Bowral is the largest town in the Southern Highlands, but it’s still easy to explore on foot. To many Australians it’s best known as the birthplace of Don Bradman, but it’s a whole lot more than just that.
There’s an incredible amount of things to do, from unique cafes, wineries and eclectic antique markets to incredible waterfalls, wild swimming spots and walking trails.
It’s a place that is surrounded by gorgeous countryside and makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Sydney. Here are 21 fun things to do in Bowral.
21 Best things to do in Bowral
1. Treat yourself to the most unique restaurant in the highlands at Harry’s on Green Lane
Walking into Harry’s felt like I’d gone back in time, surrounded by an explorers private collection of books and trinkets from around the world!
It really is like nowhere I’ve ever been before. The decor is on another level.
If you love unique spots, where you can sit for hours and everywhere you look you spot something new, then it’s going to be right up your street.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous and inviting space which is full of character, with floor to ceiling walls of books, hundreds of paintings, chandeliers and hanging plants. It’s quite small, and divided into a few different areas, so the whole space feels intimate and cosy.
We loved this place, and were really disappointed when we recently re-visited and found out you can no longer go in for coffee and cake!
Now it’s purely a restaurant with two lunch and two dinner sittings, which are set menus. We haven’t been lucky enough to try it as a restaurant yet, but it’s definitely on our list for a special occasion.
They do have a cafe next door, which is nice, but doesn’t have the decor which makes Harry’s special.
2. Peer over the top of Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in NSW and it’s only a 35 minute drive from Bowral. If you’ve never seen the falls before, then make sure you put them high on your list - you won’t be disappointed.
This double drop waterfall cascades over the mountainside and it’s a truly jaw dropping sight, especially as many of the waterfalls close to Sydney can reduce to just trickles for much of the year.
The valley views are also stunning, and remind us a lot of our beloved Blue Mountains.
Unfortunately the trail to the bottom of the falls has been closed, but you can still enjoy them at a variety of different viewpoints. It might be controversial but my favourite was actually the lookout just above the falls.
I felt like peering over the cliff edge (behind rails I might add) and seeing the top of the falls with a huge amount of spray really put its power and majesty into perspective.
We also know of a secret swimming spot nearby, which we detail along with all the lookouts in this post.
3. Enjoy the incredible hospitality at Tertini Wines
There are so many excellent wineries in the Southern Highlands, but Tertini Wines really stands out. We’ve enjoyed the wines at every vineyard we’ve been to in the region, but the atmosphere and service at Tertini made it really special.
If you’re looking for an incredibly friendly welcome then look no further.
Not only do you not have to pay for tastings (standard in many regions, but a first for us in the highlands) you will also be given a complimentary cheese plate!
We couldn’t believe it and had a throughly enjoyable time sitting around a wine barrel in the pretty courtyard, eating cheese and washing it down with one delicious wine after another. You’ll taste a variety of reds and whites as well as a rose, sparkling and dessert wine.
4. Check out the waterfall inside a cave!
What starts out as just a regular bush walk soon becomes a bit special as you descend into a ferny gorge. After following some giant overhangs you arrive at a little creek which leads up to a picturesque cave, complete with its own gorgeous waterfall.
We visited after heavy rain when the water in the pool was green, but it's normally blue which would make it even prettier. It's an atmospheric spot which feels nicely off the beaten track, yet it's just a 25 minute drive from Bowral.
The trail itself is 2.6km return and we detail exactly what to expect in this guide.
5. Visit the spectacular living war memorial - the Cherry Tree Walk
The Cherry Tree Walk is a picturesque path in the middle of Bowral, created in dedication to the soldiers that lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
As the name suggests, the Cherry Tree walk has one tree (526 in total) for each soldier that sadly never made it back to Australia. It’s one of the most beautiful war memorials I’ve ever seen.
We’ve visited many war memorials around the world and I thought this was one of the most poignant. There’s something about walking for over a kilometre surrounded on both sides by cherry trees to really help bring it home just how many people lost their lives.
