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
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
