Bowral is a lovely country town in the NSW Southern Highlands that is known for its fabulous antique stores, charming boutiques, lovely art galleries, gourmet dining scene and, of course, cricket.
As the home of the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, as well as The Bradman Oval – both of which honour the achievements of the legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman – this is a must visit town for those who love the sport.
Even if you aren’t a big fan of cricket, the area is a lovely place to visit, with the pleasant 5km Cherry Tree Walk showcasing some of its best features.
Just about a 90-minute drive down from Sydney, the town is a popular weekend getaway for those who want to escape the frenzy of the Emerald City and retreat to more genteel surroundings.
If this is something you are keen to do, there are plenty of fantastic places to stay in Bowral and the surrounding areas.
From spectacular country estates, and a stunning refurbished bank, to a charming weatherboard cottage, and one of the most noteworthy architectural icons in the whole of New South Wales, here are 10 of the best of them.
Links House Hotel
Constructed in 1928 as a country guesthouse, the Links House Hotel was the first such building in Australia to have en suite bathrooms.
Situated on the town’s leafy outskirts, this exceptional property has a range of stylishly decorated rooms and suites. Which includes everything from single and family size to king size and wheelchair accessible.
Featuring clean and modern décor that showcases the talents of local designers, the rooms are very comfortable. Furnished with Australian-made mattresses that are dressed with bamboo-made sheets, they also are appointed with a thoughtful collection of amenities designed to ensure your stay is as comfortable as it can possibly be.
For those who want quiet time, the hotel has a fabulous bird inspired garden retreat, as well as lots of isolated spaces, like a rose garden, courtyards and numerous comfortable seating to relax in.
For your dining pleasure, Ethos, their in-house restaurant, plates up a delicious menu of seasonal delights, whilst yoga sessions are also held here twice a week too. In case you want to brush up on your tadasana or shavasana.
Address: 17 Links Rd, Bowral NSW 2576
Peppers Manor House
Over in Sutton Forest, a mere 15-minute drive from Bowral resides the splendid Peppers Manor House.
Providing a wonderful country retreat experience, this elegant Southern Highlands manor house was originally built in 1926.
Despite recent modernisation, the property retains a delightful sense of timelessness, history and charm. Offering up 43 rooms and suites that ooze comfort and character.
In the summer you will want to spend a bit of time with a cocktail besides the outdoor swimming pool. Or enjoying a meal in the hotel’s fabulous courtyard, as served up from their outstanding hatted restaurant, ‘Katers’.
Whilst in the winter, the roaring open fireplace, which is situated in the Great Hall, is where you will no doubt want to spend a lot of your time.
Throughout the year, you will also be able to indulge in a game of badminton, croquet or billiards. Should you be so inclined to do so.
Address: Kater Rd, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Peppers Craigieburn Bowral
Situated on Centennial Road, about a 5-minute drive from the centre of Bowral, Peppers Craigieburn is another upscale Southern Highlands country estate to consider.
Run by the same mob who manage the Manor House in Sutton Forest, this property offers 72 chic guest rooms across two separate wings.
Ornately decorated, and appointed with a range of state-of-the-art mod cons, some of these rooms feature eye-catching French doors, which open to shady balconies that provide wonderful views of the onsite Craigieburn Hickory Golf Course.
A nine-holer that is well over 100 years old, guests can also receive coaching about any aspect of their game from resident golf pro Roger Podmore. If you are up for it, you can also play the hybrid game of foot golf too, as well as enjoy a game of tennis or billiards.
The onsite Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar also serves up a delicious menu of fabulous meals that champions the best of local produce.
Address: Centennial Rd, Bowral NSW 2576
The Old Bank
A few minutes down the road from Bowral, the lovely town of Mittagong, features one of the most impressive hotel restorations in the whole of the Southern Highlands.
Situated within an old bank that dates back to 1892, this incredible boutique accommodation presents six heritage inspired suites that overflow with charm and character.
Two of these suites feature balconies, and all of them have unique designs which include underfloor heating, en suite bathrooms and custom designed woollen rugs for the floor.
Towards the back of the property, you could also choose to stay in self-contained cottages or stables. While the hotel’s restaurant, which is decorated with stately chesterfield armchairs and couches, as well as ornate fireplaces, and an eclectic mix of rugs and other furnishings, is somewhere else you will also want to linger.