I also found it beautiful to commemorate their sacrifice with something living, rather than something manmade.
It’s a lovely walk at any time of year (except perhaps winter when there are no leaves on the trees) but it’s particularly wonderful in spring when the trees are in blossom.
We started the walk at Oxley Drive and walked to Boolwey Street which was 1.3km (2.6km return).
6. Discover the secret waterfalls and lookouts of Manning Valley
Just under a 30 minute drive from Bowral lie some of the region's best hidden gems. And to make life easier they're all on the one trail.
An unmarked walking track will take you to not one, but two secret waterfalls (one of which you can even take a dip in), as well as four hidden lookouts. Though broken railings give the lookouts a long forgotten air, the views are something to remember.
The whole walk is 6.7 km return, but even just visiting the first waterfall (which is only 2km return) is more than worth the journey.
If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could even return at night to discover the wonders of one of the highland's least visited glow worm dells.
All the details on each spot along the trail are in this guide.
7. Delight in the eclectic at Dirty Janes Emporium
Being more focused on the outdoors, it’s a rare day when we recommend a shop as one of the best things to do in an area, but Dirty Janes is an exception.
To be honest I’m not generally a fan of antiques shops, but when the heavens opened and we needed to seek shelter, we thought we’d go for a look around.
Much to my surprise Dirty Janes Emporium had me enthralled.
It’s like wandering through an eclectic museum. There’s everything on offer from ancient roller skates (way cooler than it sounds!) to old globes, vintage records and ornate lamps.
It’s an absolutely ginormous space and there are hundreds and hundreds of interesting things for sale. It’s well worth a visit, even if it’s not normally your kind of thing.
It’s directly opposite Harry’s on Green Lane.
8. Go wild swimming at Nellies Glen
If when the temperature starts rising you dream of swimming under a waterfall, then Nellies Glen is the place to head.
The waterfall might be small but the setting is sublime, and the pool is the perfect size for a proper swim, whilst still feeling intimate.
The water is pretty cold (at times icy!) so you will want to have a high air temperature unless you are extra hardy!
It’s incredibly easy to access at just a 150m flat walk through the bush from the car park. Whilst you’re here you should definitely head a couple of minutes up the road to the spectacular 90ft waterfall that is Carrington Falls. We’ve got all the details on everything to do around Carrington Falls in this post.
Nellies Glen is just a 35 minute drive from Bowral.
9. See where the legend of Don Bradman began at the Bradman Museum
Don Bradman is synonymous with Bowral - so much so, that he was referred to as “the boy from Bowral” and most Australians knew immediately who it was. However, Don Bradman isn’t just an Australian icon, or the greatest cricketer of all time, but possibly one of the greatest sportsmen of all time.
To give you a little context if you don’t know much about cricket, Don Bradman averaged 99.94 runs per innings, which is 50% higher than anyone who has played the game in over 200 years (all he needed was four more runs to make that average a nice round 100).
The man stood head and shoulders above any player of the game. In Bowral you can see where his career began with a commemorative museum at the ground where he started his career.
There’s a lot of information about Bradman, as well as the history of cricket.
They even have Shane Warne’s baggy green (which was sold for $1 million for bush fire relief), a replica World Cup trophy and lots more.
If you can’t tell, I (Joe) am a cricket fan, and this place isn’t really for someone who has literally no interest in the game. However, if you have even the smallest interest, it’s worth a visit.
Entry is $25 for adults, $15 for children and $60 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
10. Step back in time along the Box Vale Walking Track
The 9km Box Vale Track is one of our favourites in the Southern Highlands.
This easy walking trail takes you through some gorgeous forest, valleys of ferns and in between gaps hewn out of the cliff sides.
It follows the old railway line which was used to transport coal in the late 1800’s.
As you might guess this means the track is almost completely flat, which is very welcome when you want to enjoy the countryside, but fancy something leisurely.
