About Bowral
Bowral has a reputation for brilliantly maintaining an old-style facade that harks back to colonial times. It is great for antique shopping and other quaint Australian artefacts.
Placed as it is near the centre of Bowral, Arcadia House is close to all of its boutiques, cafes, restaurants and other attractions.
Bowral is also the town where Sir Donald Bradman spent his seminal years and the Bradman Museum is definitely worth a look.
Kids will love the miles of cycle paths which pass by just near the front door.
You will find Arcadia House the perfect place for an extended holiday:
- picturesque villages
- national parks
- lookouts
- picnic areas
- … and lots more to see and do within a few minutes’ drive.
About Southern Highlands
Welcome to the Southern Highlands where every season offers its own special attractions. We hope you will stay a while and enjoy all that the area has to offer.
We invite you to share and experience the character, atmosphere and the heritage of the Highlands. The Southern Highlands is rated as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. The Highlands has a great lifestyle with fantastic cafes, restaurants, vineyards, boutique shops, and things to do and see.
Things to do
Bushwalking, cycling, horse riding, canoeing, fishing, motor bike riding and six golf courses there is so much to choose from.
Places to visit
From quiet tree-lined country lanes, National Parks, waterfalls, rainforests, wineries, historical sites, museums, art and craft galleries, bookshops, markets, antiques galore and beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone. Or just relax and enjoy what the Southern Highlands have to offer.
What are the best things in life?
The country lanes, rolling hills, mist, trees, birds, clean air, seclusions, tranquillity, peace, four distinct seasons and friendly people all free for you to enjoy.
All you need to bring will be your food, clothing and toiletries. “Arcadia House, your home in the Highlands.”
Bowral is famous worldwide as the home town of Sir Donald Bradman and also for The International Cricket Hall Of Fame. In fact, countless celebrities including movie stars, rock stars, TV stars, writers, artists, musicians, sport stars, international designers, and some of Australia’s biggest business magnates have made the Southern Highlands either their main address or their home away from the spot light. Examples would be Allan Jones, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, David Leckie, Leona Edmiston, Jimmy Barnes, John Olsen, Kate Ritchie, Collette Dinnigan, Tony Lockett, Brendan Nelson, Gai and Rob Waterhouse, Miriam Margolyes, Kyle Sandilands, Michelle Bridges and Steve “Commando” Willis, Leo Sayer, Andrew Denton, Jennifer Byrne, John Waters, Ita Buttrose and that’s only the absolute tip of the iceberg. Also big international movie studios have exclusive “Highland houses” for their actors/actresses to stay at when here in Australia filming. So you never know who you might walk past down the street but best leave them be, after all that’s why they are in the Highlands, to be treated like normal people.
Four Seasons
The Highlands has four distinct seasons, heralded not only by changes in the climate, but by the changes in the many trees, shrubs and flowers widely planted throughout the district.
Summer is cooler than the coast (average temperatures from 15 to the mid-20s Celsius) – up to 10 degrees cooler.
But being Australia, this does not mean that there can’t be days in the 30s, or during a heatwave, over 40!
Spring and Autumn are markedly cooler. Winter temperatures are typically in the high teens down to freezing. Heavy frosts are common, and from time to time it snows.
Part of the attraction of the Highlands is its seasonal changes – which has made it a popular destination for visitors year round since the 19th century.
Links
General
Southern Highlands travel guide – The Southern Highlands is well known for its colourful gardens, leisurely pursuits, diverse landscape, shopping and welcoming accommodation.
Attractions
Mrs Oldbucks Pantry
Mrs Oldbucks Pantry of Berrima is an established business in operation for over 30 years, specialising in preserves, teas and fine foods.
Victoria House Needlecraft
Victoria House Needlecraft stocks a range of local and imported needlecraft supplies in Mittagong. Create your own masterpiece with Australia’s oldest speciality needlecraft store.
Berrima District Museum
The Berrima District Historical Society Museum is housed in an historic weatherboard cottage. The museum’s collection includes an array of artefacts from the Southern Highlands.
Berrima Heritage Walk
Berrima was established in the 1830s during a time of great exploration and expansion in New South Wales. In 1829 surveyor general Major Thomas Mitchell camped near the site of the present bridge over the Wingecarribee River.
Robertson Heritage Railway Station
Robertson Heritage Railway Station and grounds is a tourist train destination, local history museum and waratah garden. Annual events are organised in Spring and Autumn, and the Fettlers Shed Gallery hosts exhibitions.
Red Cow Farm
Red Cow Farm is a unique cool-climate garden set on 2.5 hectares in the picturesque rural village of Sutton Forest. Approximately 1.5 hours from Sydney and Canberra, it is one of the leading gardens in the beautiful Southern Highlands.
Southern Highland Wineries
With many local vineyards now having reached international acclaim, the Southern Highlands of NSW has become one of the premium wine regions in Australia. Please visit their websites for more info, opening hours, or to buy wine.
Artemis Wines
Bendooley Estate Wines & Cellar Door
Centennial Vineyards
Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Eden Brewery
Eling Forest Winery
Joadja Estate
Mount Ashby Estate
Southern Highlands Winery Cellar Door
Sunshack Cider
Tertini Wines