The Southern Highlands region, through which riders will cycle at the 2019 Bowral Classic, is one of the most stunning places to visit in Australia. As a result, accommodation options book out fast, so here’s some advice on some of the best areas and places to stay to get you ahead of the game.

Bowral

Bowral, the starting point for the Bowral Classic, is the largest town in the Southern Highlands, and as a result has a large variety of places to stay for people on any kind of budget. However, due to this, it’s also likely to be the most popular place for riders to stay due to its proximity to the start line and Event Village. Described as the perfect country escape, Bowral is a true gem just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa

Fancy a bit of luxury to help ease those weary leg’s after your Classic ride? Well, Milton Park is the one for you. Set atop a secluded hill in the south-east corner of the town, the heart of the hotel is a grand mansion, built at the turn of the 20th century by the Hordern Family of retail and pastoral fame. Stunning views over the region are matched by gourmet cuisine and relaxing gardens, filled with Elm, Oak and Weeping Beech trees. Timeless elegance and comfort meets great riding – what a combination!

Berida Hotel

Located in the heart of Bowral, the Berida Hotel is ideal if you want to combine a bit of time on the fairways with your time on the bike. Originally built as a home in 1925, and located just moments from the main street of Bowral, the hotel offers a range of rooms and is just across the road from the Bowral Golf Club. Set in landscaped grounds, guests can also enjoy the use of two tennis courts and a heated indoor pool… just in case the winter decides to linger on the ride weekend.

Mittagong

Just on the north-east side of Bowral, the town is recognised as the gateway to the Southern Highlands from Sydney. The area is also home to a number of wineries and cellar doors, and is perfect for bush walking.

The Old Bank Hotel

Charming and beautiful, the Old Bank offers quaint and comfortable rooms that are all individually decorated and named after the local area and era of the building. Local farmers Barbara and Warwick Wainberg transformed the old Commercial Banking Company building in the main street of Mittagong in 2016, and still retains the old bank vault, which has been converted into an unusual wine cellar. Just a warning, though, don’t try and move the one tonne vault door… before or after a few glasses of cab sauv! The luxurious features include plush lounge rooms – the perfect place to prepare for your Classic ride and the ideal place to sit back and recover after.

Motel Melrose

If you’re looking for something central and affordable, the Motel Melrose is a great option. Within short strolling distance of the main street, Motel Melrose is a well-appointed place from which to base yourself for your Bowral Classic experience. The retro rooms are clean, comfortable and the staff are super friendly. The motel offers three room types – double standard, family room standard and twin room standard.

Berrima

Much smaller than Bowral and Mittagong but no less beautiful, the leafy village of Berrima is full of stunning colonial sandstone buildings, quaint shops and pretty cafes. The village is also widely recognised as being the best preserved Georgian village in mainland Australia. Located just ten minutes west of Bowral, Berrima is the perfect place to get away from it all while still being conveniently located just 7km from the Event  Village.

The Loch

Up the hill to the north of Berrima is The Loch, which has been transformed from an old stables building into a stunning accommodation option. Vibrant Sydney chef Brigid Kennedy has designed four unique rooms all named after Scottish towns, each with an en suite and a captivating rural view, and guests can even forage for fresh herbs in the chef’s garden too! Plus, after a big day on the bike, you can curl up in the evening with a book in the cosy lounge area.

Berrima River Reserve Camping

For those really wanting to get back to nature there’s the River Reserve Camp Ground. Located adjacent to the Wingecarribee River and just five minutes walk to the Historic Berrima Village, this is perfect for riders that want to keep things simple for their Bowral Classic experience. Plus, at only $17.50 per night, per site, you’ll have plenty of money left over to enjoy all that the Event Village has to offer!

For more information and to book, head to Destination Southern Highlands and Visit NSW and download the official Bowral Classic Visitors’ Guide.