you too.
You can find the market at The School of Arts Hall on 55 Hoddle Street. It’s really popular, but there’s a big field for parking opposite.
6. Adventure to one of most beautiful waterfalls in NSW
We know that there's already quite a few waterfalls on this list, but to be honest Robertson is pretty much the waterfall capital of NSW, so it's worth seeing several on your visit.
Gerringong Falls is the most adventurous option in the area, as even reaching the top of the falls requires a 8.5km walk or cycle, before you cover the last few hundred metres on foot.
Your reward is the chance to swim at one of the pools near the top of the falls, before having lunch at the magnificent viewpoint. The walk/cycle is pretty much flat the entire way, so it's a long but easy journey.
You can also take on the more full on 'trail' to the bottom of the falls where you can take a dip in the gorgeous swimming hole at the base.
You need experience for this one as the track is rough and un-signposted. We've put all our handy hints and tips, including the coordinates for the secret trailhead in this post.
Part of the scramble to the bottom
The falls from the top
7. Take a seat on Warris Chair
Warris Chair is one of my favourite lookouts in the area - not just because it has an incredible view, but because you can perch on the chair (which is a huge rock) and really soak up the gorgeous panorama.
I know this sounds lazy, but I always spend longer at viewpoints where you have a seat to enjoy the view : )
You can see the picturesque mountains of Budderoo National Park as well as part of Kangaroo Valley.
The walk through the bush to get there is just 1.2km return and it’s flat virtually the whole way.
There are other walks in the area and of course the spectacular Carrington Falls, which are just a few minutes drive away. We’ve got details on all the spots in this post.
It’s takes less than 15 minutes to reach Warris Chair from Robertson.
8. Take in the spectacular view from the Jamberoo lookout
The Jamberoo Lookout is just a seven minute drive from the Illawarra Fly and close to Carrington Falls, so it’s well worth visiting in combination with these two attractions.
It’s an expansive view with the ocean in the distance and lush green countryside in the foreground, and if you time it right there will be no one else there!
We were lucky enough to get it all to ourselves which was pretty special. We didn’t make it out of bed in time but it would make a wonderful sunrise spot if you’re keen on photography.
9. Indulge at the famous Robertson Pie Shop
Yep, it’s another food stop, but really I don’t think anyone comes to Robertson and doesn’t sample one of their famous pies. It’s a Southern Highlands institution.
There are always a steady stream of cars and motorbikes pulling in no matter what time of day we’ve been past.
Joe rates the pies highly. I’m a veggie and there isn’t much choice for non-meat eaters so I didn’t love it, but it was still pretty good.
I’ve never heard anything but the highest praise for the pies here, so definitely give them a try and see if you think they’re the best in the ‘Southern Pielands’.
The pieshop is just before the turn off for Carrington Falls, Illawarra Fly and the Jamberoo Lookout, five minutes from the town centre.
10. Marvel at the dramatic Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls is the most famous of all the falls in the highlands and it’s a must visit. The waterfall and the valley setting are utterly spectacular and you can enjoy both from a number of different viewpoints.
The most visited lookout is just 150m from the visitor centre, but we’d recommended heading a little further along the West Rim Trail for a chance to see the entire waterfall - the first one only shows the upper falls.
If you’re visiting in spring you can also walk for just over a kilometre along the East Rim Trail which is good for wildflowers.
They flower slightly later than around Sydney, so if it’s of particular interest it’s worth calling the visitor centre to make sure they are in bloom - we visited in the second week of spring and they hadn’t come out yet.
We have a full guide to all the walking trails, plus which lookouts are worth the walk here.
Fitzroy Falls has a $4 daily parking fee (which had gone down since our previous visit when it was $7), so don’t be surprised if it goes up again! If you have an NSW parks pass you do not need to pay.
Fitzroy is just under 20 minutes from Robertson.
11. Feel the magic at a secret glow worm colony
If you're looking for Robertson's most magical experience, you'll have to wait for darkness to fall. Venture just 900m down an easy well-maintained path through a spectacular patch of rainforest and you'll discover a fabulous hidden glow worm colony.
The eagle-eyed will notice a few glow worms clinging to the riverbank before you even reach the grotto, which keeps the walk that little bit more exciting.
What makes the experience even more special is that it's not a spot that appears anywhere else online, so you'll probably have it all to yourself! All the details on finding the dell (which is located a 15 minute drive from Robertson) are in this post.
Getting to Robertson
Robertson is just over 140km from Sydney and takes around 1 hour 40 to drive to. It’s roughly 50km and 50 minutes from Wollongong. If visiting from Wollongong, check out our guide on the best things to do there.
You need a car to get to Robertson and tp get around as public transport between here and Sydney is a nightmare.
Where to stay in Robertson
Robertson Church Conversion - great for families/friends
If you love unique places to stay, the Robertson Church Conversion is a great choice. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s ideal for families.
The decor inside is spectacular with modern and stylish furniture and lighting, which are shown off by the high ceilings. The bathrooms are modern and luxurious and there’s a full kitchen, as well as a space to dine outside if the weather’s good.
Check the latest prices & reviews on:
Angel Place Robertson - great for couples
This is another church conversion - but it’s more affordable if there are only two of you as it’s just one bedroom. The decor is certainly unique with lots of paintings of angels and cherubs!
It’s a lovely large space, but it doesn’t have a full kitchen, so will suit those that are planning to have dinners out. It’s definitely a memorable option.
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What’s your favourite thing to do in Robertson? Any recommends for us? Let us know in the comments below!
