![a street in bowral lined with cafes and antique stores](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/09151637/172347-109-1-1024x683.jpg)
From stunning natural wonders to pristine white beaches, national parks, and road trips NSW truly has it all. Among its wealth of offerings is a bevy of delightful small towns generously sprinkled around the state that offer something to all kinds of travellers. Packed with plenty of small-town charm, stunning landscapes, and an impressive food scene, these pint-sized destinations are unsullied by crowds and skyscrapers. From early spring well into winter, one of our favourite weekend destinations lies around the corner in the Southern Highlands. Heralded as one of the best towns in NSW, Bowral offers country charm with an upscale twist. Lined with bookshops, quaint eateries, and lovely gardens, the personality-filled town is an idyllic weekend escape with plenty for nature lovers, city-dwellers, and foodies. Here’s how to spend a cosy (and delicious) winter weekend in Bowral.
Bowral, NSW
Bowral has a blossoming food scene and offers a quintessential foodie getaway with charming eateries, historic inns, and snug cafes. Start your day at The Press Shop with a wholesome breakfast and excellent coffee. The atmospheric little shop offers fresh, sustainably sourced food and a seasonal menu. Other local favourites include the plant-filled and breezy Plantation Cafe and its next-door neighbour Harry’s on Green Lane, an airy and laidback spot with vintage art, old books stacked from floor to ceiling, and Parisian decor. Don’t forget to load up on chocolatey treats and baked snacks at Gumnut Patisserie, one of the busiest bakeries in Bowral, and for good reason. The award-winning spot has sister outposts in the neighbouring towns of Berrima and Mittagong and dishes out excellent pastries, pies, and homemade cakes.
Things to do in Bowral
Once you’ve fueled up adequately, it’s time to head out and make the most of the town’s offerings. Bowral draws a diverse crowd thanks to its eclectic offerings. From indoor activities like antique markets and busy bookshops to wild swimming spots, national parks, waterfalls in the vicinity, and countryside views, there is heaps to do in Bowral.
1. Visit the Corbett Gardens
It’s always a good time to stop and smell the flowers especially when the display is as photogenic as in the Corbett Gardens. One of the region’s oldest parks, this veritable floral paradise has tulips and vibrant springtime bulbs, shrubs, and lush trees. It’s the highlight of the giant Tulip Time Festival in Bowral and a lovely place to sit and soak up the rays on a cold day.
2. Chase waterfalls in the area
If you prefer being out and about, a short 35-minute drive from Bowral will bring you to Belmore Falls, a dramatic double-drop waterfall that cascades over cliffs and presents a stunning sight. It’s considered one of NSW’s most picturesque waterfalls so it’s a must-visit in the area. Also in the distance is Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park which drops 81m into the forest below.
3. Explore the Bradman Museum
One of Bowral’s most enduring claims to fame is that it was home to Australian cricketing legend Donald Bradman. For the unversed, Bradman is often judged as one of the finest batsmen of the 20th century and retired with an almost flawless batting average of 99.94. If you want to learn more about the local hero, head to the Bradman Museum and see an extensive collection of photos, memorabilia, audio and visual footage, and more commemorating the cricketer.
4. Stop by the antique stores
If hunting for antiques, Dirty Janes is your one-stop shop with a staggering variety of vintage goods. Step into the market and you’ll be transported to a bygone era with artisan-made homewares, jewellery, coffee table books, collectibles and so much more. The Bronte Tram and Grandpa’s Shed are other stellar stops if you’re looking for antique goods. Find more antique shops here.
5. Follow the Book Trail in Bowral
Did you know the Southern Highlands is Australia’s first booktown? There are enchanting places for bookish folk on every corner and Bowral, in particular, is lined with bookshops and cafes with books making it the ideal place for readers. Some to include in your list include the Berkelouw Book Barn, just 10 minutes from Bowral, The Bookshop Bowral, and the Pheonix Bookstore hidden behind Bowral Post Office.
6. Visit the Cherry Tree Walk
The photogenic Cherry Tree Walk is lined with 526 cherry trees, each as an ode to the men who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The walkway is a meandering 5km stroll and a lovely spot for a picnic.
7. Fill your bags at the local markets
More busy haunts in Bowral include its charming local markets which pack plenty of country cheer and local entertainment. The Bowral Market which is held on the second Saturday of every month is one of the most famous in the Highlands with stalls including fresh produce, plants, clothing and more. Another weekend market to check out is the Robertson Country Markets, just a 20-minute drive from Bowral, held on the second Sunday of the month.
8. Catch a show at Empire Cinema
Bowral is home to Australia’s oldest regional cinema and it’s still going strong. Empire Cinema has been operating since 1915 and has won multiple awards over the years. Movie buffs can enjoy the latest flick or watch something from the yesteryears at this superb local cinema. Catch what’s playing here.
The best time to visit Bowral
Bowral is enchanting any time of the year but we’re biased towards winter and spring for its blooming floral displays, cosy winter activities, and historical spots. Visit in September to see over 80,000 tulips in bloom or plan your visit in July and August for a romantic winter rendezvous.
Getting there
Bowral is easily accessible from Sydney, by road and by public transport. It’s located just a 90-minute drive from Sydney via M31 and you can also catch a direct train from Central Station to Bowral Station which would be around a 2-hour journey. From Bowral Station, you’ll just need to walk for about 5 minutes before you find yourself in the heart of the town. Read more about Bowral and find accomodation options here.