The Southern Highlands has long served as a cool-weather escape for Sydneysiders, with historic hubs like Berrima and Mittagong offering a reliable dose of country charm. But it’s arguably Bowral that continues to draw the most attention, recently earning the top spot on Australian Traveller‘s list of the best country towns in Australia, thanks to its manicured gardens, antique shops, cosy eateries and charming main street. Just a stone’s throw from Sydney, it’s the perfect day trip with plenty on offer for all types of travellers. From browsing its many quality shops to spending an afternoon in nearby gardens and vineyards, here’s what to do on in Bowral on a weekend trip from Sydney.
How to spend a weekend in Bowral
As the largest town in the region, Bowral is packed with enough variety to fill a weekend and while it serves as a year-round destination, it is arguably at its most impressive during autumn and winter with vibrant seasonal foliage around town and cosy fireside dining options and shops to explore. Start your weekend with a walk through the town center to take in the heritage shopfronts and lush gardens. A visit to Dirty Janes is a staple for a reason; the massive vintage warehouse features a diverse variety of stalls filled with everything from antique furniture to local crafts, and it can easily take up an entire morning.
From there, Corbett Gardens remains the focal point for anyone chasing the region’s autumn colour. While best known as the home of the Tulip Time Festival in spring, it’s just as appealing in the cooler months, for a quieter walk or picnic without the crowds. For a dose of local history, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame sits next to Bradman Oval, offering a look at the town’s connection to the game and its famous resident.
Elsewhere, as Australia’s oldest continuously running regional cinema, the Empire Cinema offers a more old-school alternative for cinephiles, while bookshops like The Bookshop Bowral and Berkelouw Book Barn are worth factoring in if you’d like to stay indoors on a cold day. A 20-minute drive leads to the dramatic drops of Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls in Morton National Park, while the Ngununggula Regional Art Gallery is a recent addition to the town’s cultural scene showcasing significant contemporary exhibitions in a heritage setting.
Where To Eat And Drink In Bowral
Bowral packs a punch with its stellar mix of cafes, bakeries and restaurants. For breakfast, The Press Shop remains a staple, operating out of a heritage shopfront with a locally sourced menu, while the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie is a must for its pies and pastries. Harry’s on Green Lane is a local favourite, known for rustic cooking in a European-style space lined with books, while Raw & Wild Market & Cafe offers a more casual option with a focus on quality produce and consistently good coffee. For dinner, Onesta Cucina remains a reliable pick for Italian cuisine, while Hearth by Moonacres is a cosy spot with a focus on farm-to-table dining.
For a local shopping experience, visit The New Bowral Market at the Bowling Club on the second Saturday of each month for artisan crafts, fashion, food and plants. On the fourth Saturday, the Bowral Public School Market on Bendooley Street is the region’s largest, offering a mix of gourmet food trucks, local gifts and unique stalls. Read more about Bowral and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Bowral is a short and drive from Sydney, taking just around 1.5 hours via the M5 and Hume Motorway. If you’re using public transport, regular NSW TrainLink services run from Central to Bowral, with a journey time of roughly two hours. Once in town, the main shopping strip is compact enough to explore on foot. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
