England Lives In Garden Paradise

Newcastle Herald

Saturday October 25, 2008

GR

BOWRAL is home to an increasing number of refugees people who have turned their back on city living in the search for a better lifestyle.

In a Southern Highlands valley at the foot of Mount Gibraltar, they have found just that.

Proximity to the freeway is part of the town's appeal.

Residents can commute to their workplace without undue stress or inconvenience.

Bowral sits largely on land originally granted to John Oxley, famous explorer of the early colony of NSW.

For a generation it was farmed by Oxley's sons.

The town is now the region's commercial and retail centre and the townscape and countryside boast a rare natural beauty.

This is a place of gardens enhanced by more than 100 years of plantings of exotic deciduous trees and "English" gardens reminders of a far-flung homeland. Bowral is known for an annual massed displays of bulbs and perennials.

Many of the area's private gardens are opened from time to time for public viewings.

Corbett Gardens, in the centre of town, has massed plantings of annuals and perennials three seasons of every year, and 100,000 tulips in spring.

Many exotic trees in streets and private gardens offer spectacular displays in spring and autumn.

Historic public and private buildings, accommodation houses, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants as well as famous festivals and events attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The town has made good use of its connection with Australia's most famous cricketer. The Bradman Museum is next to the Bradman Oval and near the one-time home of the The Don.

The museum contains memorabilia and displays of Bradman's career and of the history of the Ashes.

Games between international cricketers and local sides are played each year on the Oval, in the spirit of traditional English County games.

The town has a large variety of boutiques, bookstores, antique and craft shops, supermarkets and two major shopping malls.

Its restaurants and takeaways are renowned for fine food and the many coffee shops and sidewalk cafes are a favourite place for visitors to dine. There are a number of wineries a short drive away.

Today Bowral has more than 14,000 inhabitants with new residential subdivisions expanding east of the town.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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