Commonwealth Bank Matildas Credit: Venues NSW
Commonwealth Bank Matildas
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With world-class stadiums and picturesque trails backed by grand-scale nature, New South Wales is the perfect spot to see legendary athletes in action – and to lace up your own trainers and challenge yourself. Join the roar of the crowd as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 lights up Sydney and let its energy inspire you to train for this hit list of upcoming races, where the scenic courses help your reach for a new PB and you can refuel and recover in style afterwards.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 | 20 July to 20 August
Take your place in the heart of the action as FIFA WWC brings the world together in the Harbour City, with 11 matches at Stadium Australia and the Sydney Football Stadium, including the Final on 20 August. Book your seat in the grandstand, or head to Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park for the FIFA Fan Festival, where you can watch the soccer on the big screen and enjoy free entertainment with Jessica Mauboy, Mia Wray, football snooker, street food, and more.
Refuel: Grab a takeaway bite from Oti' in the buzzing Ivy precinct, where executive chef Mike Eggert offers pizza by the slice and classic Italian schiacciata sandwiches.
Recover: At the Ace Hotel Sydney. This chic boutique stay is a few minutes’ walk from Darling Harbour and Moore Park in lively Surry Hills.
Sydney Marathon | 17 September
On your marks, get set, go! Come spring, Australia’s keenest runners will line up beside Sydney Harbour for a chance at winning this prestigious event. Take your pick of four courses winding through postcard-worthy scenery: the 42km or 21km distances for advanced athletes; the 10km intermediate run across the Harbour Bridge that finishes at the Sydney Opera House; or the 3.5km Fun Run across the Coat-hanger to the Royal Botanic Garden, perfect for walkers and families.
Refuel: Taste your way around Circular Quay’s newest dining precinct, Sydney Place, nibbling light bites like dumplings and sushi, or treating yourself to pastries handcrafted by hatted chefs.
Recover: An easy walk from the finish line, the five-star Capella Sydney boasts 192 guest rooms and the Auriga Wellness Spa to rejuvenate tired muscles.
IRONMAN Western Sydney Credit: The Ironman Group Oceana
Man cycles towards the finish line in Penrith, competing in the cycling component of IRONMAN Western Sydney.
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IRONMAN Western Sydney Credit: The Ironman Group Oceana
Man cycles towards the finish line in Penrith, competing in the cycling component of IRONMAN Western Sydney.
IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney | 23-24 September
This triathlon weaves through Penrith’s charming riverside scenery as competitors face off in a heart-racing battle to become the ultimate Ironman champ. The 1.9km swim leg takes place in Penrith Lake, while the 90km bike stretch loops through the streets before winding out to the lush World Heritage Blue Mountains. At 21.1km, the flat running circuit takes in the Nepean’s Great River Walk before returning to the Sydney International Regatta Centre. For champs in the making, IRONKIDS offers youngsters aged 7-13 all the fun of a run-bike-run course, but minus the pressure of recorded timing or placings.
Refuel: At the Rusty Penny Brewing Co, where you can tuck into Texan barbecue fare and cool off with a refreshing Penrith Lager.
Recover: At Quest Penrith, where there’s a choice of compact serviced apartments and larger, family-friendly options.
Bowral Classic | 21-22 October
Hop on your bike for a spectacular spin through the Southern Highlands in the annual Bowral Classic. Take your pick of five courses, from the short but sharp Crit to the 35km Social Classic and the epic 150km Maxi Classic. Apart from being one of Australia’s most popular cycling events, it’s a memorable way to explore this picturesque region with routes passing through the rolling hills, picturesque vineyards and heritage towns around Berrima, Sutton Forest and Robertson.
Refuel: With fresh local, organic flavours at the Raw & Wild Market & Cafe, or grab ingredients to go from their wholefoods market.
Recover: In the idyllic countryside around the Gibraltar Hotel Bowral, soaking your weary muscles in your private spa bath and stretching out on their 18-hole golf course.
Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB | 07-09 December
Be energised by the crisp alpine air and captivating Snowy Mountains vistas as you hot-foot it across Australia’s rooftop on the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko. All four races start in Thredbo and end in Bullocks Flat – ranging from 27km to an epic 164km route which takes you through meadows and snowgum bush to the top of Mount Kosciuszko. All entrants receive a race number with a timing chip, prizes (if you’re fast enough), new friends (lots of them) and good times in the great outdoors.
Refuel: At Alpine Larder, with wood-fired pizza, hearty curries and classics like Chicken Parmigiana, paired with jaw-dropping views over Lake Crackenback.
Recover: In Jindabyne at the freshly renovated Banjo Paterson Inn, where boutique suites boast contemporary styling and you can celebrate (or commiserate) at its onsite Kosciusko Brewery.
Bowral Classic 2016 Credit: Beardy McBeard
Cyclists competing in the Bowral Classic 2016 event hosted in the Southern Highlands.
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Bowral Classic 2016 Credit: Beardy McBeard
Cyclists competing in the Bowral Classic 2016 event hosted in the Southern Highlands.
Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Stunning scenic views across Kosciuszko National Park from the Main Range Track.
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Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Stunning scenic views across Kosciuszko National Park from the Main Range Track.
Peppers Craigieburn, BowralCredit: Destination NSW
The heritage property at Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral.
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Promenade back in time as Netflix’s Regency-era romp returns for Season Three, escorted by the elegant Bridgerton in Bowral extravaganza from 16-23 April. And whether you’re visiting The Ton for these enchanting festivities or simply searching for a sophisticated sojourn, all year round Bowral offers decadent feasts, opulent stays, charming countryside and more – all just 90 minutes from Sydney. Read on, Gentle Reader, to learn why the Southern Highlands are the Diamond of the Season and beyond.
Make your grand entrance
Emerald hills garnished with vineyards, grand estates and a bewitching village atmosphere… Bowral’s highlights harken back to a most refined moment in history – and now they’re celebrating Bridgerton’s greatly anticipated return with a host of soirees. As befits such a momentous occasion, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four exclusive screenings for The Ton before the new episodes hit Netflix (from May 16). Plus, you’re cordially invited to a Regency-themed Garden Party amid the stately grounds of the Milton Park Country House Hotel, where you’ll see and be seen in sprawling formal gardens, and enjoy a host of Bridgerton-themed entertainment. Nearby, Retford Park also entices with a picturesque 1887 homestead, self-guided art trail and a picnic-perfect historic garden for all seasons.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Bendoley Estate, Berrima.
Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
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Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa, Bowral.
Sip your way around The Ton
Raise a toast to Lady Whistledown’s long-awaited new chapter with Sohi’s mouth-watering tipples – their premium gin, vodka and vermouth are available to quaff all over town, including at Hearth by Moonacres, Bistro Sociale and The Royal Hotel. And, let your thirst for discovery lead you along the Southern Highlands Wine Trail, where you’ll sample the region’s cool-climate drops at more than 60 vineyards and 15 cellar doors. Swill Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Albariño, Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer at Centennial Vineyards; unwind between the vines at the grand Bendooley Estate; and clink glasses at Mount Ashby Estate, where red, white and culinary delights are served alongside French antiques and lashings of bucolic charm.
Shall we promenade?
Whether you’re courting a suitor or slipping out of the drawing room for fresh air, a gentle wander is one of life’s simple pleasures. Take a leisurely turn through historic Berrima; Australia’s best-preserved Georgian village unveils an intriguing selection of Regency-era relics, including the 1830s Courthouse, convict-built Surveyor General Inn and the National Trust-listed Harper’s Mansion. Bask in the majesty of manicured gardens in Bowral, Mossvale, and Robertson, where lavish plantings reveal nature’s extravagance – especially during the Tulip Time festival each spring. Afterwards, assemble your favourite dukes and duchesses to while away the day with croquet, cycle between quaint villages, or saddle up your trusty steeds for a relaxing meander along the Canyonleigh Trails.
Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
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Centennial Vineyards, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
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Bendooley Estate, Berrima Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn at Bendooley Estate, Berrima.
Discover the talk of The Ton
Bowral boasts a bounty of treasures old, new and noteworthy if you’re seeking a modiste-crafted frock for your society debut, exploring the arts, or collecting key pieces to makeover your manor. Start with a visit to Dirty Janes, a unique marketplace where 90 individual sellers peddling all manner of retro, vintage, antique and artisan-made finds. Indulge your guilty pleasure for scandalous storytelling at Books Ever After, a romance-genre specialist home to an impressive selection of special editions to tantalise your imagination. And, take your cue from Bridgerton’s elite and let your impeccable taste in art and furnishings do the talking. The Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, Bowral Art Gallery and Milk Factory Gallery showcase the cultured art and soul of this inspired region, while Suzie Anderson Home has a wide range of premium style essentials to create your own Regency-influenced sanctuary.
Retreat to elegant chambers
From plush private residences to luxe suites catering for your every whim, the Southern Highlands offers a host of auspicious accommodations worthy of society’s highest echelon. Revel in the prestige of a grand estate to call your own on the grounds of The Rift Estate. This palatial 19th Century mansion presents a self-contained Coach House to accommodate 13 people, complete with cosy fireplaces, claw-foot bathtubs and lush lawns perfect for croquet and bocce. For a gracious stay amid rustic vistas reminiscent of the English countryside, look no further than the five-star boutique hotel, Osborn House. Nearby, the chic comforts continue at the Georgian Moss Manor, where thoughtful creativity and interior design unite for an exclusive art-hotel experience. Around the town, the historic flair also rolls into the early 20th Century, with the Berida Hotel, Peppers Craigieburn and the Links House Hotel delivering memorable stays where modern amenity and heritage flourishes converge. Wherever you choose to rest your tiara-toting head, you can find your own Bridgerton in Bowral all year round.
Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
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Osborn House, Bundanoon Credit: Stephanie Hunter
One of the Premier Suites at Osborn House.
Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands
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Bradman Museum, Bowral Credit: Destination NSW
Exploring sporting history at the Bradman Museum, Bowral, Southern Highlands