A 1910 country estate is getting a revamp and two new dining venues. Opening in 2026, Ardour Milton Park Bowral will mark the dreamy debut of Australia’s latest luxury hospitality brand.
The historic estate formerly known as Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa is a beloved stalwart of the Southern Highlands. Once a decadent hub for 20th-century socialites (think, lots of horse polo), the Bowral estate has operated as a hotel since the 1980s. Now, it’s entering a new chapter, undergoing an extensive transformation that will see the iconic property reborn as Ardour Milton Park Bowral in 2026. Under the new ownership of Salter Brothers Hospitality (of acclaimed Spicers Retreats), the property will be the flagship debut of new luxury hotel brand, Ardour Hotels & Estates, a collection of handpicked properties across regional Australia.
Horderns Restaurant nods to the storied history of the 1910 mansion.
The $10+ million refurbishment pays homage to the mansion’s heritage, but updates it with sleek, contemporary design flair, courtesy of Sydney-based design firm, MAC Design Studio. The property will have 44 guest rooms designed in two distinct palettes (sage green and blue), and incorporate restored vintage furnishings in keeping with the building’s character. With heritage-listed gardens and architecture that combines European influences with French and Federation detailing, Ardour Milton Park Bowral is Australia’s own Downton Abbey for the modern day (did we mention there’s high tea too?!).
The hotel’s reopening will also comprise two elevated new dining concepts. Horderns Restaurant (named for its original owners) will showcase pan-European cuisine that draws on the rich local produce of the Southern Highlands. Best of all, the venue has been expanded to take in the gardens, which are also getting a nip-and-tuck, complete with the addition of a bronze chiming fountain in the guest courtyard that comes from a park in Paris.
Polo Bar at Ardour Milton Park Bowral brings a modern design spin to the historic building.
The second dining option, Polo Bar, will be a sophisticated all-day venue boasting small plates, cocktails, and best of all, its very own charcuterie room where guests can enjoy cured meats and artisanal cheeses. The picturesque high teas the property was previously known for will continue, with a refined take and local produce. Very whimsical indeed.
Mark Holland (ex-Nomad, Paddington Inn) is the chef at the kitchen’s helm. “My goal is to create food that feels both comforting and memorable. I want every guest to leave with a memory that stays with them long after they’ve gone," he says.
Ardour Milton Park Bowral will be open in early 2026, with more information to follow about Horderns Restaurant and Polo Bar.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.
Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.
1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour
The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.
Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)
The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tourto explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.
Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. An artist’s view of Newcastle
There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.
The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.
Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)
6. Indulge in great gastronomy
Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.
Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)
7. Crystalbrook Kingsley
Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.
Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)
8. Newcastle’s creative side on show
Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October.The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations.Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.
Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.
