About the area.

Bowral and Surrounds

Bowral has always been a fashionable holiday destination for Sydney siders 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 and Summer are quite spectacular due to the many cool climate English style gardens. Bowral is a great place to shop for antiques, home wares, jewellery, arts and crafts. The Sir Donald Bradman Oval is one of the sacred sites of cricket and is well worth a visit.

Bowral 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 one of the local lakes or tee off at one of the excellent golf courses.
  • Discover quaint houses and gardens in Bowral’s side streets.

Events

  • Bowral Tulip Festival from the end of September until early October.
  • Bong Bong Picnic Races in November.
  • Autumn Garden Festival in May.

Don’t miss