The largest town in the Southern Highlands has grand colonial manors, elegant English gardens, a piece of Australian cricket history and wild forest reserves.
Bowral is a historic town at the foot of stunning Mount Gibraltar, famous for its reputation as a holiday getaway for the wealthy during New South Wales’ early settlement. Today, Bowral features several grand old buildings, stunning manor estates and beautifully maintained gardens.
Stroll along historic Bendooley Street to see heritage architecture dating back to the late 1800s. Observe magnificent double-storey manors and charming 19th-century cottages. Visit Corbett Gardens, located in the town centre. This stunning park showcases myriad displays of flowers throughout the year. See pretty bulb flowers blooming in autumn and a breathtaking mass of tulips flowering in spring. Find out which grand manor is hosting an open garden session and visit some of the charming estates dotted throughout Bowral.
Sit down for a cup of coffee or a glass of regional wine at the heritage Grand Hotel, built in 1888, a traditional colonial establishment with wide awnings. Visit the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, which illustrates the history of the game and honours famous cricketers throughout history. In the warmer months, watch a local match on Bradman Oval.
Grab a bike and ride from the town centre to a pretty trail running alongside the Wingecarribee River. Bushwalkers can explore the exciting trails around the Gibbergunyah Reserve or climb to vantage points at Bowral Lookout, Mount Jellore Lookout and the Mount Gibraltar peak. Bowral has two public golf courses.
Visit in September for the annual Wingecarribee Arts & Crafts Fair and Bowral’s famous Tulip Time Festival. In May, catch the Southern Highlands Antique Fair, the Autumn Garden Festival and the Classical Jazz & Ragtime Festival.
Bowral is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and can be reached on the Southern Highlands Railway Line in 2.5 hours. Select from a wide variety of accommodation options, from a resort to casual private lodgings. With quaint open gardens to year-round sports and museums, Bowral has interesting attractions at any time of year.