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.
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 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
Historic elegance meets modern luxury at Berida Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)
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
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
Opt for a lush stay in the countryside. (Image: Destination NSW)
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
The quintessential Southern Highlands country retreat experience can be found at 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
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral boasts 78 suites and an 18-hole course. (Image: Supplied)
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
Spend a weekend getaway at 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
Escape to a luxurious country getaway.
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
The farmhouse was established as a charming countryside retreat.
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
An ensuite bathroom at 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
Seidler House masters the art of indoor-outdoor living.
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
Retreat into a stylish studio with a dedicated workspace for digital nomads.
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
The Coach House at The Rift Estate is equipped with a cosy fireplace.
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
This cosy cottage offers the perfect country escape.
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
The beautifully preserved chapel fosters a feeling of serenity and contemplation.
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
Settle into the country-style 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
This bushland retreat sprawls across an impressive 100 acres of wilderness.
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.
