It started as a convenient location

We initially moved to the Southern Highlands as it was a convenient location between Sydney and Goulburn, offering employment opportunities. It also seemed like a nice place to raise children but as we didn't know anyone we were unsure whether we would stay.

20 years later we don't want to leave, having immersed ourselves in school and sport communities which led to life long friendships.

We also have the BEST neighbours who have become extended family members.

So for me the character of the place is very much about the friendliness of people who live here. But I also often stop to take photographs of the stunning natural landscape we are privileged to have nearby.

My favourite spots include:

• the top of Bendooley Hill on the Old Hume Highway where I can see across to the Blue Mountains and enjoy the changing colours of the sky and clouds
• a ridge of trees that are backlit by spectacular sunsets
• the lights of the Boral site at New Berrima - it looks like a space station :-)
• looking up to Oxleys Hill from outside Target in Bowral
• the stone huts on Mount Gibraltar
• convict hewn rocks
• our historic train stations
• roadside fruit trees
• rural views and vistas like the one below

PHOTO CAPTION: Sunset on Old Hume Highway, Berrima