The Best Bowral Accommodation For Your Next Getaway

The best Bowral accommodation ranges from weatherboard cottages to Airbnbs on the outskirts of town to all manner of elegant country estates.

The best places to stay in Bowral also provide guests with a great base to soak up all the region has to offer in terms of cafe culture, antique trawling, wine tasting, nature and history. Be it in an elegant Airbnb, cottage, hotel or campground, a stay in NSW’s Southern Highlands makes for the ideal country escape.

Here’s our pick of 20 of the best places to stay in Bowral and beyond.

In short

If you only book one Bowral accommodation for a weekend away, make it the Berida Hotel . The historic hotel, built in 1925, has everything from a bistro to a bar and is a marvellously maximalist dream.

Best hotels in Bowral

Discover Bowral’s most luxurious hotels, which range from faithfully restored manors to lavish lodges.

Osborn House

the forest bathing deck at Osborne House, Bowral accommodation — The luxe forest retreat promotes relaxed wellness, with an ice bath and jacuzzi to soak in the middle of nature. (Image: Osborn House)

Best for: Lovers of luxe, bougie boutique experiences with bushland backdrops.

Recharge after walking to one of the local waterfalls with a stay at Osborn House , a hidden heritage gem tucked away in a pristine pocket of Bundanoon bushland. Reimagined by former SOHO House design director, Linda Boronkay, this 1890s heritage property comprises 15 suites in the original house and seven self-contained cabins. Enjoy views over Morton National Park from your freestanding outdoor bath and pray for a cold snap so you can cosy up in front of the fireplace.

Address: 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon

Ardour Milton Park Bowral

Best for: Discerning travellers.

Ardour Miton Park Bowral is reopening early 2026 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment designed to honour the iconic estate’s heritage. When it reopens, the 1910 manor’s 44 guestrooms will be dressed in dual palettes of sage and cobalt and feature accents inspired by Milton Park’s landmark weeping beech tree. The much-loved manor will feature decadent lounge areas, elegant terraces, an indoor swimming pool and beautiful billiards room that is befitting of the century-old haven. Bookings are now open for Ardour Milton Park Bowral which will boast an onsite spa and dining with a difference at Horderns Restaurant and Polo Bar.

Address: 200 Horderns Road, Bowral

Berida Hotel

Best for: A pampering stay.

This charming ivy-clad 43-room boutique hotel has been beautifully restored with contemporary touches that make it one of the most beautiful places to stay in Bowral. Built as a private home in 1925, Berida Hotel is just a short walk away from the stylish shops and boutiques lining Bowral’s main strip. And it has all the hallmarks of a great Bowral stay: luxe guestrooms that retain a strong sense of the home’s history, elegant gardens, open fireplaces, a library to curl up in, tennis court and newly refurbished games room. The Berida Hotel also has an indoor heated pool, spa and sauna. Treat yourself to a massage at the luxe new Berida Day Spa.

Address: 6 David St, Bowral

Links House Hotel

a look inside the country guesthouse at Links House, Bowral accommodation — Links House dates back to 1928 as a country guesthouse. (Image: L Timms)

Best for: A weekend getaway for groups of foodies.

When Links House was built in 1928 as a country guesthouse it was the first in Australia to have en suite bathrooms. Fast forward more than a century and Links House still feels ahead of its time. The luxury small boutique hotel on the leafy fringes of Bowral has a range of rooms from king to family to pet-friendly and accessible suites. The styling is clean and contemporary, the decor by local designers and a stay at this Bowral hotel supremely comfortable. Guests at Links House can also enjoy dinner at Ethos, one of the best restaurants in Bowral. The in-house eatery serves a seasonal menu and there are yoga sessions on Monday and Saturday mornings. Bonus points for the Australian-made mattresses and bamboo-made sheets

Address: 17 Links Road, Bowral

Bendooley Estate

Best for: Budding novelists or bookworms.

You’ve probably heard of Berkelouw Book Barn at the geographically blessed Bendooley Estate . The iconic book shop is arrayed around an atmospheric cafe where diners sit amid shelves of old, new, rare and antiquarian books and there’s a big stone fireplace to boot. Did you know you can also stay onsite? The accommodation options available to book at the Berrima property include: four individually designed studio cottages, a two-bedroom Book Barn Cottage; and the three-bedroom May Gibbs Cottage. The bookish will dig these beautiful Berrima accommodation options, which feature sweeping views over the Southern Highlands.

Address: 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima

Peppers Manor House

Best for: Wedding parties.

Check into Peppers Manor House for the quintessential Southern Highlands stay. This elegant manor, built in 1926 and just a 15-minute drive from Bowral to Sutton Forest, has been reimagined while retaining its heritage charm. It has 43 rooms and suites plus a range of inviting spaces that have been carefully curated. Make yourself at home next to the roaring open fireplace in the Great Hall over winter. Or station yourself beside the pool, cocktail in hand, over summer. The hotel is home to Katers Restaurant, which makes the most of local produce.

