Bowral /ˈbaʊrəl/ is the largest town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, in the Wingecarribee Shire. It has a population of around 11,500 and the largest business and entertainment precinct in the Highlands.
In a past era, Bowral served as a rural retreat for the elite gentry of Sydney, resulting in the establishment of many historic estates and manor houses in the district. Today, Bowral is universally associated with the cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, who is commemorated by the International Cricket Hall of Fame (formerly the Bradman Museum) and other monuments at the Bradman Oval. It also hosts the annual Tulip-Time Festival held in the town in September.
Bowral is the national birthplace of fictional nanny Mary Poppins, as author P. L. Travers spent her childhood in the town and began her life as a storyteller there.
It is within close driving distance to the other main Highland towns, being 5 kilometres (3 mi) from Mittagong, 9 kilometres (6 mi) from both Moss Vale and Berrima and within a reasonable distance of 27 kilometres (17 mi) from Bundanoon and 26 kilometres (16 mi) to Robertson.
The town of Bowral can include the suburb of East Bowral and the village of Burradoo which are located adjacent to the town.
Read more about Bowral: Etymology, Demographics, Transportation, Climate, Attractions, Schools, Churches, Past and Present Notable Residents of Bowral