A weekend at GIBRALTAR HOTEL
Bowral’s luxury resort is the perfect base to explore the NSW Southern Highlands
While much of local travel is on hold at the moment, there’s no harm in adding some gorgeous Aussie destinations to our travel wish list for when normality resumes. If you’re after a rejuvenating post-lockdown holiday, look no further than Gibraltar Hotel, located in the heart of historic Bowral.
Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney or Canberra, and nestled on 40 hectares of rolling gardens and forest at the foot of Mt Gibraltar, the modern deluxe hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway or a mid-week mini-break for couples or families. With wineries and plenty of shopping options only minutes away, the hotel provides the perfect base to explore the region, but boasts enough facilities that you’ll never need to leave.
LUXE LODGINGS
With 76 luxurious suites on offer, there is something to suit everyone. The spacious Woodland suites offer lush garden views full of trees that turn to beautiful shades of red and gold during the cooler months, while the superior suites boast floor-toceiling glass windows with sweeping views overlooking the property’s lake and 18-hole golf course, as well as the rolling green hills of nearby Mt Gibraltar.
The accommodation also includes rooms offering huge spa baths, balconies and generous walk-in rain showers, as well as a range of configurations to suit couples or families. The oversized continental king beds may just offer the best night’s sleep you’ve had in your entire life!
ACTIVITIES GALORE
From the moment you wake up, you’ll find plenty to do at Gibraltar Hotel. Start your morning slowly while sipping a tea or coffee on your private balcony as you take in the sunrise over the lake.
Sports fans and fitness fanatics will be in paradise. The on-site and challenging 18-hole golf course is the best in the region.
There is also a well-equipped gym offering a full suite of cardio equipment and plenty of free weight options. For those who prefer to get their exercise in the fresh air and sunshine, there are numerous walking tracks up Mt Gibraltar that begin within the grounds. The view from the top is well worth the hike.
After an active morning, the heated indoor and icy cold plunge pools offer the perfect way to soothe tired muscles. For those of us who are looking for a little more relaxation, it’s also the perfect place to kick back on a lounge and read a good book.
In the evening, head to Harveys Bar to listen to live jazz music on the weekends while enjoying one of their famous cocktails in front of the roaring fire.
FOODIE’S DELIGHT
With its cool climate and many local farms, the Southern Highlands has developed a reputation for being a food and wine lover’s paradise. The hotel’s fine dining option, San Fior, showcases the best of the region in a romantic and intimate setting. A two-course meal starts from $75, and the slow-cooked lamb shank literally falls off the bone.
A casual dining option is also offered at Harveys Bar, where classic pub fare such as pizza, pasta and parmigiana, is given a gourmet makeover.
STARTING POINT
Located just a five-minute drive from downtown Bowral, the hotel is the perfect starting point to enjoy the town’s many attractions. Bargain hunters and antiques lovers will be in heaven at Dirty Janes
Markets, where more than 50 dealers gather to offer wonderful and unique pieces of furniture, art and collectibles. There is also a tea room where you can replenish with a delectable Devonshire tea after spending a few hours browsing.
Wine lovers won’t be able to go past Centennial Vineyards, where you can sample the region’s best at their cellar door, and purchase a few bottles to take home. Sports fans won’t want to miss the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, where they can pay homage to local legend Don Bradman. Finally, a stroll through Corbett Gardens with its colourful seasonal displays will leave you wondering if you’ve accidentally wandered into Claude Monet’s famous gardens in France.