Fast facts
- Nestled in the shadow of Mount Gibraltar
- Famous for its country gardens and fields of tulips in spring
- 115 km south-west of Sydney, population 10,330
Why go there
Bowral has always been a fashionable holiday destination for Sydneysiders because of its combination of rural charm and comfortable facilities. The town's stunning private gardens, part of grand old estates, are a delight in spring and autumn when they are open to the public. Spring is tulip time while summer has fragrant roses and autumn, flowering bulbs. Bowral is a great place to shop for antiques, homewares, jewellry, arts and crafts. The Sir Donald Bradman Oval is one of the sacred sites of cricket.
History
The Bowral area was first explored by Europeans in 1798, in the very early days of Australia's European settlement. Expeditions to the area continued over the next 20 years, as the hunt was on for new grazing grounds outside Sydney.
The arrival of the railway in the 1860s encouraged development in the area and Bowral was proclaimed a town in 1863. In the early days, wealthy Sydneysiders built grand country homes with English-style gardens so they could enjoy the cool climate. Today, many of these homes survive, allowing new generations of visitors to enjoy the area.
Things to do
- Visit the Bradman Museum of Cricket at the Bradman Oval to learn about Australia's greatest cricketer.
- Horse enthusiasts can choose from a number of equestrian events – dressage, polo and polocrosse, held throughout the year.
- Enjoy outdoor sports – go flyfishing on the lake or tee off at one of the excellent golf courses.
- Discover quaint houses and gardens in Bowral's side streets.
Events
- Bowral Tulip Festival during September.
- Bong Bong Picnic Races in November.
- Autumn Garden Festival in May.
Don’t miss
- Centennial Vineyards Winery and Restaurant and Greenbrier Park Vineyard for their cool climate wines.
- The Bong Bong Picnic Races.
- The Bradman Museum of Cricket.
- Mount Gibraltar’s lookouts and easy walks.
- A spa treatment at the stately Milton Park Country House.
