Top Things to do in Bowral
Top 10 Things to do in Bowral, Australia
Discover the best top things to do in Bowral, Australia including Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bendooley Estate Book Barn, Moidart Gardens, Dirty Janes Bowral, Southern Highlands Welcome Centre, Joadja Vineyard, The Corbett Gardens, Berrima District Museum, Artemis Wines, Berrima Courthouse.
Restaurants in Bowral
1. Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Found in the picturesque Southern Highlands town of Bowral where the famous Sir Donald Bradman grew up, the Bradman Museum is a state-of-the-art high-tech Museum that encapsulates cricket's history from its earliest origins through the Bradman era and World Series Cricket to the modern day and the introduction of T20. The Bradman Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust, was established in 1987 with the full support of Sir Donald Bradman AC to promote cricket as a valuable cultural and sporting force within the community. The Foundation prides itself on being the heritage custodians of Australian cricket. It preserves the heritage of the game while delivering Sir Donald Bradman’s commitment to the future of the game through development at youth level and within the wider community. The Foundation also often hosts exhibition matches and special events on the historic and picturesque Bradman Oval. A special focus by the Foundation is the development of youth through cricket.
Reviewed By Robert B
Enjoyed a visit to the museum. Beautiful setting for a legend of the game. So much history of cricket, both early and recent. Some fantastic memorabilia from around the world. Also some interactive games for the kids, and bigger kids in us all. The memories...MoreHi Robert, sounds like you have been a long time supporter of the game, thanks for coming to visit and I will pass your response to Stumps Cafe.
2. Bendooley Estate Book Barn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
This grand estate is a spectacular destination within the Southern Highlands. Explore the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn. Dine at Bendooley’s restaurant. Stay in luxurious cottages within the beautifully preserved 200-acre property.
Reviewed By RonWamberal - Sydney, Australia
Hadn't realised this was the original Berkelouw's book store before Sydney and Eumundi - absolutely wonderful with the huge range of books and authors covering so many interesting subjects.
Even more interesting was how they move the book stands and displays to turn the "store" into a wedding function room at night.
3. Moidart Gardens
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By busysusy - Rockdale, Australia
I'm writing this review to help other travellers who may have read about Moidart Gardens as advertised as part of the open Gardens (during festivals etc) in the Southern Highlands (NSW) but like me have experienced difficulties acquiring any useful details that would enable practical trip planning.
This truly is a lovely garden, very well worth seeing - we viewed in September, (the bulbs were lovely and informal, which I prefer; also some lovely magnolias and camelias), but I'd also like to go back and see it in summer, (for the roses), and in autumn, (for the foliage) - but when I was trying to find out how long a visit it would be recommended to allow, (the description online makes it sound extensive and although it's certainly a large garden by Australian standards it's certainly not an estate and one could easily cover the grounds within an hour although I wouldn't recommend this as this is a garden to be savoured), and whether there are any comfort facilities - on specific enquiry to local tourist information we were told there weren't any toilets or a cafe/kiosk but when we visited we found both! (One would think that as this garden is advertised on Southern Highlands tourist information websites that they would have accurate information regarding same but this is NOT the case). We arrived early, (gates open at 10am but we were kindly allowed in early providing we were prepared to brave the sprinklers and the mowers), so we didn't need to use the cafe, but it looked basic but adequate, (this garden is actually a showcase for the connected nursery which means that most of the plants in the Gardens are labeled which is great if that sort of thing interests you); the toilets were basic but clean and greatly appreciated by the time we found them!
Also this is not a garden easily accessed on foot from Bowral, (the closest town) and there is no public transport this far out. We went by taxi and considered this worth it but for this reason I would recommend going in a group (unless you want to take one of those tours that seem to mostly carer to seniors).
