Resplendent in the heart of the picturesque Southern Highlands, Bowral is a popular day trip destination for those who want a break from the daily pressures of life in Sydney and Canberra.
Reached via a 90-minute drive from either city, the town is a fantastic year-round destination that immediately captivates with stunning blooms in the spring and eye-catching foliage in autumn.
It is particularly popular with foodies and oenophiles who flock here in droves to immerse themselves in the region’s noted culinary and wine scene.
At the same time, cricket fans from all over the world make a pilgrimage to Bowral to pay homage to its most famous son, Don Bradman, who lived here during the early part of his life.
While, another famous ex-resident, P.L. Travis, (who famously wrote Mary Poppins), attracts plenty of bookworms keen to see the statue that honours her in town.
Throw in plenty of historic buildings, a fantastic selection of boutique shops and close proximity to one of the most iconic bookshops in the country, and you’ve got a travel destination that you’ll quickly fall in love with.
If you are visiting the town for the first time, here are ten of the best activities, sites and attractions to add to your itinerary.
1. Stay at a country estate
Back in the late 19th century, Bowral was a very fashionable summer retreat for the rich gentry folk of Sydney. As a result a number of magnificent country estates were built.
Many of these exceptional properties are now offered as overnight accommodation for holiday makers and visitors to the town, so if your budget can stretch to it, I highly recommend you book in to one.
Seamlessly fusing period and heritage charm with contemporary luxuries, many of these wonderful estates feature ornate gardens to stroll around, as well as outstanding onsite restaurants.
They also feature shared spaces with centrepiece fireplaces and recreational activities like tennis courts, billiard rooms and a croquet lawn. Not to mention the excellent standard of the bedrooms too.
There are a number of country estates to choose from, but some of the best include the Berida Hotel, Manor House, The Coach House at The Rift Estate and Peppers Craigieburn Bowral. So, pick one that takes your fancy, and get a sense of what life would have been like to live in them upwards of 150 years ago.
2. Have high tea at Dirty Jane’s
Dirty Jane’s tea salon is an institution in Bowral. It serves up a ‘must have’ high tea that is a feast, not just to your stomach, but also for your eyes.
Radiating a distinctly English aristocratic vibe, a visit here will see you treated to cups of Highlands Tea Company brews and a selection of pinwheel sandwiches – both served to you on exquisite bone china cups and plates.
Some of the delights you will be presented with include lavender, rose, white chocolate and cinnamon, and classic scones that come with lavish amounts of jam and cream.
Some of these options are even suitable for those who have a gluten intolerance. But if you plan to come here during the weekends, you will need to book ahead.
3. Visit a local winery
In terms of wine production, The Southern Highlands is fairly young when compared to the rest of Australia, with the first vines only going down in the 1990s. However its perfect temperatures and high elevation have quickly cemented its reputation for crafting exceptional cool-climate wines like Chardonnay, Pinto Noir and sparkling.
Now boasting some 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors, one of the best things to do in Bowral is visit a winery. There are plenty of great places to head to, most of which have cellar doors and excellent restaurants onsite.
I recommend the fabulous Bendooley Estate, which also features the flagship Berkelouw Book Barn, as well as the Joadja Estate which is the oldest winery in the region. The Tractorless Vineyard, which is a cool, urban cellar door in Braemar, about a 15-minute drive from Bowral, is also worth checking out too.
4. Enjoy the Bradman Sites
If you are an Australian cricket fan, you should know that Bowral was the hometown of cricketing legend and icon Sir Donald Bradman.
His achievements in the game and the history of the sport in general are highlighted in the fantastic Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame. So if you love cricket, you simply have to check it out.
Located in the picturesque Glebe Park, on the edge of the Bradman Oval, the museum is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bowral.
Presenting a number of excellent memorabilia items and fascinating interactive displays, it also tells the story, through a collection of exhibits of national significance, of the history of the game. Taking you on a journey from its initial origins and the first test match in 1877, through several world record breaking performances, and all the way to the inception of the Big Bash League.
For those who really want to discover more about ‘The Don’, the museum represents the start and finish point of a self-guided tour of ‘Bradman’s’ Bowral. It takes you to a number of historic sites that have significance to his life, including his childhood homes, schools and also church.
5. Browse the boutique stores
If you love browsing through quaint boutique stores, then one of the best things to do in Bowral is to go shopping!
One of your first ports of call should be the lively Green Lane precinct, which boasts a number of unique homewares and garden stores.
Here you will find The Orangery, which sells a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, as well as garden furniture and water features. It is also where The Potting Shed is located, with their eclectic mix of terracotta pots, charming garden ornaments and gardening tools.
Close by you will also find Dirty Jane’s Antique Market. Part of the same crew that serves up the fabulous high teas, this quirky outlet also showcases unique vintage pieces from over 60 independent furnishing, jewellery and ornamental retailers.
Just a stone’s throw from them, Arkke on Bong Bong Street is a fabulous concept store that offers a carefully curated range of designer accessories and clothing.
Other notable boutiques worth visiting include Cookshop Plus, The Bronte Tram and Barbara’s Storehouse for furniture and homewares. While Bookshop Bowral is a must for all bibliophiles.
6. Stroll through the beautiful Corbett Gardens
Bowral is known for its elegant gardens. While there are quite a few to choose from, the one which gets the most attention is the magnificent Corbett Gardens.
Situated right in the centre of town, these gardens are one of the oldest and most beautiful in the area.
Dating all the way back to 1911, the park was created after a suggestion by a lady called Ada Corbett to the local tourist association.
Boasting a massive display of tulips, and other colourful bulbs that emerge at springtime, perhaps the best time to visit Corbett Gardens is during the Tulip Time Festival. This takes place every year in September.
7. Check out the Mt Gibraltar Reserve
Taking the form of a collapsed volcano, Mt Gibraltar Reserve is the highest point between Canberra and Sydney.
Located on the fringes of town, it stands 863 metres tall and is surrounded by 130 stunning acres of restored natural forest, which makes it a lovely spot for bushwalking.
The 1.2 km Rim Track offers three lookouts which present a magnificent view of the surrounding area, along with plenty of scenic picnic areas.
If you do come here, be sure to bring your phone or camera. There are plenty of Insta-worthy shots to capture.
8. Enjoy dinner at Onesta Cucina
Ask locals what the best restaurant in town is, and the wonderful Onesta Cucina is sure to be regularly mentioned.
A very popular family-owned eatery whose name translates to ‘honest kitchen’, this fantastic establishment is somewhere you simply must visit for dinner.
Serving exceptional Italian food, this atmospheric venue features decor that includes vintage Campari posters and mood lighting.
The great thing about this restaurant is that the menu changes every day. So you can go there two or three nights in a row and have a completely different experience.
Whatever they present on the menu. It is always complemented with a thoughtfully curated international wine list.
