This short break from Sydney sees you leave the skyscrapers behind and venture into the countryside of the Southern Highlands, all heritage villages, vineyards and manicured gardens. The allures all unite in Berrima, the best-preserved Georgian town in Australia – look no further than its convict-era sandstone gaol. Despite its gloomy history, the building is awfully pretty to look at. All this touring is hungry work – thankfully, a barbecue lunch awaits on the grounds of working cattle and sheep farm Gold Creek Station, where you’ll learn about life on the land from someone who works it every day. Speaking of working hard for the money, 10,000 people spent years constructing Parliament House, the architecturally eye-catching seat of the nation’s government that was constructed largely from Australian materials. You are free to wander the grounds or delve into politics on a self-guided tour.

Staying in:

• Crowne Plaza Canberra (1 night)