A refined country escape with grand estates, cosy fireside dining and iconic heritage, Bowral has officially claimed its title as Australia’s best country town.
It’s not hard to see why Bowral has been crowned Australia’s best country town – and fifth best town overall – in Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns list. Set in the heart of the Southern Highlands, this once-unassuming village has quietly evolved into a polished weekend escape, where heritage estates, elevated dining and cultural icons converge.
During my 48-hour stay, it was the seamless blend of old-world charm and new energy that stood out — from the grandeur of newly reimagined estates to intimate local experiences that leave you in awe of the neighbourhood’s character. It’s no surprise that Sydneysiders and Aussies alike flock to Bowral for a refreshing getaway. Bowral deserves a spot on every traveller’s list.
The grand estate bringing Bridgerton charm to Bowral
I arrive at the newly reopened Ardour Milton Park in East Bowral for my first night and am warmly greeted by hotel manager, David McDonald. He enthusiastically gave me an informative history lesson on the property and a walkthrough of the grounds, which felt like a scene straight out of the 1993 movie The Secret Garden. Just 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra, calm arrives almost instantly, unfolding through ivy-lined gardens that seem to slow everything down the moment you arrive at the picturesque estate.
Inside the Sage Green Garden Terrace room. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
The sitting room at Ardour Milton Park. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
Ardour Milton Park at sunset. (Credit: Supplied by Salter Brothers Hospitality)
Purchased by the Salter Brothers in 2023, Milton Park began an extensive $10-million transformation, with a complete renovation of the restaurant, kitchen, lounge, guest rooms, and spa, and reopened in February 2026 as the flagship property of Ardour Hotels & Estates.
Drawing attention for its cinematic pull during Bridgerton Season 3’s Regency-inspired takeover of Bowral, where scenes are captured at nearby Retford Park, Ardour Milton Park becomes part of the story itself, hosting exclusive, era-inspired events across its stately grounds.
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The restaurant interiors is country estate charm to a tee. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
Dine on modern Australian-inspired cuisine at Horderns Restaurant. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
Polo Bar is a blush-pink dream. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
Seafood features prominently on the menu at the onsite restaurant. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
The Polo Bar is a blush-pink dream. (Credit: Ardour Hotels & Estates)
I am shown to my romantic garden view room, where I’m able to switch off for a couple of hours before heading to Èliva Spa for a 60-minute illuminating facial. Following the facial, it’s time for cocktails in the Polo Bar before tucking into XL Yamba prawns and Riverina Black Angus beef sirloin at Milton Park’s signature dining venue, Horderns Restaurant, which showcases modern Australian-inspired cuisine alongside an exquisite wine selection.
The Berida Hotel is another charming stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)
The following night, I check into the tranquil Berida Hotel for another cosy night fireside. Evolving from a 1925 grand manor into a modern boutique hotel, this accommodation hosts 46 stylish and elegantly restored guest rooms. It is then time for a cheeky cocktail at the Aspinalls Bar and Lounge, before heading into town for dinner.
Fireside meals and wine tastings
Bowral has no shortage of outstanding dining options. After enjoying my first dinner at the exquisite Horderns Restaurant at Ardour Milton Park, I begin my second morning in Bowral at the famous Gumnut Patisserie, which almost feels like a rite of passage when arriving in the Southern Highlands. I devour a spinach pastry before fitting in a vanilla slice, which leaves me feeling slightly sick but far from regret.
Accompany a wine tasting with a charcuterie cheeseboard. (Credit: Destination NSW)
It is then time for coffee at the iconic Press Shop, before an afternoon of wine tasting at Centennial Vineyards. I enjoy a wine paddle flight on the Terrace overlooking the vineyards, paired with a charcuterie cheeseboard filled with an array of local artisan cheese, cured meats and fresh fruit.
Centennial Vineyards in Bowral. (Credit: Hannah Clark)
For dinner, I am lucky enough to get a booking at the French café-meets-bistro, Lucette, in the heart of town. It evokes the effortless rhythm and energy of Paris, with tables styled like a café terrace in Paris, while still feeling distinctly rooted in its local setting. I devour the chicken liver parfait and raw tuna tartare, before tucking into the larger Boeuf Bourguignon.
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Iconic names stealing the limelight
Inside the reimagined boutique stay at 52 Shepherd St in Bowral, which was once home to Don Bradman. (Credit: Bohdi & Co. Media)
One of Bowral’s most famous names, Australian cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, affectionately known as “the Don", called the town home. Today, you can stay in his childhood residence at 52 Shepherd Street, or explore his legacy at the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame on St Jude Street, where his story and Australia’s cricketing history are brought to life.
Inside Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame. (Credit: Destination NSW)
How we chose the winners
Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit were selected by a voting panel of much-loved Australians, industry experts and category authorities from across the country. The expert panel consisting of 15 travel experts, including the likes of Accor’s Adrian Williams, Ernie Dingo and Catriona Rowntree. Bowral was voted ‘Best Country Town’ and came fifth overall in ‘Best 100 towns’ in Australia.
Here is the shortlist of what not to miss in Bowral
This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.
Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).
All-inclusive VIP benefits
Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.
The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.
The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Step into a piece of history with all the modern comforts. (Credit: Dave Wheeler)
The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.
If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.
Pier One Suites
Enjoy incredible views from your suite.
Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.
United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.
But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.
Dining at Pier One
Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.
Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.
PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.
Around town
Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)
If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.
You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.
Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.