I absolutely loved the sections which take you in-between the cliffs, where you can marvel at how difficult it would have been to construct the railway line so long ago.
Another highlight is walking through the 84m metre tunnel at the end of the walk.
If you happen to be feeling energetic, you can also add on the side trail to 40 Foot Falls (3km extra), or make a huge loop by heading down the cable assisted incline into Nattai Gorge itself.
The Box Vale Track is a ten minute drive from Bowral and we have a full trail guide here.
11. Try the best beer in the highlands!
If you love craft beer then a visit to Eden Brewery is a must. The vibe is really relaxed and friendly, with long tables set out next to some of the brewing equipment in a warehouse style environment.
If you're visiting with someone who is not normally a beer drinker, then I recommend they try the hard lemonade.
I am not a beer lover and this one is delicious, it tasted like bitter lemon with just a hint of beer, which was perfect for me. You can opt for a tasting paddle or try by the glass and if you need to fuel up they have a burger van onsite too.
12. Take in the majestic Fitzroy Falls
The closest of all the big falls to Bowral, at just a 25 minute drive, Fitzroy Falls is a must visit. It’s an incredible sight to watch this huge waterfall plunge over the cliffs and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the most spectacular in the Southern Highlands.
The main viewing platform is just a 150m walk from the visitor centre, but if you have time we’d recommend walking a little further along the West Rim Trail. You’ll get new perspectives and take in the falls from top to bottom (the first viewpoint is just of the upper falls).
As well as various lookouts, you can also walk the East Rim Trail which offers many spectacular valley views, and has a 1km stretch that is great for wildflowers (in season).
You do have to pay for parking at Fitzroy unless you have an NSW parks pass. At time of writing the price had weirdly decreased at $4 a day (in March we paid $7………..!).
13. Have a picnic at Corbett Gardens
There are so many fab cafes in Bowral, but when the weathers great it’s lovely to head to Corbett Gardens for a picnic.
The garden is gorgeous and has an array of colourful flowers with a particular emphasis on tulips (there’s an annual tulip festival).
If you’re like us and not organised enough to bring your own food, you can head to the Flour Water Salt Bakery in town and pick up some sandwiches, or tarts, as well as coffee and cake.
We’ve been a few times now and can recommend the pies, as well as the savoury and sweet tarts.
I can’t go past those little bitesize dulce de leche tarts! The bakery a five minute walk from the gardens.
14. Get off the beaten track at 60 Foot Falls
If you like to find locals only spots, then 60 Foot Falls is the place to head. It doesn’t have the height or power of the more famous falls in the area, but it’s got a beauty all of its own.
And you usually don’t have to share it with many others.
There is a shallow pool to dip your feet in, or a deeper pool opposite the falls if you’re keen for a swim.
There are a couple of ways to get there and both involve walking through the forest. One is a steeper route which also takes you through the old coke tunnel, or you can take an easy path if preferred.
We’ve got a detailed guide on the falls here.
15. Wander the picturesque village of Berrima
If you love small picturesque villages which feel like stepping back in time, then a visit to nearby Berrima is a must.
It’s only a ten minute drive from Bowral, yet has a completely different feel.
Most of the centre is made up of charming historic buildings and cottages, and it’s the kind of place where you find yourself stopping to admire each one. We think it’s one of the most gorgeous villages in NSW.
If you end up visiting in the afternoon, we’d recommend staying until sunset, when you have an excellent chance of spotting a platypus in the river, right in the town centre.
All the details on the platypus and other things to do in Berrima are here.
16. Walk the cutting between an abandoned trainline
If you love the idea of walking between some of the cuttings on the Boxvale Track, but the trail seems a bit too long for you, then this is a great alternative. It's not an official trail but it's very easy to get to and just a 350m walk along the old railway line will take you to the tall cliff walls of Big Hill Cutting.
