CELEBRATE SPRING’S RADIANCE AT TULIP TIME 2024!

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF SPRINGTIME IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, WHERE EVERYTHING IS BLOOMING WONDERFUL!

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, AUSTRALIA, 14 AUGUST 2024 - Get ready for an unforgettable spring experience in the Southern Highlands at the Tulip Time Festival 2024! From September 12 to September 30, the charming Corbett Gardens in Bowral, NSW, will be adorned with a breathtaking display of 80,000 hand-planted tulips. The gates open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, so you'll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the blooms as you promenade your way through the gardens.

Tulip Time is one of the most beloved events in the Southern Highlands, transforming Bowral into a tapestry of colour and beauty. The festival kicks off with an exclusive preview day for Wingecarribee Shire residents on September 12, followed by the opening day on September 13. Along with the stunning tulips, visitors can enjoy exhibits featuring 16,000 other spring blooms throughout the region. On September 30, the gardens are open for a special day for visitors to bring their canine companions to enjoy the blooms together.

The display of colours and designs at Tulip Time is based on a bright spring theme. The festival will feature daily entertainment, popular food, and market stalls.

As the sun sets, Tulips After Dark offers a magical nighttime experience over two weekends: Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, and again on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event includes live music, food, a bar, and brightly lit displays, creating a whimsical atmosphere.

A new addition to the festival over the October long weekend is the Tulip Time Garden Party at Corbett Gardens, which will host a festive celebration including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, local morsels, and artisan markets. The Garden Party will be open on Friday, October 4, Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

During the long weekend, visitors can venture further afield to Robertson, which boasts waratah month featuring a mass display of waratahs in full flower around the railway line at the Robertson Heritage Railway Station. There is also an annual plant sale. Discover a wealth of open gardens in the Southern Highlands, from the renowned Botanic Gardens to a multitude of privately owned gardens throughout the shire waiting to be explored.

Step into the heart of Bowral and its surrounding townships, where spring bursts into life, draping every street in a riot of colour and fragrance. Meander through charming lanes lined with cozy cafes, eclectic galleries, chic homeware boutiques, and one-of-a-kind specialty shops, each offering its own slice of local flavour. Be sure to visit Ngununggula, the region’s premier art gallery, for the season’s cultural centrepiece—the spectacular Macquarie Galleries exhibition. Here, you’ll be captivated by a dazzling collection from over 50 of Australia’s most iconic artists, featuring the who's who of the Australian art world. Marvel at masterpieces by legends like Arthur Boyd, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Sidney Nolan, Jeffrey Smart, and Russell Drysdale. This exhibition is more than just a showcase; it’s a rare chance to experience the brilliance of Australia’s artistic greats all in one place—an event as unforgettable as the breathtaking springtime scenery that surrounds you.

Coordinator of Tourism & Events Suzanne Hannema suggests, "Tulip Time marks the beginning of the Southern Highlands spring festivities as thousands of visitors flock to the region to experience all the area has to offer. Enjoy a stroll through the manicured gardens and manor estates, day hiking in the various National Parks, a visit to the region's numerous cellar doors for spirit and wine tastings, a local culinary experience at the many fine dining restaurants and cafes, or a deep dive into sampling the award-winning patisseries, boulangeries, locally made cheeses, and other farmgate produce.

Tickets for Tulip Time 2024 are now available online at www.tuliptime.net.au and at the gate. Wingecarribee Shire residents enjoy free entry to daytime events but must purchase tickets for Tulips After Dark. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of spring in Bowral at this iconic festival!

If you’re a garden enthusiast but can't make it for Tulip Time, mark your calendar for the Bundanoon Garden Ramble in late October. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore eight remarkable gardens, browse stalls, and soak in the beauty of the village. Plus, keep an eye out for the charming Steam Train making its way from Sydney on the Saturday.

With so much to see and do, springtime in the Southern Highlands is indeed blooming wonderful!

ABOUT TULIP TIME 2024

Tulip Time Festival is one of Australia's oldest and most beloved floral festivals, held annually in the picturesque Southern Highlands. Celebrating the beauty of spring, the festival showcases over 100,000 vibrant tulips, along with a variety of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and local artisan markets. Drawing visitors from across the country, Tulip Time offers a unique opportunity to experience the charm and natural splendour of the Southern Highlands in full bloom. Join us for a celebration of nature, community, and the colourful spirit of spring.

Dates: 12 September - 30 September
Location: Corbett Gardens, Wingecarribee Street Bowral, NSW 2576