Travel & Leisure
30 October, 2026
Private garden opens for a good cause
Local residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore a spectacular private garden this weekend – and to support the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens at the same time.
Local residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore a spectacular private garden this weekend – and to support the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens at the same time.
‘Upper Woodlands’ near Berrima will be open to the public this Sunday (November 1) with all proceeds going to the community-owned Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens in Bowral.
Spanning more than three hectares, Upper Woodlands is beautiful, established country garden that featured in the newly released ‘Great Gardens Australia’ book.
Sunday’s open day (10am-3pm) will allow visitors to enjoy the property at their own pace or as part of a guided tour with garden owner Charles Moore.
Guided tours will run at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm, with Mr Moore offering insights into the garden’s features and development.
Places on each tour are limited to 10 people.
Garden entry is $20 per person, with children under 16 admitted free.
The optional guided tours will be an additional $10 per person.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and some chairs so they can fully enjoy the garden and the Southern Highlands at its Spring season best.
There will also be a plant stall on the day with plants propagated by volunteers from Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.
Upper Woodlands is located at 490 Woodlands Road in Woodlands.
Visitors are advised that dogs (with the exception of assistance dogs) will not be permitted.
The majority of the garden is accessible; however, many paths are uneven, with some steps and sloping areas.
The event will proceed in all weather conditions.
Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is a community-created, not-for-profit organisation developing a public botanic garden in East Bowral.
The organisation receives no regular council or government funding and relies on community support, donations, grants and fundraising activities to continue its development.
CEO Charlotte Webb said opening private gardens such as Upper Woodlands helped raise funds and awareness for the Botanic Gardens, while also giving visitors the chance to discover inspiring horticultural spaces across the region.
The Botanic Gardens opened in 2013 on the corner of Old South Road and Kangaloon Road.
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