Festivities at Berrima over the last 10 years have grown to be one of the Southern Highlands’ premier tourist events, with visitor numbers in the thousands each year and on the increase.

Among the attractions is the location, as no other village in the Highlands can lay claim to a more historic and picturesque backdrop in which to celebrate Australia’s national day.

Organiser Colin Gelling said he had seen the numbers grow every year even though Australians are normally laid back about demonstrating their pride and national identity.

With over 60 market stalls (local and interstate) and entertainment for all the family (grand parades, vintage cars, fire engines, fresh produce, face painting, etc), there is literally something for everyone.

The atmosphere is one of a real Aussie family day out with a bit of patriotism and pride in our country thrown in for good measure, Mr Gelling said.

The official part of the day starts at the Historic Berrima Court House Museum at 9.30am, where Mayor Duncan Gair will present the young citizen and citizen of the year awards, and induct new Aussies in the citizenship ceremony.

This is followed by an address by the shire’s Australia Day Ambassador, Highlands historian Linda Emery, then its tea and lamingtons for all.

People are then free to hunt for that allusive piece of craft in the market square or in the more traditional shops around Berrima.

All the old favourites are back, including the dedicated and popular Kids Corner (opposite the main stage).

Jeff Patterson’s amusements will feature dodgem cars, two jumping castles and two merry-go-rounds, while Malcolm Dowling’s Farmyard Nursery is sure to be a crowd pleaser, with children allowed into the compound to pat the animals and have photos taken by mum, dad, or even the grandparents.

Kid’s Corner also has swings and slippery dips and provides shade for the bigger kids as they take a little rest from all the Australia Day excitement.