Spring in Bloom: Why Tulip Time in the Southern Highlands Is the Family Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed

If your family calendar is looking a little meh this spring, it might be time to pack the car, cue the road trip playlist, and head south. From 12 September to 6 October 2025, the Southern Highlands will burst into colour for the 65th annual Tulip Time Festival—and trust us, it’s more than just a flower show.

Set in the heart of Bowral at the heritage-listed Corbett Gardens, Tulip Time is one of Australia’s most iconic floral festivals. With 80,000+ hand-planted tulips, daily live music, artisan markets, and picnic-perfect lawns, it’s a springtime escape that blends natural beauty with family-friendly fun. And yes, there’s excellent coffee and warm CWA scones (because parenting on the go still deserves a baked good or three).

We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly stays nearby, so you can turn this vibrant day trip into a full-blown, memory-making weekend away.

Woodland Studio & Farm – Exeter, NSW
This charming farm stay is the kind of place that instantly slows you down—in the best way. With animals to meet, open paddocks to explore, and cozy self-contained accommodation, it’s ideal for younger kids who thrive on hands-on experiences. Want your little ones to actually touch grass? This is the spot.

 Wildernest – Southern Highlands, NSW 
Think glamping, but make it luxe. Tucked away in the bush, Wildernest is perfect for families with a sense of adventure (and kids who love spotting wildlife or stargazing). It’s off-grid in the dreamy way—no distractions, just hammocks, fresh air, and family bonding without Wi-Fi interruptions.

 Morvern Valley Guesthouses – Bundanoon, NSW
Three words: Donkeys, chickens, alpacas. This working hobby farm is all about rustic charm and warm hospitality. There are fireplaces for toasty evenings, board games for no-screen bonding, and space for kids to play while parents sip wine under the stars.

 The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park – Bowral, NSW
Travelling with kids who need a bit more structure (or sleep best in their own bed)? The Sebel has apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, an indoor pool, and close proximity to Bowral’s town centre—perfect for easy access to Tulip Time and afternoon ice cream bribes.

  Peppers Manor House – Sutton Forest, NSW
Old-world elegance meets wide open space. While it’s on the more luxurious side, Peppers is still family-welcoming, with sprawling grounds for little ones to explore and stylish touches that make it feel like a mini-holiday for the grown-ups, too. Ideal for multigenerational trips or special occasions.

Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa – Bowral, NSW
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent family escape, Milton Park delivers. Parents can unwind at the spa while the kids run amok through manicured gardens. It’s romantic, refined, and still kid-appropriate—which is basically the unicorn of Australian accommodation.

Why Families Love Tulip Time

Sure, it’s beautiful. But Tulip Time is also practical for families, which is rare for major festivals. There’s space to spread out, stroller-friendly paths, and entertainment that actually keeps kids engaged (think music, markets, and plenty of lawn for cartwheels).

And new for 2025, Saturday evenings are being extended until 6pm—so you can enjoy a late bloom stroll, an early dinner in town, or a cheeky local wine tasting without racing the sunset. We love a flexible itinerary.

Bonus: Wingecarribee Shire locals get in free, which means more funds for market treats and second rounds of scones.

Your Spring Escape Checklist:

• A camera roll full of colour
• Kids who ran themselves tired
• Grown-up time with a coffee in one hand and a daffodil in the other
• Cosy nights and country air
• A reminder that regional NSW really does deliver the goods

Tickets are on sale now at www.tuliptime.net.au – and trust us, it’s worth locking it in early.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it a weekend, the Southern Highlands offers the perfect blend of springtime magic and family-friendly comfort.

We’ll see you among the tulips.