Grab Your Girlies, Because Bowral, NSW, Is Your Best Weekend Getaway This Winter

Who needs the mid-year Euro trip, when you've got this country paradise just 90 minutes from Sydney?

Sure, most of your mates have pissed off to sun themselves around Italy, Greece and Croatia — but that doesn't mean us housebound Aussies have to simply endure winter '22.

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To help you make the most of the season, I selflessly volunteered to report on a weekend in NSW's most picturesque getaway and the Southern Highlands' crown jewel of country towns — Bowral.

Here's what I recommend you do on a trip down with your best gals (because, let's be honest, you'll have the best trip with them):

The Press Shop Cafe for the best coffee and homemade nibblets.

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/the_press_shop/?hl=en

If you've been to Bowral previously, no doubt you'll recognise this iconic, curved, baby blue door — stunning from the outside and even better within. This cafe is the best way to kickstart your weekend festivities, with the best beans for your morning brew, plus a huge variety of food that heroes local and organic produce.

Plantation Cafe and sister-restaurant Harry's on Green Lane for cool, country fare in a highly 'grammable setting.

Harry's On Green Lane, BuzzFeed, Plantation Cafe

Step into the jungle at Harry’s on Green Lane, which is positively overflowing with plant life — I'm talking massive hanging baskets dripping with devil's ivy, kentia palms and tree ferns, split cane lamp shades. It's a plant-lover's paradise. Oh, plus the food is A+, if you're one of those types that goes to lunch for more than just the decor.

Next door is Plantation Cafe — with lofty ceilings and huge book shelves, this local hot spot serves double roasters coffee, fresh bakery goods and fast, casual brekkies.

Gumnut Patisserie for outrageously delicious baked treats that will have you believing dessert should always be served first.

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/thegumnutpatisserie/?hl=en

Gumnut is a household name in the Southern Highlands and a must-stop-spot for any visitors to the region. Choose from a range of incredible savoury pies and pastries, or lean into the owners' ethos of "Life's short, eat dessert first" by choosing an array of sweet cakes, slices, tarts and flans.

Onesta Cucina for Bowral's finest Italian food and a new menu everyday (so you can come back again and again and again).

onestacucina.com.au

Onesta Cucina is a family-run Italian restaurant that you'll find on just about every foodie's guide to the Southern Highlands — and for damn good reason. The constantly-changing menu allows the chefs to lean into seasonal produce and experimental dishes that will have you returning each time you visit. All set within a cosy, comforting environment which is guaranteed to take away your winter chill.

You're not short of accommodation options in Bowral — from quaint bed and breakfasts, to upscale hotels and vineyard stays — but for a weekend that all the girlies will love, I recommend you book an ~experience~ with Riparide. Think of her as Airbnb's much cooler, younger, nature-loving sister.

Riparide

And no, before you ask, they're not paying me to say this (although a girl can dream). I legit rate them for all my Aussie weekend escapes, because they offer you something beyond the bog standard single studio with a rusty, electric kettle.

Riparide is all about bite-sized trips that get you back into nature — perfect for anyone looking to cash-in maximum experience for minimum time. Plus, you'll never be bored with your lodgings, because accommodation types range from luxury houses and glamping grounds, to converted barns, houseboats, train carriages, tiny houses and more.

For my Bowral escape, I chose to book The Potting Shed at Bunya House — the most aesthetic country stay, overlooking a picturesque vegetable garden and boasting a huge, freestanding tub (that I spent a solid three hours in).

Riparide, BuzzFeed

I mean honestly, cop a look at these cute, country vibes. I can feel my lungs getting cleaner again just looking at her.

BuzzFeed

Within walking distance of Bowral's main street, this spot is the perfect base to explore Bowral's treasures and get around the wider Southern Highlands.

You've got a massive king bed (that can be split into singles), a cosy little dining nook, amenities for tea, coffee and wine, Netflix for those chilly evenings spent indoors — and did I mention the seriously huge tub? What more could you possible hope for?

Get your antique shopping fix at Dirty Janes.

Instagram: @dirtyjanes_bowral

Dirty Janes is a vintage Aussie icon and a family-run business that offers both locals and day-trippers a truly unique shopping experience in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Peruse incredible antique furniture, artwork, jewellery, decor and more — just make sure you've got plenty of boot space for your return trip home.

Sample the best vino from NSW at the many surrounding vineyards.

instagram.com, instagram.com, BuzzFeed

The Southern Highlands boasts 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors, which makes it the perfect spot for wine-lovers to come and expand their cool climate knowledge. You know, for the education.

Kickstart your wine trail at any of Bowral's closest vineyards, including Bendooley Estate, Artemis Wines, Centennial Vineyards and Tertini Wines. 

And finally, reconnect with nature along one of the nearby hiking tracks.

Simon Mcgill / Getty Images, Taif George / Getty Images/500px

After all the wine has been drunk and the antiques have been shopped, there's no better way to switch off and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones than with a quintessential Australian bushwalk. And with so many options at your doorstep in Bowral, you'd be remiss to go home without exploring one. From the Berrima River walk, to the cascading Carrington Falls trail, adventures abound — just make sure to pack some wellies for your winter walks. 

That's how I spent my weekend away in Bowral — but let me know if you have any recommendations? Or any other spots that Aussies should explore this winter?