Even before you reach the cutting, you're surrounded by dense forest which is full of birdlife, so it's an atmospheric stroll along a historic stretch of track (that is unless a car passes and brings you back to the present day).
The cutting is one of the deepest in Australia and as you pass through it's hard to believe that it was created using only hand tools and dynamite. The walk between the cutting is 250m and the coordinates for where you park are: -34.3339794, 150.4948251 (it’s about 50m along Coates Road - you can find it by clicking here on Google Maps).
17. Catch a sunset at Jellore Lookout
We’re big sunset fans and will look for a spot wherever we visit. In Bowral our favourite is the Jellore Lookout. We actually started off at Bowral Lookout, which is a nice view, but a bit too ‘towny’ for us.
We saw there was a walking trail to several other lookouts so we decided to follow that. It’s a nice enough walk through the bush to three lookouts, the best of which is Jellore.
If you don’t fancy the walk, (which is 1.1km each way) you can drive directly to Jellore Lookout instead. From the viewpoint you can see Mount Alexandra Reserve, the Nattai, Kanangra and even the Blue Mountains.
You can still see a few buildings too, but it’s a much more natural view than from Bowral Lookout, and lovely for sunset.
18. See the brand new regional art gallery
The Ngununggula Regional Art Gallery is a new addition to Bowral's art scene, opening its doors for the first time at the end of 2021. It's a great modern space and will have ever changing exhibitions.
You're welcomed by a beautiful installation celebrating the local Aboriginal dreamtime stories, before moving into the spaces which will have temporary exhibitions. It's all very modern and the exhibition we saw was done beautifully.
The space was low lit and moody which suited the art perfectly. That too will change with the next artist's work.
The gallery is free of charge and will have a cafe from January 2022. As the gallery is so new it was incorrectly marked on Google Maps, you need to go to Rowland Road and look for the driveway to Ngununggula.
19. Go wild platypus spotting
Spotting a platypus in the wild is an incredibly special experience, and few people realise that just a 10 minute drive from Bowral you'll find the best platypus spotting area in the Southern Highlands (and one of our favourites in all of NSW).
It's a very easy walk along the Wingecarribee River, which takes just a few minutes, and there is plenty of room to sit and relax on the rocks as you watch out for the telltale ripples. You'll need to go at dawn or dusk when the platypus are most active - we usually head down about 45 minutes before sunset and though sightings are never guaranteed, we have a 100% success rate here.
20. Marvel at the secret glow worm colony
There is no better way to spend an evening in Bowral than heading to check out the secret glow worm colony. It's a magical experience to see all the twinkling blue lights illuminate the ceiling of the little cave at the hidden waterfall grotto. They look like nature's fairly lights!
It's a 20 minute drive from the town and then a 650m walk each way, although it does involve some uneven steps which can be a little slippery (although there are handrails if needed). Viewing is best in the warmer months when glow worm numbers are at their highest.
All the details on exactly where to find the glow worms and what to expect are in this post.
21. Stroll the tranquil garden at Red Cow Farm
Red Cow Farm Garden is a real delight. Set around a gorgeous blue lake you'll find an enchanting array of mature trees and flowers and a stroll here instantly makes you feel relaxed.
There are little benches scattered around the garden which invite you to linger and really take it all in. We love the garden in autumn when many of the trees provide a riot of colour (peak colour is one week either side of ANZAC day), but there's plenty to see in spring and summer too.
The garden is generally open daily between late September and late May (but check for exact dates on their website). The entry fee is $15 for adults at time of writing.
Getting to Bowral
Bowral is located just over 115km from Sydney and it’s roughly a 1.5 hour drive. It’s 170km and just under two hours from Canberra.
You can also take the train from Sydney, which is direct and takes 1 hour 45 minutes. Once you arrive the town is easy to get round on foot, but visiting the surrounding countryside requires a car.
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What’s your favourite thing to do in Bowral? Have you any recommends for us? Let us know in the comments below!
