Drive to Berrima

 During our numerous trips to Canberra, we've noticed the sign that read 'Historic Site Berrima' and thought we should visit there some time. After reading a blog post on Berrima, we decided we should finally make the trip. So on a slightly cloudy Saturday morning, we headed down to Berrima in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

Hazzy, all dressed up and ready to go

 After an hour and a half drive, we arrived at Berrima. It must've been the place to be on a Saturday because there were quite a lot of cars already parked in the small town. I thought we should fill our bellies before we embarked on our tour, so we headed towards the Surveyor General Inn. Established in 1834, it is the oldest continuously licensed inn in Australia . We had the usual bistro food; I had a large chicken schnitzel with salad and chips, while hubby had sausages with warm vegetables. Oh, and Hazzy had some cooked pumpkin and beetroot with bread brought from home. I liked the historic interior and lively atmosphere. Too bad we couldn't have a drink of beer because hubby was driving and I was breastfeeding.

The Surveyor General Inn, provides free creche for hubbies while you shop

 With our bellies all filled up, we started our tour at the Berrima Court House. They show you a short video of the history of Berrima and the courthouse which featured unusual 90's music and corny sound effects that made it quite entertaining, without it meaning to be. But it was interesting to learn about the history of this small town that started out with such high hopes 170 years ago but went downhill when the southern railway reached Mittagong but bypassed Berrima. The courthouse also had various light and sound features that enacted a trial from history that was quite fun but a little bit scary as well, because it was dark, cold with nobody else around. Beware if you are planning a visit during winter though. It's quite cold in there.

Berrima Court House, constructed with sandstone between 1835 to 1838

The slightly creepy trial enactment.

 Our next stop was Harpers Mansion, built by James Harper in 1834. James Harper was the son of convicts William Harper and Margaret Morgan. James Harper seemed to have been a well learnt man of considerable standing in the community, having been nominated to the District Council of Berrima in 1844. The house was built in Georgian style, and looked like something out of a Jane Eyre book. It has a small maze in the garden that was added later which was rather unique.

Exterior of Harpers Mansion

Interior of Harpers Mansion

Having fun in the maze behind the mansion

Hazzy, all bundled up

 After looking at some pretty shops and buying homemade blackberry jam, we thought we should head home. Although there were plenty more we wanted to see, it was getting cold and Hazzy hadn't slept a wink all day. Our short trip to Berrima reminded me that Australia was a country of second chances. Where ex-convicts could start over and build a better future for themselves and their family. Hopefully we can do another day trip to Berrima when the weather gets a bit warmer.