I’ll be honest: as someone who frequents the South Coast of New South Wales, I’ve often viewed the picturesque historical town of Berry as a stop-off along the way rather than the destination itself.
I always knew it was a charming place, perfect for a quick wander and a coffee, but I never really thought of it as somewhere to build a whole weekend around. That changed when I had the chance to stay at Mt Hay Retreat – a trip that turned out to be one of my favourite South Coast escapes yet.
Spending a weekend up in the hills above Berry, I experienced a side of the town I never had before. The views, the food, and the slower pace of it all combined into a genuinely memorable stay.
Where to stay
Nestled high up in the rolling hills of Berry, Mt Hay Retreat is the kind of place that makes you want to slow right down the second you arrive.
The drive up is an experience in itself. As you climb the mountain, you pass grazing livestock and increasingly beautiful views, before arriving to sweeping vistas of green rolling hills below, with the ocean visible in the distance.
Once you’re there, the calm is real – all you can hear is birds chirping, and you immediately feel at peace.
But it’s the suites themselves that really steal the show – huge glass doors and windows take up the entire back wall, opening onto a deck with an impressive outdoor bathtub and gorgeous views.
Inside, the suite is split over two spacious levels. Downstairs, the living room features a large couch, coffee table and TV – the perfect spot to sit with a book while enjoying the serenity.
Upstairs, a plush bed looks straight out over the view, with an equally big ensuite bathroom behind it, framed by full-length glass windows looking out onto its own enclosed private garden.
Best of all, there are only a handful of suites on site, so it never feels crowded with other guests.
There’s also a wharf and pond where you can feed the resident koi fish, a big swing overlooking the hills for an obligatory photo op, and an indoor pool and spa onsite for when you really want to relax and switch off.
And when the sun sets over the hills, it’s genuinely one of the most stunning views on the South Coast.
What to eat
Berry has an impressive food scene for a small town, and it’s easy to eat your way down the main strip.
Start the morning with a rich and comforting hot chocolate from The Berry Chocolatier, or swing by Milkwood Bakery for their impressive range of both sweet and savoury pastries.
For something heartier, The Berry Hotel serves up a classic pub feed that hits the spot after a day of exploring, with generous portions and no-fuss comfort food.
Of course, no visit is complete without a stop at The Famous Berry Donut Van, a local institution that draws a queue no matter what time of day you arrive – for good reason. Their hot cinnamon donuts are definitely worth the wait!
Must-do activities
Berry offers something for every kind of person, whether you’re after a lazy wander or a full day of exploring.
Shopaholics will be in their element browsing the town’s main strip, which is packed with homewares and fashion stores worth losing an hour or two in. My personal favourite local gems were Candleberries and The Berry Tea Shop.
Wine lovers are equally well catered for, with gorgeous wineries like Mountain Ridge Wines and Silos Estate just a short drive away, perfect for an afternoon of tastings with a view.
And if you’re chasing a swim, the beach towns of Gerroa and Gerringong are close enough for an easy dip, offering a change of scenery without straying too far from your base.
Berry might have started off as a stop-off for me – but after a weekend like this, it’s officially a destination in its own right.
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