NSW is full of storybook small towns tailor-made for winter, from snow-covered Oberon to the pristine white-sand beaches of Huskisson, offering crisp sunny days perfect for coastal walks and exploring the nearby national parks. But if your ideal weekend involves lingering in bookshops, settling into cosy cafes for a sweet treat and browsing antique stores, there’s one Southern Highlands town that stands out all year round. Bowral has long been a favourite for a cold-weather getaway, with its quaint main street, stellar food scene and easy access to wineries, galleries and scenic countryside. Just a stone’s throw from Sydney, it’s the kind of place that’s best explored at a slower pace. Here’s how to make the most of a winter getaway in the country town.
Things to do in Bowral in winter
Packed with a distinct village feel and surrounded by some of the Southern Highlands’ prettiest landscapes, Bowral is small but full of charm, and one of the best things to do here in the cooler months is simply… to soak it all in. Start your morning with a wander along Bong Bong street, the town’s main thoroughfare which is lined with independent bookshops, antique stores, galleries, cosy eateries and boutiques all within walking distance of one another.
If you’re interested in local history, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame offers an insight into the life and legacy of Sir Donald Bradman through memorabilia, interactive exhibits and cricketing artefacts from around the world. Winter is also a great time to explore Bowral’s growing arts scene. Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands’ regional art gallery, presents a year-round program of contemporary exhibitions inside the historic Retford Park precinct, even hosting its annual Midwinter Festival with large-scale art installations, live performances and evening bonfire events.
If you’re keen to stretch your legs, Bowral is surrounded by a variety of rewarding natural wonders. A short drive leads to Fitzroy Falls, with viewing platforms overlooking the dramatic 81-metre waterfall plunging into Morton National Park. Closer to town, Mount Gibraltar offers a network of walking tracks and scenic lookouts across the Highlands, while the Cherry Tree Walk provides a peaceful route lined with hundreds of flowering cherry trees planted as a memorial. If you’ve got extra time, Bowral also makes an excellent base for exploring nearby villages like Berrima and Robertson, that offer the same winning trifecta of eritage streetscapes, boutiques and scenic countryside views.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Bowral’s food scene is every bit as impressive as its shopping, stacked with award-winning bakeries, elegant restaurants and fireside cafes. Start the day with a pastry from Gumnut Patisserie, a local institution renowned for its pies, cakes and buttery pastries, or settle in for brunch and excellent specialty coffee at The Press Shop. Other local favourites include Franquette Creperie for authentic French-style crepes, while Harry’s on Green Lane remains a staple for long lunches in its charming, book-lined dining room. If you’re after dinner, Hearth by Moonacres champions local produce with a constantly changing menu, while Bistro Sociale at Berida Hotel is a polished choice for European-inspired fare.
Bowral is also known for its shopping scene, with a number of antique stores and kitschy shops around town. Bespoke Letterpress draws visitors for its beautifully crafted stationery and gifts, while The Bronte Tram is a go-to for vintage items and homewares. A stop at Dirty Janes is essential, with the sprawling vintage market home to dozens of dealers selling everything from antique furniture and homewares to artwork, records and collectables. If you’re visiting on a weekend, time your trip with one of the town’s popular monthly markets. The Bowral Public School Market, held on the fourth Saturday of each month, showcases artisan food, fashion, homewares and fresh local produce, while the Centennial Vineyards Market is another excellent stop for handmade goods, gourmet treats and lush vineyard views. Read more about Bowral and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Bowral is around a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney via the M5 Motorway and Hume Highway. If you’re travelling by public transport, NSW TrainLink runs regular services from Sydney’s Central Station to Bowral, with the journey taking just around 1.5 hours. The town centre is a short walk from the station, and easy to explore on foot once you arrive. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
