Located in the Southern Highlands, roughly 2 hours South of Sydney, Exeter is a charming village that reserves Old English cottage houses. Known for its beloved local stores, buildings, and quiet streets, Exeter offers visitors a taste of rural NSW, from peaceful countryside walks to boutique shopping and a thriving local arts scene.
Best time to visit: Exeter is a year-round destination, beautiful in autumn’s golden foliage and winter’s crisp cool air, with temperatures ranging from 4–18°C, making every season an inviting reason to visit.
Notable Activities to Experience: Exeter is ideal for charming photoshoot, strolling through quiet streets. Travelers can come to Woodland Studio & Farm or Dawning Day Farms to visit the mid-week photoshoot haven with rustic rural backdrop. While staying, Leighton Gardens nearby is an ideal stop to bask in the beauty of nature and enjoy a meal while enjoying the atmosphere of Exeter.
Loading...
Exeter FAQ
What makes Exeter worth visiting in the Southern Highlands?
Exeter is filled with Old English architecture which invites visitors to slow down, browse its small collection of artisan and antique shops, and walk its heritage streetscapes. It pairs beautifully with nearby Burrawang and Moss Vale for a leisurely day of village-hopping through the Highlands.
What destinations in Exeter should every traveller visit?
Surrounded by the rural settings, Exeter surprises visitors with its wine cellar called Cherry Tree Hill Wines, which has earned a reputation for excellence among wine lovers far and wide. Besides wine tasting, visitors can come to local attractions such as the St Aidan’s Anglican Church and Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy.
What accommodation options are available for staying in Exeter?
Exeter offers a selection of high-quality boutique stays through The Holidays Collection, standing out with its surrounding lush green forests. Normandie Park delivers a refined country estate experience, while Yuruga offers a tranquil rural retreat ideal for unwinding in nature. Chislehurst provides elegant heritage-style accommodation perfect for couples, and Balangara rounds out the options with a beautifully private and spacious setting.
Is Exeter suitable for a family weekend escape?
Absolutely. Exeter’s peaceful village setting, beautiful countryside surroundings, and exceptional boutique accommodation make it one of the Southern Highlands’ destinations for family travel. Children can visit the farm and studio to have closer interactions with cattles, while adults can visit nearby wine cellars, while staying together at properties like Chislehurst or Yuruga through The Holidays Collection.
How to go to Exeter from Sydney?
Visitors can come to Exeter through a roughly 2-hour drive via the Hume Highway through Mittagong or Bowral. While there is no direct train service into Exeter itself, visitors can take a train to Bowral or Moss Vale and arrange a short onward transfer. Travelling by car is strongly recommended, as it allows you to explore Exeter’s countryside roads, surrounding villages, and the scenic route toward Kangaroo Valley at your own pace.
