High Place

Bowral, New South Wales, Australia

Set in the Southern Highlands of NSW lies Bowral, a country town steeped in history. The region holds a special significance for the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples, on whose traditional lands it sits. The town’s name itself likely has Aboriginal roots, with some theories suggesting it means “high and large” or simply “high place.”

The area boasts beautiful landscapes, a cool climate, and stunning European-inspired gardens. These features have drawn visitors seeking a peaceful escape from the city, including many Sydneysiders who have weekend homes in the area. A major highlight is the annual Tulip Time Festival, showcasing vibrant displays of flowers that attract crowds from afar.

Those interested in history will appreciate Bowral’s colonial architecture, exemplified by St. Jude’s Anglican Church, built in the late 19th century and renowned for its architectural importance. Cricket fans can see the childhood home of legendary Donald Bradman or visit the International Cricket Hall of Fame.

The region’s natural beauty, historical significance, cultural events, and numerous retail outlets selling homewares and lifestyle antiques solidify Bowral’s position as a top destination in the NSW Southern Highlands.

The idyllic landscape of the past is rapidly changing however. Ancient water meadows are being replaced by sprawling housing estates. Sub-division residential units and concrete rendered flips a major feature, the once quiet roads now bustling with traffic.

This photo documentary series began several years ago aiming to explore the social landscape of contemporary Bowral and surrounding areas. The project is ongoing and currently includes several thousand images, mostly made on film. A limited selection is published here in single/multiple frame blog format or periodic short photo series.

Gallery Page

1 May 2025

High Place #127

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place | 0

Gum tree and hedge, Mount Rd, Bowral, NSW

25 Apr 2025

High Place #126

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place, Photo-Reportage | 0

Dawn, ANZAC Day, 25 April, 2025. Veterans march along Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW towards War Memorial for the annual dawn service. — Dawn, ANZAC Day, 25 April, 2025.
Veterans march along Bong Bong Street, Bowral NSW towards War Memorial for the dawn service in commemoration of the WW1 **ANZAC landing at Gallipoli** and those lost in subsequent conflicts.
Led by a lone Piper.

27 Mar 2025

High Place #118

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place, Photo-Reportage | 0

excerpt from Southern Highlands Express newspaper about Robert Daly.

woman with Robert Daly and parrots. Corbett Gardens, Bowral, NSW 2024.

Southern Highlands Nepalese Festival, Corbett Gardens, Bowral. March 1, 2025

Robert Daly and his parrots are a frequent sight in Bowral and at community events. As reported this week by the Southern Highlands Express newspaper, he was recently recognised with a NSW Seniors Local Achievement award recognising “seniors that help make their communities a diverse, active and inspiring place to live”.

15 Mar 2025

High Place #115

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place | 0

Bowral suburbs. Early morning mist. Views of suburban streets and houses.

12 Mar 2025

High Place #106

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place | 0

11 Mar 2025

High Place #95

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place, Photo-Reportage | 0

WJR Automotive. Vintage and historical car specialist.

Mount Road, Bowral, NSW.

5 Mar 2025

High Place #117

by fiofoto | posted in: High Place, Photo-Reportage | 0

Southern Highlands Nepalese Festival, Corbett Gardens, Bowral, NSW.

March 1, 2025