Bowral: The quaint town that 'attracts an elite mix of buyers'

When most people think of the Southern Highlands, they’re really thinking of Bowral – a historic town about 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney. It’s set among verdant countryside, cool-climate wineries and the equally charming hamlets of Berrima, Mittagong and Bundanoon. In autumn, Bowral’s tree-lined streets glow in hues of burnt orange as boutiques and cafes swell with well-heeled daytrippers. Come spring, cherry blossoms, magnolias and tulips burst to life, pulling flower enthusiasts from across the state.

The charming locale rose to prominence in the late 1800s during the construction of the Sydney to Melbourne railway line. It continued to flourish into the new century, with many heritage homes, including the area’s original church and courthouse, still standing on Bendooley Street today. Over on Bong Bong Street, Australia’s oldest commercial movie theatre, Empire Cinema, plays on.

These days, Bowral is better known as the home of the Tulip Time Festival, which has been running for more than 60 years and sees 80,000 photogenic flowers in bloom. Tens of thousands of attendees flock to Corbett Gardens every September to see the colourful display. The region’s other major attraction, the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, also draws thousands of cricket fans from around the world each year. It’s dedicated to legendary batsman Sir Donald Bradman, showcasing unseen imagery, original footage and cricket history.

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Next, head to The Press Shop, a lovely little cafe with an elegant frontage and a curvaceous baby blue door on Bong Bong Street. Take a seat inside for a lush brunch feed, from Turkish eggs with mint yoghurt, za’atar, pomegranate and chilli oil on toasted pita, to spirulina bowls crowned with seasonal fruit. The cafe shares space with the flagship Bespoke Letterpress store, an internationally renowned luxury Aussie stationery and lifestyle brand using restored vintage printing presses dating back to 1893.

Around the corner, Rush Roasting Co flies the flag for Southern Highlands specialty coffee. Its award-winning blend is brewed every way and served alongside classic cafe fare including house-made muesli and panini. For the best vanilla slice in town, head to Gumnut Patisserie, the area’s go-to for bread, Viennese-style and celebration cakes.

For lunch and dinner, you have some tough decisions to make. Harry’s on Green Lane is the casual wine bar and bistro every country town needs, with heaving bookshelves, a roaring fireplace and provincial French fare worth travelling for. Bistro Sociale at Berida Hotel dials up white-tablecloth elegance for a proper Gallic steakhouse experience. (Bonus points for the set lunch menu.) Fancy an after-dinner drink? Aspinalls Whisky Bar & Lounge, the hotel’s luxe drinking den, has you covered with cocktails and an impressive selection of more than 100 whiskies.

Just 10 minutes’ drive from town, Eschalot delivers one of the state’s top destination dining experiences inside a heritage sandstone cottage in Berrima. Of course, high country means wine country, and the region’s best pinot gris, pinot noir and sparkling wine can be found at Bendooley Estate, Tractorless Vineyard and Artemis Wines – essential stops for any vino lover exploring the highlands.

Agent lens

with Jacob McKinnon from Highlands Property

Who typically purchases in this suburb?

Bowral attracts an elite mix of buyers, including Sydney-based professionals seeking a stylish weekend retreat, affluent downsizers craving a slower pace with modern comforts, and families drawn to prestigious schools and a strong sense of community. International investors also recognise Bowral’s enduring appeal and solid property values. High-end buyers typically seek sophisticated homes with designer finishes, lush gardens and seamless indoor-outdoor living. With its boutique cafes, fine dining and renowned golf courses, the town offers an enviable lifestyle, making it one of the Southern Highlands’ most sought-after addresses.

For sale in Bowral

AUCTION 5th of April 2025

4 Queen Street, Bowral NSW 2576

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Set high on Mount Gibraltar, this striking home is designed for soaking in panoramic views over Oxley’s Hill. Featuring soaring seven-metre-high ceilings, a glass-walled oak wine cellar, a floating mineral pool, a firepit retreat, a limestone-paved al fresco area and a Zen rock garden, it seamlessly merges luxury comfort with breathtaking natural surrounds.