A drive to the country is something that everyone needs to do at least once in a lifetime. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city life and exploring rolling green hills, fern-lined, windy roads and picturesque scenery.
A day trip to Bowral is a pleasant scenic 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Sydney. The historic village, Bowral is the largest town in the Southern Highlands and is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for the whole family. There are many attractions and activities to enjoy and experience.
Bowral is renowned for its fresh produce, wineries, boutique shops, country markets, and the popular Tulip Festival.
A Pit Stop on the way to Bowral
Getting to Bowral is easy, and the quickest route from Sydney is via Hume Highway/M31-taking the M5. It passes green pastures and rolling hills, beautiful gardens, bushwalking opportunities, antique stores, fine food eateries and quaint towns including Braemar and Mittagong.
Some Highlights include:
Below is a step-by-step guide featuring highlights from the "off the highway" scenic drives to Bowral:
1. Mittagong to Bowral via Oxley Drive
Journey time: 11 minutes approx.- 8.1km
This short but scenic drive to Bowral via Oxley Drive passes through Mount Gibraltar Reserve which is home to Mittagong Lookout, Jellore Lookout, Bowral Lookout, Mount Gibraltar Quarries, Vietnam War Memorial and the tranquil Cherry Tree Walk.
2. Alpine via Old S Road to Bowral
Journey time: 16 minutes approx.- 17.7km
From the Hume Motorway take the Alpine exit (Church Ave-Colo Vale exit) this scenic drive passes lush bushland and farms.
3. Old Hume Highway Mittagong via Berrima to Bowral
Journey Time: 25 minutes approx- 26km
From Mittagong take the Old Hume Way stopping at the historic town of Berrima. This historic town is home to landmarks, historic churches, and quaint patisseries, cafes, and restaurants.
Things to do around Bowral:
Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame
Sir Donald Bradman's Childhood Home
The Tulip Time Festival at Corbett Gardens
Mount Gibraltar – walks, lookouts and picnic spots
Milk Factory Gallery & Exhibition Space
A breathtaking view from Jellore Lookout
Bong Bong Street- For cafes, boutique shops, galleries and more.
for a list of Top Attractions in Bowral.
Places to stay in Bowral:
There is a wide range of boutique bed and breakfasts, charming cottages, Manors & Historic House stays, motels, and hotels. Most accommodation options are located close to landmarks, dining and attractions.
Bowral Travel Guide:
Bowral is not just the biggest town in the stunning Southern Highlands; it is also a gateway to many villages, including "best-kept secret" villages that showcase their personality and brimming with their own uniqueness too.
Bowral also showcases an exciting and eclectic mix of eateries, including the hatted restaurant Biota, wineries, boutique shops, and country markets.
Dining Guide:
Bowral has no shortage of lovely eateries including boutique cafes, quaint patisseries, fine dining, barista brewed cafes, countryside manor dining, vineyard restaurants, and hotel bars.
There is also a diverse collection of vineyards, cellar doors and winemakers who create some of Australia's leading cool climate wines.
Other ways of getting to Bowral:
By Train:
From Central Station take the Macarthur Line via Airport (T8) and switch at Macarthur taking the Southern Highlands Line (Moss Vale). The journey all up is approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes and just over an hour from Macarthur Station.
