Tulip Time 2023: Bowral's Annual Festival Returns in 2023

The Bowral Tulip Festival was started in 1961 by resident Ada Corbett. No one could have predicted the success of her corner flower lot, which has bloomed to over 100,000 tulips annually in the Southern Highlands.

Learn more about the Tulip Festival in Bowral, including its expansive history, schedule, and upcoming ticket prices.

Everything You Need To Know About The Bowral Tulip Festival 2023

In 1961, Ada Corbett petitioned to reserve a small square on an empty corner block as a town park. She planted and nurtured 500 tulips to the awe and praise of her neighbors and garnered the attention of local photographers.

Sixty-two years later, Ada’s corner lot has evolved into Corbett Gardens, a popular tourist destination in the Southern Highlands. The annual tulip festival in Bowral features 100,000 tulips featuring various colors, shapes, and origins.

When is the Tulip Festival in Bowral?

The Bowral Tulip Festival takes place every spring in the Southern Highlands. This year the tulip festival will take place over two weeks, starting September 19 and running to October 2. Visitors can walk among the tulips from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.

How Much Are Tickets To The Bowral Tulip Festival?

Unless you are a Wingecarribee Shire resident, the Tulip Festival in Bowral is a ticketed event. The Tulip Festival in Bowral is a cashless/contactless event and all tickets must be purchased online before entry. You will not be able to purchase a ticket on-site or online one hour before the closing time.

Prices are the following:

• General Admission:13$
• Children (13-17) 10$
• Children (12 and under) Free

Groups of 20+ are eligible for a group discount. Please use the following methods of contact for questions on receiving your group discount code.

• P. 02 4871 2888
• E. tuliptime@wsc.nsw.gov.au
• W. tuliptime.net.au

If you are working or a part of concessions, tickets are $10 and still required in advance. For Wingecarribee Shire residents, proof of residency is required and you will be directed to a separate entrance. Residents are still required to purchase tickets to Tulips After Dark.
Please be aware that unless your dog is a Guide or an Accredited Assistance Dog, they are not allowed into Corbett Gardens and must be left at home.

What Facilities Are Available At The Bowral Tulip Festival?

The Bowral Tulip Festival is held at Corbett Gardens, Bendooley Street, Bowral. The gardens are an outdoor uncovered park year-round, and have a public toilet, restaurants, and vendors secured for the festival attendees. Please be aware the park will be closed one day before the festival and one day after for set-up.

If you require an entrance or any other accommodations for disability or handicap, please contact the operator for details.

Bowral Flower Festival: Tulips After Dark

To get the full experience of the annual tulip festival in Bowral, reserve your spot for an evening at the ‘Tulips After Dark’ experience. For three evenings, you can enjoy the sweet tulip perfume surrounded by friends while watching amazing live music. Tickets for Tulips After Dark are a separate purchase from general daytime admission and required by residents and visitors to Wingecarribee Shire. Ticket prices are the same as general admission tickets listed above.

The schedule for Tulips After Dark is:

• Classic Country Swampy Blues
  • Friday 29 September from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Swingin’ Jazz
  • Saturday 30 September from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Classical Cool
  • Sunday 1 October from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Explore The Bowral Tulip Festival By Staying At Moss Vale

Reserve your room at Moss Manor now to have easy access to the Bowral Tulip Festival. Moss Manor is only a twelve-minute drive from Corbett’s Garden, or you can also take the Moss Vale Station train for two stops to avoid parking.
Corbett Garden is the host of the annual flower festival, but guests are welcome to explore the Tulip Trail. In 2023, the Tulip Trail will be at the following locations:

• Bowral
  • Lions Park – 427 Moss Vale Road, Bowral
• Mittagong
  • Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre – 62-70 Main Street, Mittagong
  • Winifred West Park – 100 Main Street, Mittagong
• Moss Vale
  • Leighton Gardens – Argyle Street, Moss Vale. You can explore more in Things to do in Moss Vale

Book a holiday with Moss Manor and experience the fresh and inviting community living in the highlands. Our team has curated suggestions for your time, including our quenching recommendation of The Top 5 Moss Vale Pub & Bars. We advise all guests that there is a two-night minimum stay for Friday, and Saturday nights as well as public holidays however always ring to see if there is a one night available over the weekend.

We can’t wait to show you the magic found within Moss Vale and the Southern Highands.