'I just found a slice of Tuscany only 2 hours from Sydney that's the perfect weekend road trip.'

Let's rewind for a second to October of last year.

There I was, not so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, approaching full-blown burnout after a veeeery long break between holidays.

Not counting a failed "off-grid" birthday weekend excursion that lasted less than 12 hours — (cut short by a naughty pet and the sobering realisation that ADHD types do not thrive when plunged straight into the bush without a plan or Wi-Fi) — my partner, Corrie, and I's last break together was around a year prior.

To put it simply, we were approaching holiday desperation. So, I started scouring accommodation apps for easy weekend away options, searching for something, anything, that would scratch the holiday itch without breaking the bank.

In a miracle, I stumbled upon a great deal on a cosy spot in New South Wales' Southern Highlands region. By 4.30pm on Friday the day we were set to check in, the bags were packed, the playlist was ready and we hit the road toward somewhere that promised sunshine, laughter and good food we could share.

Before the adventures. Image: Supplied.

And just like that, our whirlwind 36-hour Southern Highlands trip was born.

It proved to be a pocket-sized escape packed full of relaxation, indulgence, pizza — and a proposal.

What to know about the Southern Highlands.

The Southern Highlands is just a two-hour drive southwest of Sydney, and is a lush region of rolling hills, historic towns and picturesque countryside.

It's known for its boutique wineries, charming villages like Bowral, Mittagong and Berrima, and a vibrant food scene.

Visitors can explore art galleries, gardens, and local markets, or simply relax in cosy accommodation, enjoying farm-to-table dining, local wines, and the slower pace of country life.

It's a haven for weekend getaways. But with so many options on the doorstep, knowing where to go when time is short can be a challenge.

All too often, visitors can fall into the trap of over-cramming their itineraries and walk away more overwhelmed than when they started.

This is where we went — and it's safe to say we will be going back again.

Where we stayed.

We opted to stay at Mittagong Hotel and paid a total of $400 for a room for two nights.

Mittagong is the more relaxed spot to stay for a Southern Highlands getaway. The town is quieter and just a seven-minute drive from the busier hub of Bowral, which gives visitors the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings with easy access to shops, cafes, and attractions.

Accommodation also tends to be more affordable here and far less crowded.

Our option, the Mittagong Hotel, is a local icon with a rich history dating back to 1890, when publican Tommy Morris opened the original 'Exchange Hotel' on the main street.

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Today, it offers a mix of dining options — from a family-friendly bistro to lively bar spaces and a charming outdoor courtyard.

Given that we arrived around dinner time, it took the stress out of choosing where we were going to eat.

Where to eat (and just as importantly, drink).

Now to the important stuff.

Day 1: Pizzas and proposals.

The first stop on our itinerary was Artemis Wines, a family-run winery, in Mittagong. We had visited once before in 2021 and were highly impressed with it, so we had always wanted a return visit.

Words can't do this place justice, but I will try. We arrived mid-morning and started our visit with a dangerously civilised wine tasting. As I learnt about how each wine was produced, I could feel myself unwinding in real time.

Artemis' Cellar Door experience. Image: Supplied.

Then came lunch.

What makes Artemis truly magical is they offer wood-fired pizzas on their lawn that somehow taste like they've been flown directly from Italy. There are other food trucks too, but I will be honest, we will always beeline straight for pizza.

Sitting on the green grass, under sunshine, wine in hand and pizza is a sure-fire recipe for relaxation.

It may be the pizza talking, but Artemis Wines is heaven on earth. Image: Supplied. Artemis Wines.

One bite of the crispy, smoky crust with melted cheese and the scattering of fresh toppings — it's heaven.

The surprises didn't stop there, however; just before we left, my partner popped the question in the rolling vines (I said yes!), and we were gifted with a bottle of sparkling.

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The next stop on what was shaping up to be a very memorable holiday was Pepper Green Estate, an olive farm and winery tucked in the picturesque town of Berrima.

This town defines the word picturesque with its charming stone buildings and parks.

We were ushered through their gorgeous rust-coloured building into their wine cellar, where we sampled more stunning wines (trying not to look too obvious during our second round of tasting).

We also walked away with two batches of quality olive oil (an essential purchase for any food lover).

Next stop on our wine journey was Pepper Green Estate. Image: Supplied.

By the time we left Pepper Green Estate, I was a little bit buzzed and officially convinced that the Southern Highlands is a magical place designed to fix burnt-out humans like me with nothing but sunshine, wine, and olive oil.

The evening found us at Eschalot, an award-winning fine-dining restaurant housed in a heritage cottage in Berrima.

If Artemis Wines was the warm-up, Eschalot was the main event, complete with a food symphony that played with fresh and seasonal produce.

We had dinner at an award-winning restaurant in Berrima; Eschalot. Image: Supplied.

Their creative dishes celebrated local ingredients, open-fire cooking, and were hearty and comforting.

It was the kind of dinner where calories don't count and time doesn't exist.

Day 2: The final hurrah.

Morning arrived too quickly (as it always does on holiday), but our agenda was clear: more indulgence.

Bendooley's Estate in Berrima offered the perfect spot for brunch, and by brunch I mean something that absolutely justified a second glass of wine before noon.

Bendooley's Estate in Berrima. Image: Supplied.

Yes, one of us (not me) ordered more pizza. Image: Supplied.

The estate is a masterpiece of elegance-meets-relaxation. Picture sweeping architecture, beautiful gardens and food so good you temporarily consider ordering a second breakfast/brunch. The menu leans hearty and rustic.

We had a two-course brunch here before setting back on the road home.

The takeaway — and final tips.

The Southern Highlands might be just a two-hour drive from Sydney, but in 40 hours, it reminded me that you don't need a month-long vacation to recharge.

Sometimes, all you need is a well-timed deal on accommodation, a sense of adventure and a commitment to eat and drink everything in sight.

As we drove back home, slightly sunburnt, definitely wine-buzzed and fully food-comatose, I realised something profound: burnout is temporary, but the memory of wood-fired pizza on a sunlit lawn? That lasts forever.

A word to the wise: Ubers and cabs in the region can be hard to get, so it's best to set off early and grab the number of one or two drivers as you venture forth. We almost encountered a long wait in leaving Artemis, as trying to get a ride-share proved unsuccessful. We were lucky in the end, as we grabbed a cab that was dropping someone else off.

My final tip?

The Southern Highlands is made for slow, indulgent exploration, so don't rush it. Book your wine tastings and meals ahead of time, and resist the temptation to cram too much into your short getaway. Give yourself the space to linger— sip the wine, sniff the olive oil, and soak up the atmosphere at each location.

After all, half the joy is simply being present in such a beautiful, relaxing part of the world.

Feature image: Supplied.