Sutton Forest is a small historic village in the Southern Highlands, located approximately 5 kilometers south west of Moss Vale along the lllawarra Highway. This town is surrounded by beautiful farms and vineyards and is home to grand manor homes and estates. Today, Sutton Forest is a popular travel destination among visitors looking to explore the Southern Highlands. In the sections below, we have discussed the weather patterns in Sutton Forest and a list of the things to do in the area.
Sutton Forest Weather
Sutton Forest is one of the towns in the Southern Highlands that experiences an oceanic climate. This means that temperatures and rainfall are mostly moderate throughout the year. That said, July happens to be the driest and coldest month, while February is the wettest month of the year. The best time to visit Sutton Forest is during the months of March, April, October, November and December.Best Things to Do in Sutton Forest
When it comes to fun outdoor activities, there are several things to do in and around Sutton Forest. From exploring historic sites and cultural attractions to embarking on wine-tasting tours, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time and create memorable experiences during your visit.Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
One of the best ways to explore Sutton Forest is to plan a wine-tasting and vineyard tour since there are several winemakers and vineyards in the region. Some of the must-visit wineries include:Sutton Forest Estate Wines
The Sutton Forest Estate Wines, located on 21 Black Horse Lane, is a family-owned maker of boutique wines. This Italian-inspired winery specialises in premium tastes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Classic Forest White. The cellar door is open for tastings and daily sales. If you are visiting in a group, it's advisable to make a reservation.
Cherry Tree Hill Wines
This is a family-run vineyard and winemaker located along 12324 Hume Highway. The current owners have a history of wine-making that dates back several generations. Most of the grapes you will find here were planted in 2000, and the owners now produce some of the best and award-winning wines in the Southern Highlands. Cherry Tree Hill Wines cellar door is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.
Gardens and Natural Beauty
For nature lovers, Sutton Forest is home to gardens, nature reserves, and rivers that offer fun and engaging sightseeing opportunities. These include:Red Cow Farm
This is a 2.5-hectare cool-climate farm located along 7480 Illawarra Highway. The farm features 20 garden rooms, which include a collection of rare perennials, old-fashioned roses, woodland, bog and a kitchen garden. Red Cow Farm is open daily from 10 am, and to 4 pm for tours and lectures.
Exploring the State Forests and Rivers
If you love the greater outdoors, one of the best places to visit in Sutton Forest is the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve, located 9 kilometres northeast of the town centre. This reserve is a mixture of wetlands and woodlands and offers the perfect opportunity to marvel at diverse flora and fauna. If time allows, you can drive for 15 more minutes northeast of Cecil Hoskins (around 10 kilometres) to Mount Gibraltar Reserve to enjoy bushwalks and birdwatching. You will also have a chance to soak in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
As far as rivers are concerned, there are two main ones you can visit. These are the Berrima River and the Wingecarribee River, located a 21-minute drive north of Sutton Forest. These two rivers offer fun activities such as leisurely walks along the riverbanks, picnicking, and a tranquil atmosphere for photo sessions and relaxation.
Golfing at Its Finest: Mt Broughton Golf and Country Club
Golf is one of the many sports enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Sutton Forest welcomes you to Mt Broughton Golf & Country Club, where you can showcase or advance your skills in the company of other golf lovers.This golf club is located in the heart of Sutton Forest, along Kater Road. It is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm and offers a full range of practice facilities. You can visit this golf club for a premium golf experience and for a chance to meet and make new friends.
Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
Among the many cultural attraction sites in Sutton Forest, here is a list of the most fascinating and must-visit destinations:Hillview, the Former Governor's Residence
This is a boutique hotel and sculpture park located on Old Illawarra Highway. The Sculpture Park is open on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm and showcases more than 100 art pieces.Heritage Buildings and Local History
Sutton Forest was one of the first colonial settlements outside Sydney, making it one of the few historic towns with many heritage buildings. Some of the heritage-listed sites include the Golden Vale Homestead and the Whitley Residence. These two sites were built more than 150 years ago and feature some of the most fascinating architectural elements.Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
This shrine is located at Penrose Park, a 12-minute drive Southwest of Sutton Forest. Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy is an important religious facility that was established in 1984. It is a Catholic veneration site of the replica of the Black Madonna of Częstochowa.
Sutton Forest's Restaurants & Cafes
A visit to Sutton Forest isn't complete without a mention of the top restaurants and cafés where you can stop by for a bite or refreshments. The most popular dining spots in the area include:Sutton Forest Inn
Sutton Forest Inn is a local restaurant that has been in operation since 1936. It is located along 7390 Illawarra Highway and is known for its warm reception and country vibe. Food served here includes barbecued corn ribs, pork cutlet, lamb salad, burgers, and sauces. The hotel also serves a variety of wines, such as White, Rose and Sparkling wines.Southern Highland Winery
The Southern Highland Winery, located along the Oldbury Road Corner in Sutton Forest, features a modern cellar door that's open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. This winery offers award-winning wines, Italian cuisine and a spacious wedding venue.Stays in Sutton Forest
Having explored the various things to do in Sutton Forest, it is time to highlight some of the best accommodation homes you can choose to stay in during your visit. Here are some recommendations:- Kerriendancer House, Sutton Forest. This is a spacious and pet-friendly home ideal for large groups or a family visiting Sutton Forest. It is located 2.6 kilometres south of Sutton Forest village centre and can accommodate up to 11 guests.
- Kerriendancer Estate, Sutton Forest. With five bedrooms across two separate dwellings, this guest house accommodates up to 15 guests. Free Wi-Fi and a fireplace are available, plus this is a pet-friendly property.
- Kerriendancer Cottage, Sutton Forest. This cottage features two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a fireplace and a lovely deck. The property is pet-friendly and offers everything you'll need during the stay.
