The historic village of Bowral nestles at the base of the mighty Gibraltar Mountain in the centre of the Southern Highlands, south west of Sydney. The invigorating climate, picturesque gardens and residences and historic charm have contributed to Bowral's status of an exclusive rural retreat.

The original inhabitants of the region are believed to be the Gundungura or Gandangara people. From them the name "Bowral" was derived from a description of the Gib, translating as "high and large". The first European exploration of the district was in 1798. A party guided by James Wilson set out under instruction from Governor Hunter, to investigate a rumoured inland European colony. Hamilton Hume and Dr Charles Throsby followed this direction between July and August 1817. A year earlier Surveyor General John Oxley is believed to have taken up the first run at Bowral. This property incorporated all the present day township proper. Oxley drove 500 head of cattle from his Bargo station to this run which he named "Wingecarribee".

The first recorded reference to Bowral chronicled Oxley's death in 1828. Major Thomas Mitchell wrote of "Bowrel"; "This fine property, the fine swelling hills, and extensive flats -both of rich soil - render it valuable, I should think, even in this interior part of the country."

The township was conceived from a subdivision of Oxley's land by his eldest son in 1859. Originally known as the "village of Wingecarribee", in 1863 a land transfer referred to it as "village of Burradoo". Later that year the "township of Bowral" was used. Variations upon this appear in 1865 and 1866 as the "village of Bowrel". However in 1867 the "village of Bowral" was officialised.

Occupation of land followed gradually, until 1864, when severe flooding and rust in Camden's wheat farms forced many to relocate in Bowral. Dairy and sheep farming were predominant activities, and wheat enjoyed some early success before the onset of rust. Indeed the first milk carted to Sydney from country New South Wales in 1876 came from the farms of Bowral. Further more, the steamer "Iberia" sailed for London in 1884, carrying one ton of butter manufactured in this region.

By the 1890s, with a population of 2258 people, Bowral had convincingly established itself as an independent community and economy. The town was gazetted under the Town Police Act of 1883, and was proclaimed a municipality in 1886. The first newspaper, the "Burrawang Times" circulated in 1863. That same year the school master, John Elkin, commenced classes in a recently completed school house. Edmund Blacket's "St Jude's" Anglican church was completed in 1874. Then in 1891 and 1892, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian churches respectively were constructed and consecrated. The Court House was completed and officially opened by the Minister for Justice, Mr A J Gould in 1896. At this time it was noted that "there wasn't a shop to be had for love or money".

The village size, picturesque setting and historic nature of Bowral have made it today an exclusive country retreat. Preservation of heritage is pursued not only in the impeccably maintained historic buildings of Wingecarribee and Bendooley streets, but also with historic gardens. The annual tulip festival held in late September is a major regional attraction. Many antique and Curios shops satisfy the nostalgic, as does the Bowral School House Museum. The Bradman Museum, opened in 1989, is a fitting tribute to Australia's cricketing hero and cultural icon, Sir Donald Bradman, who played his first cricket at Bowral.


Museums

The Schoolhouse Museum is a restored traditional style schoolroom which can be made available for classes. Cricket enthusiasts will know Bowral as the site of the cricketing debut of Sir Donald Bradman, and a visit to the Bradman Museum to view the town's tribute to this legend and his sport is definitely worth a visit for the cricket fan. Historic buildings are plentiful and include the Courthouse (1896), Police Station (1887), the Rectory (1880) and the Old Bowral Municipal Chambers (1890), and are all located within a leisurely stroll of each other. A visit to Bowral's historic cemetery will help visitors to understand the town's past.

Attractions

Australia's leading flower festival, Bowral's Tulip Time is held every September/October transforming Bowral into an ocean of spectacular colours. Sports fans won't be disappointed as Bowral has numerous sports facilities for activities ranging from swimming, golf and tennis to hockey, rugby and cycling to name but a few. Visit the Heathray Stud to pat the Alpacas and see the thoroughbred horses and Red Poll cattle. Browse around various antique and craft shops or visit the District Art Society exhibitions.

Parks and Gardens

Picnic and barbeque facilities are available in the many Parks and gardens surrounding this tree lined town. The Bradman Oval plays host to all kinds of sporting activities. Scenic walks to admire the variety of trees and shrubs in Stanley Park, Corbett Gardens and Loseby Park are an alternative way to spend a relaxing day.

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