Top Things To See/Do in Bowral 

After exploring the attractions in and around Sydney, when you want a countryside escape, drive down to Southern Highlands situated 120 KM South West of Sydney, the biggest town of which is Bowral. Southern highlands in general is characterised by rolling mountains, picturesque valleys, beautiful wineries & old country side buildings. There are heritage sites, tourist drives, antique shops and gourmet cafes to make your visit worthwhile.

Bowral is a great spot for a day trip from Sydney. It can also be considered as a stop over on your way to Kiama or Wollongong !

Here is my favourite list of things to see/do in Bowral.

Don Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame

Few years ago, when I started living in Australia, because cricket is a ‘thing’ and ‘India/Australia’ cricket is even bigger thing,  I was constantly asked by friends & family back in India about the cricket scene of Australia. ( Yes, sports do reduce the barriers & I realise it when I hear questions about Hughes death, Ball tampering or  even Australia winning the World cup as if it just happened in the locality ! )

Then, I came across the Don Bradman museum & International Cricket Hall of fame located at his birthplace, Bowral in the Southern Highlands. Eventually when I had the opportunity, I was excited.

A short drive from the Bowral town centre will take you to the museum which can be easily located.

The museum showcases galleries, memorabilia, trophies etc  from the milestones in International cricket as well as in Bradman’s life. This place helps you understand Sir Don Bradman as a person, a cricketer & an epic. The Hall of fame also has the digital displays which showcases the stories of famous & infamous cricketers.

There is a great video section of Pyjama Cricket which was the first World Series Cricket by Kerry Packer in 1978 where the teams (Australia & West Indies) ditched their white knits and wore colourful sportswear for the first ever day night match! (and the match took place in SCG!)

The dressing room is another impressive area which has the statues of disgruntled batsmen in the dressing room.  Set up in such an ambience that you feel the pressure of the game and the run/wicket you are about to lose!

The interactive displays at the entry, explaining techniques of batting & bowling seemed to keep the kids entertained !

Next to the museum is the Bradman’s oval, the picturesque stadium which has a significant name in hosting One Day International crickets matches. Also this location can be hired for events.  If you are visiting in summer, you get to watch the local cricket matches here.

Practical info 

The entry fee is $20 AUD for adults & $11 AUD for children. This can be purchased online from here

There is free parking along the road.

There is a Stump cafe outside the Museum for an excellent coffee or gourmet food.

Tulip festival in Corbett gardens 

Another highlight of Bowral is the Annual Tulip festival which is one of the most renowned floriades of Australia . This annual event is held in the spring – September – October and draws attention of tens of thousands of visitors every year.

To avoid any disappointment, you need to know it is a small area compared to many other Tulip shows. However the busting colours of the Tulips and the ambience were quite nice.

During this event, some of the private gardens are also opened for visitors. The small, but interesting village fairs & yummy food made it a memorable experience .

Practical Info

Situated in the town centre itself, Corbett Garden is very easily accessible. Parking gets a bit tricky during the Tulip show.

Autumn Colours in Bowral 

Bowral is a favourite NSW destination for viewing the Autumn foliage.

Since Sydney’s elite started treating Bowral more as a rural retreat in late 1800’s, to make it look more English the deciduous trees were planted.

Thanks to them, Bowral looks extremely beautiful with the Autumns foliage in the month of April.

 

There are gardens such as Moidart where these red beauties can be spotted, or just along the way when you drive around.

Centennial Vineyards

No trip to Bowral is complete without a vino!

Driop in at Centennial Vineyards for good wine, tasting or gourmet food.

Pie Trail

I just came to know about this. Yet to visit, but find the information here .

How to Reach Bowral?

Trains are available from Sydney (Central or Campbelltown station). I would suggest driving down instead of public transport as it takes a lot more time to go around places once you are in Bowral.

Planning a trip to Bowral?

While visiting Bowral, it is a good idea to combine Berrima or Kangaroo valley also with the trip.

My Verdict 

It is the quiet English country town where everything is toned down. The attractions are not big or spectacular . But every-time I visited,  I left with the pleasant feeling of a well spend day! I definitely recommend it.

 

Interested in more Sydney sights ?, check out  this.

Bondi Beach 

Figure 8 Pools