A note to people with disabilities - whilst I think most areas would be wheelchair accessible I don't think it would be recommended and there are a few areas that can only be accessed via stairs and also most of the paths are quite rough
4. Dirty Janes Bowral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Dirty Janes Bowral is located just around the corner off Bong Bong at 13-15 Banyette Street Bowral (next door to ALDI) in huge warehouse housing over 65 independent dealers offering a vast range of vintage & antique pieces including furniture, homewares, artwork, clothing, jewellery, kitchenware, glassware, China, collectibles and more. Dirty Janes Bowral is open 7 days from 10am - 5pm. Our Vintage Tea Salon is also open 7 days from 10am - 4pm.
Reviewed By 3boyz - Melbourne
A great space of eclectic antiques, reproductions and vintage gear. Nice to stroll through and maybe pick up something unique.
5. Southern Highlands Welcome Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Make the Southern Highlands your next short break destination, and you will find a treasure trove of destinational attractions, like award winning restaurants and wineries, magnificent Gardens,rare antiques, authentic heritage and amazing natural wonders.The Southern Highlands Welcome Centre is a great place to begin your journey. FREE Maps, Fact Sheets, Brochures, WIFI are just the start of your experience.
Reviewed By Kathryn W - Sydney, Australia
Staff here are always helpful and knowledgeable about the Highlands. There is an increasing range of local produce available for sale, and also a handy stop-off for toilets.
6. Joadja Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
New owners last 15 months. Great service from the new owners - very welcoming despite a busy weekend. We sampled 6 red wines, all priced between $25 and $32 per bottle. Personal favourite was the 2014 Cabernet/Malbec/Petit Verdot. Excellent quality across the range. Best all...MoreWow! What a review! Thank you so much for your kind words! Don't leave it five years next time - we hope to see you again soon!
7. The Corbett Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Barbara S - Bowral, Australia
A beautiful fenced garden in the middle of Bowral CBD featuring a lovely rivulet meandering through the garden. The Pavilion is a feature and of course in September - October the Gardens are alive with visitors from all over the country and overseas come to enjoy The Bowral Tulip Festival. There are plenty of quiet spots and WSC council take pride in presenting a beautiful display of colour. A source of joy & pride for residents.
8. Berrima District Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
The Berrima District Museum is an outstanding, award winning, country museum that tells fascinating stories about people, places and objects of the Southern Highlands.
Reviewed By Kufunda - Harare, Zimbabwe
The experience of having so much in such an small place was overwhelming- in a good way! There was so much about the people of Berrima and how they played role in the world wars, their way of life and also the various donations of memorabilia from local families- all with a story. The entry fee does not do justice to the time and effort set aside to document and display the history of the town. One needs to set aside at least an hour to really appreciate the contents of the museum. Kudos to the volunteers who keep the place going. A definite place to visit to or from Canberra.
9. Artemis Wines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
With an ambience of rustic Australian elegance, the Artemis cellar door is the perfect environment to enjoy a tasting of our finely crafted wines, ciders, meads and beer. Warm and welcoming by the fire in winter, laid back and casual on our lawn by the vines in summer. Everyone is welcome at our Cellar Door. It doesn't matter how much or how little you know about wine, just sit back and enjoy personalised service from our friendly cellar door staff. We are passionate about wine and look forward to sharing our knowledge with you. Complete your tasting experience with one of our local produce boards. Cheeses, charcuterie, preserves, terrines and pates are served on a locally made recycled timber board. Available at all times. We can also provide other casual dining options upon request for groups and functions. With the emphasis on abundance and the best produce simply prepared, enjoy wood fired pizza, or perhaps spit roasted meats or a BBQ brunch.
Reviewed By S1223VLkathrynw - Seaford, United Kingdom
Recommended to us by a friend and we had a lovely time. Tasted wines and ciders. Victoria was knowledgable and informative about the wines we tried. We did not feel pushed into buying, but we did because we wanted too. Very enjoyable place to visit with a friendly atmosphere.
10. Berrima Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Christine W - Yarra Valley, Australia
This historic building demonstrates fine workmanship from the mid nineteenth century. An interesting video tells the story of Berrima and this edifice.Then the "Sound and Light" is a recreation of a famous murder case trial which took place early in the courthouse's history. There are also artifacts and a souvenir shop.
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