Gardens

Jun/July 2025

Gardens never stand still, including ones as impressive as the hillside garden at Pepper Tree Creek in East Kangaloon. Kathy and George Sartorel, who bought the property in 2019, tell FRANCES SIMONS how they have taken their tiered and varied garden to the next level.

Gardens

Apr/May 2023

When former politician John Sharp bought a luxury Exeter estate in 2017 its landscaped gardens were part of the attraction, but they’ve proven to be just a launching pad for his grand vision. FRANCES SIMONS visits Thenford Lodge, one of the Highlands’ most remarkable gardens.

Gardens

Oct/Nov 2023

Over 40 years, a beautiful garden has grown up around Berrima’s Harper’s Mansion, adding much to the appeal of the National Trust property. November is the best month to enjoy its heritage roses, but attractions also include heirloom camellias and a hedge maze. FRANCES SIMONS visits a garden loved by visitors and nurtured by volunteers.

Gardens

Oct/Nov 2022

Tim and Patricia Copes, former owners of the traditional Highlands garden Prittlewell, took a remarkable gardening turn when they bought a bog-prone block in Burradoo. They show FRANCES SIMONS how working with the site and using grasses – including artificial grass – has led to a stunning prairie style garden.

Homes

Dec/Jan 2026

An 1886 house in a rambling five acre garden instantly appealed to Collette Dinnigan, who has since transformed her Bowral property into a welcoming country retreat. Collette tells MELISSA PENN about renovation and design tricks she used to create her enchanting home and garden.

Homes

Apr/May 2025

A renovated 1880s slab and bark cottage in Berrima attracted Jan and Ross Porter at first sight – and 10 years later it continues to inspire stylish changes and additions. Jan shows MELISSA PENN her beautiful house and garden, where French country house meets bush Australiana.

Homes

Jun/Jul 2024

After buying a grand 1920s Bowral property, the owners decided the house and garden could have a far better connection. They called in the experts and undertook a complex renovation, moving almost every window. MELISSA PENN discovers the design ideas behind a stunning house and garden revamp.

Homes

Feb/Mar 2022

Contemporary, fresh and beautifully designed – Catalina in Burradoo ticked all the boxes when Andrew Parker saw it for sale in 2019. He’s since upped its environmental credentials, and put his own touch on its interiors. He shows MELISSA PENN a practical home with a party spirit.

Then and Now

Oct/Nov 2024

The first steam locomotive to bring passengers to Moss Vale rolled into the fledgling township in 1867. More than 150 years later, when ‘The Picnic Train’ approaches Moss Vale, its distinctive steam whistle blows loudly announcing the arrival of rail enthusiasts and families on a nostalgic journey to the Southern Highlands.

Then and Now

Dec/Jan 2025

Dancing to the strains of a jazz trio in the ballroom, guests at the opening festivities of the Hotel Robertson in November 1924 were treated to a lavish introduction to what was claimed to be ‘the premier country hotel in the Commonwealth’ as it celebrated its Centenary. After several name changes over the decades, this icon of the Southern Highlands was reborn as a stylish country retreat, The Robertson Hotel, in 2014.

Then and Now

Apr/May 2024

The main street of Bundanoon has changed little over 100 years: a string of shops and cafes facing the railway that brought droves of holidaymakers and honeymooners during its tourist heyday between the wars. In recent years, the town has seen an upturn in tourism and has blossomed as a most desirable place to live.

Then and Now

Aug/Sep 2025

In September each year, Corbett Gardens in Bowral is transformed from a peaceful park into the centrepiece of the Tulip Time Flower Festival, when over 50,000 visitors view the 80,000 tulips and thousands of annuals that burst into bloom over the three weeks of festivities.

Then and Now

Feb/Mar 2026

When it closed in 2020, Berrima Gaol was the oldest operational correctional facility in Australia. For more than 180 years, the formidable gaol had loomed large over the township and was once the most feared place of incarceration in the state. With redevelopment plans for the historic Berrima Gaol building making news, LINDA EMERY looks back at its history.

Classic Car

Dec / Jan 2024

The 3 Litre epitomises W.O. Bentley’s vision for a great car. Produced from 1921 to 1929, it brought an enjoyable driving experience and an air of racing pedigree, amassing two 24 Hours of Le Mans wins in 1924 and 1927. SAM CHARLWOOD talks to Barrie Young about his 1924 Bentley 3 Litre.

Classic Car

Feb/Mar 2022

Once the domain of upwardly mobile businessmen and politicians, the Buick Special made a name in the US via clever advertising and flash ornamentation. SAM CHARLWOOD talks to Geoff Dowe about his 1946 Buick Special Series 8/40.

Classic Car

Dec / Jan 2026

The Octavia first appeared in Skoda’s line-up in 1959. It was the eighth model launched by Skoda following the Second World War, and the eighth to feature independent suspension on all four wheels. SAM CHARLWOOD introduces us to Tracy Nickl and his delightful 1959 Skoda Octavia.

Classic Car

Dec/Jan 2022

Hollywood superstars and the world’s elite helped popularise the coveted Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Today, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is considered the Holy Grail of classic cars. SAM CHARLSWOOD talks to Karin Johnston about this delightful 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 Roadster.

Classic Car

Apr/May 2018

Holdens were part of daily life for Australian families for decades, and today many are treasured as classic cars. More than 169,000 FJs were built from 1953 to 1956, establishing it as Australia’s most popular car. Here JAMES COCKINGTON talks to John Glennon about his classic 1954 FJ Holden.

Homes

Feb/Mar 2025

For 10 years, architect/builder Darren Miller has been building the home that he and wife Natalie Miller designed for a stunning but challenging site in East Kangaloon. Natalie is also an architect and a renowned textile artist. They tell MELISSA PENN about their epic Grand Designs-worthy build.

Gardens

Feb/Mar 2025

In the decade since singer-songwriter Leo Sayer and Donatella Piccinetti moved to Berrima, Donatella has created a lush and lively garden using asymmetry, vibrant plants and surprise factors. “It is a really magical place to be,” Leo tells FRANCES SIMONS.