A weekend trip to Bowral can feel like you’re travelling back in time. From its heritage homes, antique and vintage stores to its leafy surrounds, the Southern Highlands hot spot is the perfect place to escape the city and embrace a slower pace. But this week, Bowral will transform into ‘ The Ton’ for the season three premiere of one of Netflix’s most popular shows, Bridgerton. 

Head to Bowral between April 16-23 and you’ll be stepping into the Regency Era and the world of Lady Whistledown. One of Bowral’s iconic cafes, The Press Shop, has given its doorway the Queen Charlotte treatment and adorned in with an arch of flowers (hello, Insta-opp!). Activities will be centred around Bong Bong Street as well as Corbett Gardens, Retford Park Estate and Milton Park Country House, with many local businesses putting on activations. 

Here’s how to spend the perfect day in The Ton aka Bowral and tick off all the activations:

• • The Press Shop: Start your day at the iconic blue door of Bowral’s most photographed cafe. Take in the florals and pop inside for a spot tea.
  • SoHi Spirits: Step next door for a refresher at SoHi, Bowral’s boutique spirits supplier. Explore a world of refined tastes and sophisticated pleasures.
  • Dirty Janes Bowral: Pass through the wrought iron gates of Green Lane and step into a treasure trove for vintage. Dirty Janes will have you swimming in Regency-inspired fashion and decor.
  • Harry’s On Green Lane: Take in the topiary, country citrus and lush greenery of this beautiful outdoor arcade. Stop by boutiques and drop into Harry’s for lunch in the library.
  • Coach House Collective: Step through the iconic ivy-covered doors and into a collection of artfully curated furnishings and treasures.
  • Books Ever After: A hidden gem full of romance. Visit over the weekend of Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 April to soak up a classical string musical performance.
  • The Gumnut Patisserie: Stop by the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie for a Regency-theme sweet treat.
  • Corbett Gardens Rotunda: Set yourself up for a picnic or take shelter under the floral rotunda and behold the beauty. If you visit on Saturday 20 – Tuesday 23, April you may see a string quartet playing amongst the trees.
  • Retford Park: A stately home that is a five-minute drive from the main street and a must-see. The romantic pink estate is surrounded by picturesque garden and is the perfect backdrop for your regency portrait. Open from 10am – 4pm daily (this week), you can enjoy a spot of croquet on the front lawn or promenade through the elegant gardens. Retford Park is a part of The National Trust, a $15 entry fee applies.
  • Empire Cinema Bowral: A lucky few will watch the first episode of Bridgerton Season 3 before it hits Netflix. On Monday 22 April and Tuesday 23 April, the cinema will host screenings. Note these screenings are now sold out.
  • The Parting Glass: Stop by for a cocktail.
  • Bespoke Press: Join the letter writing society, like none other than Lady Whistledown.
  • Sweet and Treat: Here you’ll find regency confectionary.
  • Blooms of Bowral: For a plethora of fresh blooms.

 

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If you can’t get your Bridgerton fix in Bowral, here is the official season three trailer to satiate your appetite. We’re already falling head over heels for this season. Pen and Colin forever *makes heart with hands*. 

For more information, visit bridgertoninbowralgardenparty.splashthat.com or visitsouthernhighlands.com.au.  Bridgerton season three will stream via Netflix in two parts, with four episodes on May 16, 2024, and four on June 13, 2024.

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