Bowral
In the last decade, Bowral has become the bourgeois capital of the Southern Highlands, and as such, hosts many boutique stores, restaurants, and a hell of a lot of cafes. Although people tend to visit the Southern Highlands to get away from big city living, almost anything you could want can be found in Bowral. From art galleries to weekend markets, every weekend is filled with fun things to see and do. To the locals, it's the town with the soul of an accountant.
With the Southern Highlands having very distinct seasons, many tourists find the best time to visit Bowral would be during either autumn or spring. During autumn, the trees explode with bright reds and oranges, and the air has a crispness that can only be experienced at a higher altitude. Spring on the other hand finds the area bloom with vibrant springtime annuals such as the popular tulip, and many of the local gardens become open to the Public, including one of the most esteemed gardens in the world, the famous Milton Park. All year round you can spot imported European cars and SUVs all over Bowral.
During spring, Bowral's annual Tulip Time event becomes one of the Highland's biggest annual attractions, bringing in many thousands of visitors every year. Held every September to October, Tulip Time in Bowral has become one of Australia's leading floral festivals, and Corbett Gardens, found smack bang in the middle of Bowral, Corbett Gardens displays a huge array of Tulips, as well as other bright and vibrant springtime bulbs, shrubs and trees.
How about some statistics
There are roughly 6,971 people that consider Bowral home. Approximately 45.79% of people in Bowral are male, and 44.87% of them are married. The average age is 48.
42% of eligible workers in Bowral consider themselves employable. Of those that are capable of labour, 54% work full-time. The official unemployment rate for Bowral is roughly 4.54%. The average wage of the people that live in Bowral is $498 per week.
There are roughly 3,494 properties in Bowral, and apparently 85% of them are occupied. Of those properties that are occupied, 38% are owned by the people that actually live in them. A further 19% are currently on their way to own their home. In Bowral, only 4% of properties are units or apartments. The average rent in Bowral is about $220 per week.
A Brief History of Bowral
In the late 1850's, John Oxley had purchased 5000 acres of land from Governor Brisbane. Although a deed was never issued before his death, this land is what we now know as Bowral. In 1859, the land was subdivided by Oxley's son, and a private village was set up to attract Sydney visitors, as well as to give comfort and a place to stay for the many railway workers constructing the railway line from Sydney. Originally named Wingecarribee by the Oxley Family, it was later renamed to Burradoo before eventually being named Bowral. The name Bowral was derived from Bowrel, which was the Aboriginal name given to the area. Bowrel is thought to have meant "large" or "high", referring to Mt Gibraltar.
Once the railway line had been completed, Bowral soon became a summer holiday retreat for many wealthy Sydney residents. These Sydneysiders had come to the area to not only get away from Sydney, but due the Southern Highlands' cooler climate, escape the often scorching and humid Sydney summers. They have since left a legacy of magnificent mansions and spacious gardens containing, due to the English climate of the area, many European deciduous and evergreen trees, exotic plants and flowering annuals.
For a more detailed history on Bowral, select any of the history articles to the top left of the page.
Map of Bowral
Accommodation in Bowral
Port O Call Motor Inn
Cnr Bong Bong & Bundaroo Sts, Bowral
Port O'Call Motor Inn is situated in a quiet location opposite Corbett Gardens in Bowral.
Strathburn Cottage B&B
85 Bowral Street, Bowral
Strathburn Cottage in Bowral is a century old cottage set in an acre of garden.
Bowral Cottage Inn
22 Bundaroo Street, Bowral
Bowral Cottage Inn is a restored Victorian cottage offering accommodation for up to 4 couples in private suites.
Craigieburn
Centennial Rd, Bowral
Craigieburn in Bowral offers Resort accommodation, Conferences, Weddings, Restaurant & Bar.
Restaurants in Bowral
That Noodle Place
Boronia St (at the Bowral Country Club), Bowral
That Noodle Place offers delicious dishes to twirl, slurp, and savour. Modern Asian food served in casual, colourful surroundings. As featured in SMH Good Food Guide.
Jack Style
Cnr Boolwey st & Station st, Bowral
Jack Style Thai Restaurant features award winning traditional Thai cuisine. Open 7 days for lunch & dinner. Fully licensed & BYO. Take away and home delivery service available.
Cafes in Bowral
Palate Pleasure
Shop 2, 350 Bong Bong St, Bowral
Palate Pleasure in Bowral is a modern cafe offering fabulous coffee, fresh modern Australian meals, delicious cakes baked on our own premises and have a deli section of gourmet style Take-Home meals.
Janek's Cafe
Corbett Plaza, Bowral
Janek's Cafe is located right in the hub of Bowral, offering casual style eating. Famous for their freshly baked cakes, muffins, and fruit bread.
Coffee Culture
Empire Cinema Complex, Bowral
Coffee Culture in Bowral offers a relaxed cafe experience right under the New Empire Cinema.
Shopping in Bowral
Salvation Army Family Store
87 Kirkham road, Bowral
The Salvation Army Family Store in Bowral offers a FREE Cafe and children's play area. They sell clothing/Bric a brac/Electricals/Furniture at affordable prices.
Beauty Education & Skills Training
The Old Milk Factory complex, 7/61 Station Street, Bowral
BEST Beauty School is a division of South East Community College. Features tanning, Brazilian waxing, eyelash extensions, anatomy & physiology, massage, and the business side of beauty.
The Stamp Pad
Bowral
The Stamp Pad is an online store that offers a huge range of Paper for Scrapbooking & Card Making. Wedding Stationery. Full Printing & Assembly Service.
Bowral Art Supplies
Cnr Bong Bong & Banyette st, Bowral
Bowral Art Supplies sell a range of artist's materials, cards and wraps.
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- related information
- Bowral History
- Bowral History Churches
- Bowral History Institutions
- Bowral History Lodges and the Co-operative Movement
- Bowral History Municipal Council
- Bowral History Newspapers and Amusements
- Bowral History Parks
- Bowral History Public Utilities 1
- Bowral History Public Utilities 2
- Bowral History Schools
- Bowral History Sports
- upcoming events
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Tulip Time
25 September 2008
to 08 October 2008






