Things to do in Berry, New South Wales

Don’t worry too much about things to do in Berry – it’s a tourist town made for mooching. You visit Berry because it makes a good weekend break from Sydney, on the Princes Highway between Wollongong and Nowra.

Australia has several towns that are unashamedly pitching at the tourist market. Montville on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is all fudge shops and cafés climbing a hill. Victor Harbor in South Australia overdoses on the quaintness of its horse-drawn tram. And Central Tilba in New South Wales teems with cutesy shops.

Berry in New South Wales is very much in this category. Slightly inland from the South Coast, on the Princes Highway between Wollongong and Nowra, Berry is 143km south of Sydney. That makes it just under two hours’ drive.

For anyone living in Sydney, that puts Berry into the charming weekend break category. For anyone travelling between Sydney and Melbourne on the coastal route, it’s a feasible overnight stay.

Things to do in Berry, NSW: Heritage buildings and shopping

Much of Berry’s appeal comes from its well-preserved heritage buildings, such as the Greek Revival-style 19^th century courthouse. But it’s not about specific attractions or things to do in Berry – this is the sort of place designed for mooching.

Berry has the most bewildering array of shopping. However, the number of things that are actually useful in this small New South Wales town can be counted on one hand.

For some unknown reason, any Australian that has ever dreamed of selling something of such narrow interest that there isn’t possibly a market for it has descended on Berry, and they are thriving.

A ramble down Queen Street is quirkily endearing. You can buy sundials, cuckoo clocks and lizards made out of recycled metal. Or a ceramic biscuit jar in the shape of an elephant in high heels, sitting on an armchair. Shopping in Berry is not exactly functional.

Wineries and pubs in Berry, NSW

There are a couple of pubs in Berry, too. The Berry Hotel is more food-focused, while the Great Southern goes for character. Expect a bizarre assortment of seats – from those stripped out of an aircraft to saddles – and loud metal music blaring from the jukebox.

Charming Berry accommodation options include the Berry Village Boutique Motel and the Mt Hay Retreat.