Southern Tablelands

Events in and around Southern Tablelands

As the seasons change throughout the year, the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, are abuzz with exciting events that offer fun and entertainment for everyone. From music festivals to food and wine tours, there's always something happening in the region. Whether you're a local or a tourist, here are some of the best seasonal events you should know about:

Spring (September - November)

As the weather starts to warm up after a chilly winter, the Southern Tablelands come alive with vibrant colors, fresh scents, and lively events. Spring is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horse riding, cycling, and picnicking. Here are some of the top spring events in the region:

- Tulip Time: Held in the historic town of Bowral, Tulip Time is a popular flower festival that showcases over 75,000 tulips in bloom. The festival also features live music, market stalls, food vendors, and children's activities. Contact: (02) 4861 2069.

- Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival: A celebration of local culinary delights, the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival is held in the picturesque town of Bundanoon. Visitors can sample regional wines, craft beers, and gourmet foods while enjoying live music and entertainment. Contact: (02) 4883 7474.

- Goulburn Lilac Festival: Known as Australia's oldest floral festival, the Goulburn Lilac Festival celebrates the blooming of lilacs in the town's historic parks and gardens. The festival includes a street parade, live performances, market stalls, and a grand ball. Contact: (02) 4823 4433.

Summer (December - February)

Summer is a peak season for tourism in the Southern Tablelands due to its pleasant weather and abundance of outdoor activities. From swimming to fishing, camping to bushwalking, there's plenty to do and see in the region. Here are some of the top summer events:

- Bowral Classic: A cycling event that attracts thousands of riders from all over Australia, the Bowral Classic offers several scenic routes through the Southern Highlands. Participants can choose from a range of distances and enjoy refreshments along the way. Contact: (02) 9557 7176.

- Berrima District Art Trail: An annual exhibition of local artists' works, the Berrima District Art Trail invites visitors to explore the charming village of Berrima and its surrounding countryside. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles in various venues. Contact: (02) 4877 1130.

- Crookwell Potato Festival: A quirky celebration of the humble spud, the Crookwell Potato Festival showcases everything from potato fritters to potato sack races. Visitors can enjoy live music, crafts, and a potato-themed parade. Contact: (02) 4832 1988.

Autumn (March - May)

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Southern Tablelands, with its colorful foliage, crisp air, and mild temperatures. The region is also known for its agricultural heritage and gourmet produce, which are celebrated in many autumn festivals. Here are some of the top events:

- Highland Valley Forage: A unique culinary experience that combines foraging, cooking, and dining, the Highland Valley Forage takes place on a picturesque farm near Bowral. Guests can forage for wild herbs, mushrooms, and berries before enjoying a gourmet feast prepared by local chefs. Contact: (02) 4862 1634.

- Collector Village Pumpkin Festival: A lively community event that honors the pumpkin in all its forms, the Collector Village Pumpkin Festival features pumpkin-themed games, competitions, and food stalls. Visitors can also enjoy live music, vintage cars, and craft stalls. Contact: (02) 4848 0223.

- Gunning Fireworks Festival: A spectacular display of fireworks to celebrate the end of daylight saving, the Gunning Fireworks Festival attracts crowds from all over the region. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, food stalls, and live music before the fireworks show. Contact: (02) 4845 1566.

Winter (June - August)

Winter in the Southern Tablelands can be chilly but also magical, with its frosty landscapes, cozy fires, and hearty cuisine. Many towns hold winter festivals to chase away the blues and embrace the season. Here are some of the top winter events:

- Winter Magic Festival: A free community event that transforms Katoomba's main street into a winter wonderland, the Winter Magic Festival features music, dance, theater, and art installations. Visitors can also enjoy market stalls, food vendors, and carnival rides. Contact: (02) 4780 3748.

- Blackheath Rhododendron Festival: A celebration of the flowering of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias in the Blue Mountains, the Blackheath Rhododendron Festival includes a street parade, art and craft markets, live music, and garden tours. Contact: (02) 4787 5649.

- Bundanoon Winterfest: A family-friendly festival that embraces the cold with ice-skating, snow-shoeing, and tobogganing, the Bundanoon Winterfest also offers food stalls, music, and entertainment. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa and mulled wine. Contact: (02) 4883 7474.

Conclusion:

As you can see, the Southern Tablelands of NSW offer a rich variety of seasonal events for all tastes and ages. Whether you're interested in flowers, food, music, or outdoor activities, you'll find something to suit your preferences. Keep an eye on the local media and tourism websites for updated information and ticketing details. You don't want to miss out on the fun!