This long weekend is your last chance to catch Bowral's tulip festival

What is Bowral’s Tulip Time Flower Festival?

See more than 80,000 mass planted tulips and annuals. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bowral’s Tulip Time Flower Festival this year extends from September 21 to October 6. Running for more than six decades, the annual festival has transformed Corbett Gardens in Wingecarribee Street into a floral wonderland, with more than 80,000 mass planted tulips and annuals.

Although the festival purports to be about one thing – tulips – it also honours the arrival of spring, offering a vibrant experience for visitors. A quick rewind tells us the Tulip Time Flower Festival began in Bowral when the local Rotary Club donated 500 tulip bulbs after a previous floral festival had failed due to a lack of funding. These days, the Southern Highlands festival draws visitors from across Australia to watch the seasons change.

And while it’s still very much a community event, it has grown into quite the spectacle. Visitors are invited to wander through fields that pop with red, pink and yellow blooms and provide the perfect backdrop for happy snaps.

What to see at Bowral’s Tulip Time Flower Festival?

A pond with colourful butterfly sculptures in it surrounded by tulips

Wander through fields that pop with red, pink and yellow blooms. (Image: Destination NSW)

The annual Tulip Time Flower Festival is more than just flowers. Blooming Weekends add an extra foodie focus to the affair with indulgences like The Beekeepers Long Lunch Experience and Sunset Evenings at Retford Park every Friday and Saturday. For something a bit playful, channel your inner Bridgerton babe for the annual Tulip Time Garden Party , which includes a Bloom Bar, food, markets, live bands and a DJ. You can also board the Moss Vale Picnic Train at Central and arrive in Moss Vale or Bowral in style.

Be sure to hit the Tulip Trail and alight at Bowral for a bespoke experience at Millsheds Distillery . The distillery will transform into an enchanted wonderland during the festival for Tulips After Dark: The Secret Garden. Tumble down the rabbit hole to enjoy the Alice in Wonderland theme featuring everything from twinkling lights to live music and artisan markets.

The festival honours the arrival of spring. (Image: Destination NSW)

Wondering what else to do with the kids on the long weekend? Fans of the movie Babe can catch the fun family-friendly flick on the big screen at Robertson School of Performing Arts on October 5 between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Robertson’s infamous Big Potato – affectionately known as the ‘big turd’ – has had a whimsical makeover by artist Samuel Hall who has transformed this landmark ‘big thing’ into the ‘Pig Potato’ for the film’s 30th anniversary event.

The country fair will be a celebration that is equal parts quirky, nostalgic and heartwarming, much like the film itself. This year’s inaugural Horizontal Festival also coincides with the annual Tulip Time Flower Festival over the first weekend in October.

Renowned Australian chef Mark Best will headline at the festival, hosted at Centennial Vineyards, where he will be joined by top local chefs such as Simon Evans, of Bangalay Dining and ex-MasterChef contestant Mindy Woods (Karkalla on Country). The event will also bring together artisan producers and acclaimed winemakers – such as Millsheds Distillery and Cupitt’s Estate – for the spring celebration. Check the program for guided garden tours, local market stalls, flower-arranging workshops at the Southern Highlands Flower Farm and more. And don’t miss the Bradman Dash , when everyone from seasoned sprinters to weekend warriors takes part in a series of short-distance heats on 4 October.

Where to stay

Enjoy a luxe stay at Berida Hotel (Image: Destination NSW)

The beautiful thing about Bowral is that it’s just a few hours’ drive from Sydney. If you do want to bunker down in the village, Berida Hotel is one of the most beautiful places to stay. The ivy-clad boutique hotel was recently renovated and feels worlds away from the hamster wheel of your life in Sydney. The luxe hotel was built in 1925 and you can see the leaves of the trees dancing from the comfort of your room.

The best Bowral accommodation for the annual Tulip Time Flower Festival also includes those in proximity to the petals from the Black Barn Bowral to Peppers Manor House, Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral and Peppers Craigieburn Bowral. You can also gather your entourage and stay in The Pill Factory in nearby Bundanoon.

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.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — 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

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe 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 .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — 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

couple eating at Flotilla 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

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — 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.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

This long weekend is your last chance to catch Bowral’s tulip festival

Discover the vibrant beauty of Bowral during its annual Tulip Time Festival, a seasonal celebration of colour, blooms and community.

What is Bowral’s Tulip Time Flower Festival?

What to see at Bowral’s Tulip Time Flower Festival?

Where to stay

Ticket Prices

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