You’re already heading to the Southern Highlands for the Bowral Classic on Sunday 18 October, so why not make a weekend of it!
The 2026 Bowral Classic is the perfect excuse to bring your riding mates, round up the family or tack on an extra night and explore a little more of the region while you’re here.
Once the bike is packed away, there’s plenty to discover beyond the course, from charming country villages and cool-climate wineries to local food, boutique shopping, markets, scenic walks and plenty of spots worth lingering over.
So, whether you’re arriving early, sticking around after the ride or making a long weekend of it, here’s your guide to getting the most out of your Bowral Classic weekend.
Where to Stay
Event weekend is a popular time to visit the region, so if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, now is the time to lock it in.
Staying in Bowral puts you close to the Event Village and ride start, while the surrounding villages offer a chance to explore a little further afield.
Berrima is packed with heritage charm, historic buildings, boutique stores, galleries and cafés.
Mittagong is a great base for exploring the region, with local shops, bakeries, restaurants and plenty of green space.
Moss Vale is known for its food and drink scene, with cafés, restaurants, cellar doors and local producers to discover.
For a quieter country escape, look towards Exeter, Burrawang or Robertson, where you’ll find leafy streets, village charm and some seriously scenic Southern Highlands landscapes.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Explore accommodation options through Destination Southern Highlands.
Browse, Shop & Explore
The Southern Highlands is a dream for a little post-ride retail therapy. Take a wander through Bowral’s boutiques and antique stores, hunt for treasures at Dirty Janes, or make the trip to Berrima Village for local stores, handmade goods and heritage charm.
For something a little different, Coach House Collective in Bowral brings together a mix of interiors, vintage pieces and contemporary finds.
Eat & Drink
A weekend in the Highlands isn’t complete without exploring its food and drink scene. From long lunches and cosy cafés to local produce, cellar doors and cool-climate wines, there are plenty of ways to refuel away from the bike. The region is home to a growing collection of restaurants, wineries, breweries, farm gates and local producers, making it easy to turn a post-ride meal into part of the weekend adventure.
For more inspiration, explore the Southern Highlands’ food and drink offerings through Visit NSW and Destination Southern Highlands.
Get Outdoors
If you’ve still got some energy left after the ride, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the Bowral Classic course.
Fitzroy Falls is one of the region’s must-see natural attractions, with spectacular views across the Morton National Park.
Mount Gibraltar Lookout offers sweeping views across the Southern Highlands — and after tackling the climb on course, you’ll have earned the chance to admire it from the top.
Or venture towards Bundanoon and explore the surrounding bushland and walking trails.
For The Music Lovers
The Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival is taking over the valley from 16–18 October, making it another great reason to turn your Bowral Classic trip into a full Southern Highlands getaway.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Kangaroo Valley, the festival brings together a weekend of music, dance, poetry, workshops, food, markets and family-friendly entertainment. There are concerts throughout the weekend, kids’ activities, art and craft, dance workshops and plenty of opportunities to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.
And if you’re heading along from the Bowral Classic, there’s a little extra incentive: Bowral Classic riders can use the exclusive discount code BOWRALCLASSIC when booking tickets.