Address: 83 Main St, Mittagong NSW 2575
The Hidden Door Bowral Cottage
For something a little different why not stay at the Hidden Door Bowral Cottage?
Located right in the heart of the Bowral town centre, this quaint weatherboard cottage plucks the heartstrings with its enchanting chocolate-box-style façade of blue and red, even before you enter it.
Over 100 years old and now lovingly updated, the cottage has one master bedroom with a king bed and a smaller, second bedroom that is equipped with a queen bed. Both of which are dressed in beautiful linen.
If you are looking for a quiet romantic getaway, this is as good a place to stay in Bowral as anywhere else you will find.
Address: 17 Bundaroo St, Bowral NSW 2576
Seidler House
If are you a fan of truly impressive architecture, then the heritage-listed Rose Seidler House in Wahroonga is somewhere you will definitely want to stay.
Designed by the acclaimed Australian architect, Harry Seidler, and constructed in 1950, this former residence and now house museum, is a split-level accommodation that is built into the rock face.
Situated about an hour and a half drive west of Bowral, the sculptural property can house up to eight people.
Incorporating indoor and outdoor living, it features open-plan interiors that let in lots of light with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase incredible views of the gorge below.
The house also presents an expansive deck, as well as stunning gardens and an impressive swimming pool.
Inside there are plenty of open fireplaces and inviting accents to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer too.
Address: 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga NSW 2076
The Book Shed At Elouera
The Book Shed At Elouera is a funky, four-bedroom, hillside house that sits on a 2.5-hectare estate.
Offering a mix of a contemporary, industrial and eclectic ambience, this property is available to rent from Airbnb.
One of the best reasons to stay here is for the spectacular rural views its coveys, which can be best seen on its wonderful sun deck. It is also within walking distance to Bowral too, which means you will easily be able to visit all of its main attractions.
In case you are wondering why it is called ‘The Book Shed’, the property provides you with hundreds of books and magazines to read during your time there. Which is great at night, or during the warmer days of summer, when you are enjoying a bit of down time.
Address: Elouera
Bendooley Estate
You may well be familiar with the iconic Book Barn. Berkelouw’s stunning bookstore on the beautiful Bendooley Estate.
Showcasing fantastic, panoramic views of the Southern Highlands, in addition to an ambient café and fabulous restaurant, this famous retailer sells thousands of old and new titles. As well as rare, antiquarian, and signed, or limited-edition publications too.
They even have a big old stone fireplace which you can sit next to whilst thumbing through a book that has piqued your interest.
But did you know they actually have places to stay there too?
The perfect spot for bibliophiles to based themselves during a quick break in Bowral, there are a range of seven exquisite cottages onsite that you can book. All of which have decor inspired by books, to tie into the overall ambience of the place.
Address: 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima NSW 2577
The Coach House at The Rift Estate
Blending contemporary country chic with its rich heritage, The Coach House at The Rift Estate offers a guests a deluxe stay.
Situated in Bowral, at the base of Mt Gibraltar, this accommodation is located within the former stables of an opulent Italianate Victorian mansion.
Comfortably housing 13 guests, it features six bedrooms and four bathrooms, both of which are appointed with top of the range amenities that include underfloor heating, a very comfortable bed and chic furniture.
The property also boasts a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, as well as an al fresco seating area replete with a barbecue and snug fireplaces.
If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy rambling through the nearby countryside, or strolling through the beautiful gardens here.
Address: Bowral NSW 2576
Berida Hotel
Located within easy walking distance to the main street in Bowral, the Berida Hotel is a wonderful place to stay if you really want to treat yourself.
As well as an indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, the magnificent Sculptress at Berida Day Spa presents a wide menu of exceptional pampering treatments, that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and totally de-stressed.
Built in 1925, this deluxe, ivy-clad hotel offers 43 guest rooms that have been decorated in a heritage style. It also has beautiful gardens to explore as well as a well-stocked library, games room and a tennis court.
With plenty of open fireplaces to keep you warm in the winter, and a fantastic European inspired restaurant and bar to feed you, this really is the perfect place to stay in for a weekend getaway from Sydney.
Address: 6 David St, Bowral NSW 2576