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

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

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