Address: 72 Kater Rd, Sutton Forest

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral

Best for: Suits and ties in conference mode.

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral boasts an 18-hole course, private indoor pool and gym. Bowral’s largest hotel is part of the Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The 78-suite luxury escape is just a 10-minute meander to the boutiques and cafes that make Bowral such a magnet for Sydneysiders and Canberrans. Food-focused travellers will be thrilled to hear Lotus Dining Group has taken up residence at the hotel. Give those Lazy Susans a spin to get your share of the signature xiao long bao, dan dan noodles and XO scallops on the shell.

Address: 7 Boronia St, Bowral

The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park

Best for: Active types

The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park has been built around an original 1920s federation manor that has been recently reinvented. Shortlist this Bowral accommodation for the fact it offers easy access to a nearby golf course, horse riding tours, cycling trails and Bowral boutiques. The studio suites at the hotel feature a kitchenette and dining area and there’s an indoor pool and health club, too. While Bowral is popular with visitors year-round for its great places to wine and dine, there are also a lot of great things to do such as the annual Tulip Festival.

Address: 9 Kangaloon Rd, Heritage Park, Bowral

Peppers Craigieburn Bowral

Best for: Golfing enthusiasts.

Craigieburn is another elegant old country estate that’s part of the Peppers portfolio and just a five-minute drive from the centre of Bowral. All up, there are 72 guestrooms divided between the Elms and Morton wings, with some opening onto shaded balconies, others offering views of the golf course. Look to resident golfing pros for help perfecting your swing ahead of a hit on the nine-hole century-old Craigieburn Hickory Golf Course. You can also enjoy a round of tennis or play a game of billiards. When you’ve worked up an appetite, dine in Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar. Or arrange a laidback picnic to be set up for you on the gorgeous grounds.

Address: Centennial Road, Bowral

Holiday homes & Airbnbs

Secure a stay at one of these luxe Airbnbs or holiday homes in Bowral and beyond.

Black Barn Bowral

Best for: Fashionistas

Bunker down in style in Bowral with a stay at this exclusive farmhouse renovated by designer Collette Dinnigan. Black Barn Bowral is decked out in Dinnigan’s inimitable style with a lot of upcycled materials and a warm, inviting vibe. Fun fact: the floorboards are made from reclaimed Danish timber, and the light fittings were sourced from Italy. Exposed beams and whitewashed walls are complemented by a carefully curated mix of occasional pieces tricked up with textures and subtle signature Dinnigan detail. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom farmhouse sleeps six.

Address: Alderley Edge, 2 Orchard Rd, Bowral

The Cottage at Melrose Lodge

Best for: Wedding guests, new(ish) couples or solo travellers.

Not many Airbnb listings score more than 50 4.98 (out of 5) star reviews. But The Cottage at Melrose Lodge does. Set on 1.2 hectares – in Burradoo, actually, not Bowral – this cosy studio offers a quiet country escape just minutes from Bowral’s cafes and boutiques. The low-key Airbnb property is private and secluded. Step outside to towering gums and a chorus of native birds. Take coffee on the deck. And unwind beneath a vast ceiling of Southern Highlands sky. Though the hosts live onsite, privacy is assured, making this a serene base for a new romance.

Address: Melrose Lodge, Burradoo

Seidler House

Best for: Architecture buffs.

Seidler House is the most iconic private home built by the late, great Harry Seidler, Australia’s visionary modernist architect. Seidler House is built into rock face in the old Southern Highlands ghost town of Joadja, once a thriving mining town, some 30 minutes’ drive west of Bowral. Accommodating up to eight people, the sculptural accommodation leans into the art of indoor-outdoor living. A member of the Contemporary Hotels portfolio, it has open-plan interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows affording dramatic views of the gorge below. There are also open fireplaces, expansive decks, gardens and a swimming pool. A righteous place for a gatho for grown-ups.

Address: 612 Richards Ln, Joadja

Little Black Cottage Studio, Mittagong

Best for: A romantic weekend away.

The Little Black Cottage Studio is a standalone retreat with garden views and lots of lovely nooks to relax in. The self-contained studio is part of a 114-year-old property in a convenient location just a short walk from Mittagong Village and train station. The fact there are nature trails on the studio’s doorstep makes the newly renovated Airbnb near Bowral one of the best places to stay in the Southern Highlands. There’s also a cute kitchenette, views of Mt Alexandria, a dedicated workspace for digital nomads and speedy wi-fi. The light and airy studio has a comfy sitting room and French doors that give way to a secluded courtyard with reclining sun chairs.

