Bowral Beauty with Fire Place

The Neighborhood

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the Bowral area are the Gundungurra people. The Gundungurra are an Indigenous Australian group who have lived in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales for thousands of years. The Gundungurra people have a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land, which they call "Dharruk." The Bowral area, which is located within the traditional lands of the Gundungurra, was an important meeting place and trading center for Aboriginal people from different clans and language groups. Today, the Gundungurra people continue to maintain their connection to their traditional lands and culture through various cultural events, workshops, and community initiatives. The Gundungurra Tribal Council, which represents the interests of the Gundungurra people, is involved in various programs aimed at promoting cultural awareness and understanding, as well as advocating for the protection of Aboriginal heritage sites and cultural practices. Visitors to the Bowral area can learn more about the rich history and culture of the Gundungurra people through various educational and cultural programs, as well as through guided tours of important sites and landmarks. Bowral is the largest town in the Southern Highlands, about ninety minutes southwest of Sydney. It is the main business and entertainment precinct of the Wingecarribee Shire and Highlands. Bowral's colonial history extends back for approximately 200 years. The first European arrival was ex-convict John Wilson, who was commissioned by Governor Hunter to explore south of the new colony of Sydney. From brilliant tulip gardens to award-winning restaurants, cool-climate wineries and boutique shops, Bowral is the embodiment of Southern Highlands charm. Only 90 minutes south of Sydney, this town is also a great base to explore surrounding villages, country scenery and fascinating heritage. Don’t miss the famous museum on cricket legend Don Bradman. Stroll through cherry and magnolia trees in the beautiful Corbett Gardens, the centrepiece of the spectacular Tulip Time festival. One of Australia’s biggest floral events, this award-winning festival features the planting of more than 75,000 tulip bulbs in an extravaganza of colour. For more views of the gardens and of the town itself, visit the Bowral Lookout. You can also enjoy a hike to the summit of Mt Gibraltar, which overlooks the town. Explore the surrounding countryside and Morton National Park on the scenic Illawarra Tourism Route. Bowral is home to many local treasures. Browse the vintage and antique retailers at Dirty Janes Antique Market at your leisure. You can also visit the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame for a slice of history, honouring the legendary Australian batsman and Bowral local Donald Bradman.