What time is it, I hear you ask? It’s Tulip Time, as one of Australia’s oldest flower festivals bursts into bloom this September. Once again, it’ll offers Sydneysiders an ideal reason for a day trip to the charming town of Bowral, which will explode into colour when Tulip Time kicks off from September 12. A trip to Bowral comes with plenty of charming cafes, bakeries, and boutique shops, and the flower festival is the icing on the cake. Whether you’re plotting a weekend in the Southern Highlands, or eyeing up a superb spring day trip, this floral fancy is definitely one you need in your itinerary.
What to expect at Tulip Time festival
Tulip Time doesn’t do things by half: 80,000 tulip bulbs and other annuals are planted in intricate patterns in Bowral’s Corbett Gardens each year, resulting in a bountiful bloom when September and October roll around. Visitors are invited to wander the garden paths between the gently swaying tulips, admiring the colours and snapping pictures (but of course, not picking the flowers). In fact, tulip bulbs have been planted across the Southern Highlands, from resident’s front gardens, to place such as the Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre in Mittagong, and Leighton Gardens in Moss Vale, just to the south of Bowral. It’s known as the Tulip Trail, and should satisfy any desires for a springtime wander.
Back at the Bowral festival, you’ll also find plenty to entertain you besides the flowers. Around the edges of Corbett Gardens, you’ll find live music, art installations, market stalls, and a few roving performers to enjoy, whilst there are a whole host of weekend events running alongside the festival. They include – but aren’t limited to – sunset wanders at the gorgeous Retford Park, long lunches hosted by a local beekeeper, a tulip-inspired high tea in nearby Berrima, and the immersive Horiztonal Festival on October 4 & 5. Nearby Robertson is also well worth a visit.
Finally, last year’s popular Tulips After Dark event will return for 2025, albeit now at Millsheds Distillery & Bar, instead of in the gardens. On September 19, 20, 26, and 27, you can step into an Alice in Wonderland-inspired secret garden to find live music, artisan markets, and a family-friendly event on September 20. Tulips After Dark runs from 4-10pm, and is free to enter.
Dates, tickets, and entry times
Tulip Time takes place daily between September 12 and October 6, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Expect Saturdays to be the busiest; the festival runs until 6pm each Saturday, and many of the surrounding events are restricted to the weekends. You’re encouraged to book tickets in advance, and not just due to the demand – adult tickets are $18.50 online, compared to $20 on the gate. Concessions and youth tickets are available, and kids under 12 go free. Find them, along with more info, on the website.
How to get to Tulip Time
Corbett Gardens is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Sydney via M31. You could also take a direct train from Central Station to Bowral Station, which would be a 2-hour long journey and then head to Corbett Gardens on foot, which would take no more than 5 minutes.