Monday, November 5, 2012

Bowral - Tulip Time and the parade

From the 18th of September to the 1st of October Bowral, in the Southern Highlands, springs to life (Spring pun intended hahaha) for the annual Tulip Festival.

The town becomes a wash of colour as everyone welcomes in the change of season. The festival has been running for a few years - starting back in 1958, the town pride for this event is overwhelming beautiful.

The open gardens (there is an entry fee of $10 pp) are carefully manicured with row upon row of delicate flowers. Carefully selected and placed into geometric shapes and pattens.

Markets venders line the side streets selling trinkets and home made produce, and like any market completely stimulate all of your senses. Scattered throughout the town you will find buskers jamming out and entertaining the crowds.

The highlight of the day is the town parade that takes place in the high street Bong Bong. It starts at around 3pm and pays respect to the town members. Vintage cars, local shop owners, businesses and even a marching band proudly stroll down the high street waves and smiling at onlookers.

I have mentioned Bowral once before in my blog, its still not a place that many people would think to visit. But I highly recommend it. Its is a nice weekend escape from Sydney (about a 2.5hour drive) giving you the best of the relaxed country lifestyle that it is so famous for.