Berrima Courthouse stands next to the imposing facade of the Berrima Gaol and overlooks the historic village of Berrima
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Historic Berrima Village
What remains of the past is giving the Historic Village of Berrima its future as thousands of visitors continue to discover the charm and antiquity of Australia’s best-preserved colonial Georgian village.
Berrima was established in the 1830s during a time of great exploration and strange adventures as the then expansive state of New South Wales underwent massive change from its inception as a penal colony to a rural settlement. It was a time when Australia began its march towards nationhood.

Through Berrima’s busy streets and country lanes paraded a raw and riotous collection of early nineteenth century inhabitants. But the town soon became a backwater as the main rail line bypassed Berrima in favour of Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.

This has been viewed by the village today to be its saving grace, not its demise, as its lack of ambitious development has given us something, which we otherwise could have lost forever.

Australia Day in Berrima - The Grand Procession
Australia Day in Berrima
The Grand Procession
In 1829 Major Mitchell the surveyor general camped on the banks of the Wingecarribee River
Major Mitchell

In 1829 Major Mitchell the surveyor general camped on the banks of the Wingecarribee River just near the site of the present bridge while surveying for a new road. He advised governor Bourke that this would be an ideal site for a new town.

Berrima was planned to be the seat for the county capital of Camden on the English style. Every day bullock carts drays and carriages would pass through on there way to and from Sydney.

The town prospered with all this passing traffic and at the time had fourteen hotels in or near the town and the population rose to over 500.

Berrima in the 1840s was a reasonably affluent town with a variety of sandstone and brick houses of which many stand to this day. However with the building of the railway, which bypassed berrima, the town prosperity fell away and time stood still for almost a hundred years.

Today the visitor is warmly welcomed to this historic and thriving village. With only a 90 minute drive from Sydney one hour from the Illawarra and two hours from Canberra, Berrima is well positioned to embrace all who take the time to visit this unique part of our nation's heritage.

For the first-time visitor, historic Berrima is best experienced by taking a walk around the village, followed by a walk along the river.

With some of the best shopping experiences in the Southern Highlands from food to fashion and special gifts, that walk could take some time, we suggest you park at the Court House for information and maps.
A glimpse inside the Berrima Court House Museum
A glimpse inside the
Berrima Court House Museum
 
 
Berrima Court House is built of hand-hewn sandstone 1810 -30
 
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