Address: Moments from Mittagong Train Station

The Coach House at The Rift Estate

Best for: Equestrian enthusiasts.

Check into The Coach House at The Rift Estate for a luxurious stay that blends heritage with modern country chic. The former stables of a grand Victorian Italianate mansion are set at the base of Mt Gibraltar in Bowral. Accommodating 13 people across six bedrooms and four bathrooms, this is the ultimate spot for special celebrations with family or friends. It has a fully equipped chef’s kitchen and an al fresco entertaining area with barbecue and cosy fireplaces. Bathrooms boast claw-foot baths and underfloor heating. When you’re not exploring Bowral, spend your days playing bocce on the lawn and wandering gardens embroidered with herbs and flowers against a backdrop of rambling countryside.

The Hidden Door Bowral Cottage

Best for: A romantic weekend away.

The Hidden Door Bowral Cottage will steal your heart before you even cross the threshold with its fairy tale facade. More than 100 years old, and beautifully updated, this delightful little weatherboard cottage has one main bedroom with a king bed and a smaller second bedroom with a queen bed, all dressed in sumptuous linen. Its sister property, The Hidden Door Bowral Villa , can be booked alongside the cottage to accommodate groups of up to eight and is just as cosy and beautifully appointed.

Address: 17 Bundaroo St, Bowral

The Chapel at Welby Park Manor

Best for: Romantics and history buffs

Built in the late 1800s, The Chapel at Welby Park Manor is a freestanding sandstone cottage that was built as part of Welby Park Manor, one of the oldest homes in the area. Romantics will love staying in the beautifully preserved chapel, which fosters a feeling of serenity and contemplation. Welby Park Manor was originally built for the manager of the Fitzroy Ironworks. And guests can expect thoughtful touches inspired by the heritage of the one-hectare property, which also includes the Carriage House and main Manor.  BYO marshmallows as there’s a sandstone firepit in the gardens of this secluded setting. The Chapel is ideal for couples seeking quiet connection.

Address: Welby Park Manor, 16-28 Old Hume Highway, Welby

Coppins Cottage

Best for: Self-catering weekenders

Coppins Cottage , tucked away in leafy Burradoo, deserves bonus points for the fact it’s earned near-perfect scores from more than 250 Airbnb reviews. This one-bedroom hideaway feels instantly welcoming, with a complimentary bottle of local wine and light-filled living area made for lazy mornings. The kitchenette is fully equipped for crafting simple, home-style meals, while the open layout and crisp, contemporary colour scheme make it a cinch to settle in. Outside, the private courtyard is ideal for a sundowner after a day exploring Bowral’s boutiques or nearby wineries. The cutesy cottage can sleep four people but is more comfortable for couples.

Address: Coppins Cottage, Burradoo

Camping & caravan spots

Those craving the great outdoors will find all they need for a cosy stay under the stars at Bowral’s best caravan and camping spots.

Mittagong Caravan Park

Best for: Families and parents of fur babies.

Mittagong Caravan Park is a great option for those who want to bring their fur babies camping. Set within walking distance of Bowral. Choose from pet-friendly cabins, studios, powered sites or grassy campsites, all with access to a playground, camp kitchen, barbecues and a small convenience store. Caravanners get drive-through slab sites with picnic tables. If you have been dreaming of throwing in your corporate job to become a van lifer, note that some onsite vans are for sale.

Address: 1 Old Hume Highway, Mittagong.

Noonameena

Best for: Adult campers and glampers
Set on 40 hectares of bushland about seven kilometres from Berrima, Noonameena offers two ways to sleep in the bush: pitch your own tent beside the dam or opt for one of the luxurious glamping set-ups. The site blends the thrill of sleeping under the stars with dreamy indulgences like king beds, outdoor seating, and a private bathroom and shower. Noonameena also offers access to a Japanese onsen and spruce barrel sauna. Days drift by here swimming in the billabong, exploring bush trails and watching rosellas and wrens flit through the trees.

Address: Old Hume Hwy, 7 kilometres from Berrima

Moss Vale Village Park

Best for: Budget-conscious visitors

Moss Vale Village Park is a tidy, good-value stay where you might just spot colourful parrots perching on the porch of your cabin. Alongside self-contained cabins, there are also powered caravan sites and grassy spots for campers. Save a few more dollars by self-catering a meal in the camp kitchen. You can also fire up the barbecue and supplement your meal with supplies from Bendooley Larder. The park has a mix of residential and recreational sites and a friendly atmosphere. Your furry friend Fido is also welcome, the gardens are well kept, and budget travellers will be delighted at the price of admission.

Address: 43/53 Willow Drive, Moss Vale

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

20 of the absolute best places to stay in Bowral and beyond