Bowral is a small quaint New South Wales town in Southern Highlands, well known for weddings and boutique vineyards. The drive from Eastern Sydney is close to 1 hour and 30 mins.
Accommodation

Milton Park Country House and Spa – This country house is the place to stay and is the leading luxury hotel and spa in Southern Highlands.

All guest rooms overlook the garden courtyard fountain and have french provincial and antique furnishing.

Suites are available with all the comforts you have in a hotel plus an open fireplace.

The Carriage House – This estate looks like the perfect property to hire for groups but only my impression from the outside. Stunning building and entry in front of a paddock.

Milton Park Gardens – A world-renowned garden designed by the English School of Landscape and is known to be one of the greatest gardens in Australia. Three giant Weeping Beeches on the lawn to the North of the house are the oldest in Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed taking daily walks on this property. Here you will also find a paddock with Bulls.

Heated Indoor Pool – Located adjacent to the Conservatory, this 12m x 6m pool is slightly heated and if you are lucky like us can have this pool house to yourself. Make sure to bring some music along with a few drinks too, much more enjoyable.

The Polo Bar – This old fashion bar has quite a selection of spirits and local and imported wines. After dinner, take note of the billiard table, always a fun activity when away.
http://www.miltonpark.com.au/

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dining at Milton Park Country House

The Conservatory – Located at Milton Park Country House, buffet breakfast includes both continental and a la carte i.e danish pastries, deli meats and cheese, pancakes, breakfast quesadillas, bacon and eggs and more.

Horden’s Fine Dining Room – Located at Milton Park Country House this is a french inspired a la carte restaurant. I highly recommend dining here, however, service was lacking during our stay.

2 course $88.00 per person
3 course $98.00 per person

http://www.miltonpark.com.au/bowral-dining-restaurants

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Activities

Centennial Vineyard – Attended this beautiful vineyard for our friends’ Wedding reception on October 18th, 2019 where delicious canapes and a grazing table banquet was served. I did not get an opportunity to take in this vineyard but thoroughly enjoyed the view of the vineyard from the back courtyard.
https://www.centennial.net.au/

Hair Salon

Joh Bailey Salon – Delighted one of my local Sydney salons are located in Bowral. The hairstylist styled my hair exactly how I requested, I felt beautiful.
http://www.johbailey.com.au/bowral/

Shopping

Do not expect to find much in Bowral, just your standard shops you might see in Sydney, a couple of homeware stores, cafes and an antique furniture store around the corner from Joh Bailey’s hair salon. Traffic is quite hectic, therefore be wary during lunch time.
Exploring the Southern Highlands

Berrima is a quaint small town 10 minutes drive from Bowral where you will find a handful of unique stores, a Correctional Centre, a local pub and a few cafes.

Dining – Magpie Cafe located on the Old Hume Highway had impeccable service and food. My homemade beef pie was the best pie I have ever eaten and James had the chicken and brie homemade hot pie. The unique cafe that also sells homeware and sweets.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kangaroo Valley – Kangaroo valley is a small town and not the route I would recommend driving through, if like me, not a fan of windy roads. Although, the views travelling down from Southern Highlands to Jervis Bay are spectacular.

Overall, a lovely 3 day weekend away for our friends’ wedding. I’m sure the Southern Highlands has more to see, perhaps do some research before you arrive. Happy travels.