Tulip Time 2026 Southern Highlands Accommodation Fitzroy Inn Mittagong
Enjoy our Tulip Time Spring Special created for Midweek Visitors to this Fantastic Local Festival
4.5 Stars Google
4 Stars Trip Advisor
5 Acres of Gardens
Plenty of onsite parking
Only 90mins from Sydney CBD
Close to the Tulip Time Festival
Tulip Time 2026 Stay Package at Fitzroy Inn
Tulip Time is one of the Southern Highlands’ most loved spring events, when Bowral comes into colour and Corbett Gardens becomes the centre of the season.
For 2026, Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat is offering a special Tulip Time accommodation package for our special guests.
Stay in nearby Mittagong, enjoy the quiet charm of our historic inn, and make your Tulip Time visit feel less rushed, more personal, and more relaxed.
In 2026, Tulip Time will be held from Friday 11 September to Monday 5 October at Corbett Gardens in Bowral.
Book your Tulip Time stay at Fitzroy Inn and receive:
10% off accommodation - Stay at our normal accommodation rates with 10% off as a valued Friend of the Fitzroy.
Welcome drink on arrival - Settle in with a welcome drink when you arrive.
Homemade afternoon tea - Enjoy a simple Fitzroy afternoon tea with homemade brownies, made in-house for the spring season.
Fitzroy breakfast touches - Start the day with our full breakfast options and our special homemade marmalade.
Tulip Time guide and local recommendations - Each room will include a Fitzroy Tulip Time guide with local hints, maps, tips, timing suggestions and quiet recommendations from people who know the Highlands.
Complimentary 10.30am checkout - Take the morning slowly before heading home or back out into the Southern Highlands.
50% off pet stays - Bring your dog and enjoy 50% off our pet stay fee during the Tulip Time package period.
Tulip Time Festival 2026 Southern Highlands Guide
Planning a visit to Tulip Time Festival 2026 in Bowral? Find festival dates, ticket information, events, coffee stops, things to do in the Southern Highlands and where to stay near Corbett Gardens.
Your guide to Tulip Time 2026 in Bowral
Every spring, Bowral becomes one of the most colourful places in New South Wales as the Southern Highlands celebrates Tulip Time Festival.
Held at Corbett Gardens in the centre of Bowral, Tulip Time brings together mass-planted tulips, seasonal annuals, market stalls, food vendors, live entertainment, family activities and a full spring festival atmosphere.
For 2026, Tulip Time runs from Friday 11 September to Monday 5 October 2026.
It is one of the best times of year to visit the Southern Highlands. The weather is cool, the gardens are awake, the villages are busy, and the whole region feels like it has stepped properly into spring.
If you are planning a Tulip Time visit, this guide covers the important things to know: where to buy tickets, what events are included, where to get coffee, what else to do while you are in the Southern Highlands, and where to book accommodation nearby.
When is Tulip Time Festival 2026?
Tulip Time Festival 2026 will be held from:
Friday 11 September to Monday 5 October 2026
The main festival display is held at:
Corbett Gardens
Bendooley Street
Bowral NSW 2576
Festival opening hours are:
Daily: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Last entry: 4.00pm
Extended October long weekend hours apply on:
Friday 2, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026
9.30am to 5.30pm
Last entry: 5.00pm
Where is Tulip Time held?
The main Tulip Time Festival is held at Corbett Gardens in Bowral.
Corbett Gardens is a central and easy-to-find public garden, close to Bowral’s cafés, shops and railway station. During Tulip Time, the garden is transformed with thousands of tulips and annuals, creating the main floral display visitors come to see.
The wider festival also reaches beyond Corbett Gardens through the Tulip Time Trail, with additional spring displays in Mittagong and Moss Vale.
Where do I buy Tulip Time 2026 tickets?
Tulip Time tickets should be purchased through the official Tulip Time website.
General admission tickets give you access to Corbett Gardens on your selected date during festival opening hours.
Online ticket prices for 2026 are listed as:
Adult: $18.50
Concession: $12.50
Youth, 13–17 years: $13.00
Children under 12: Free
Tickets can also be purchased at the gate by card only, although booking online is the better option during busy periods.
If you are visiting on a weekend, during school holidays, or across the October long weekend, it is sensible to book tickets in advance and arrive early.
What events are included in Tulip Time Festival 2026?
Tulip Time is more than the flower display inside Corbett Gardens. The 2026 festival includes a number of special events across the festival period.
Dogs Day Out: Monday 21 September 2026
Dogs Day Out is the special pet-friendly day at Tulip Time.
On this day, dogs are welcome inside Corbett Gardens with their owners. Dogs must be kept on lead, and owners are asked to clean up after their pets.
Outside Dogs Day Out, pets are not generally permitted inside Corbett Gardens during Tulip Time.
If you are travelling with your dog, plan your festival day around Monday 21 September or enjoy the wider Southern Highlands with your pet while visiting Corbett Gardens separately.
Bloomin’ Friday: Friday 25 September 2026
Bloomin’ Friday brings the festival feeling into the streets of Bowral.
Local businesses are encouraged to decorate their shopfronts, windows and displays with floral colour, making the town feel even more alive during Tulip Time.
This is a good day to explore Bowral beyond Corbett Gardens. Wander the shops, stop for coffee, visit local boutiques and enjoy the spring atmosphere throughout town.
Bloom & Play: Monday 28 September 2026
Bloom & Play is a family-friendly Tulip Time event held at Bowral Memorial Hall.
It is designed for families and children, with hands-on activities, entertainment and a relaxed school holiday feel.
If you are travelling with children, this is a useful date to build into your Tulip Time itinerary.
Bloomin’ Weekends
Bloomin’ Weekends add extra workshops and creative activities to the festival programme.
These weekend activities are held throughout Tulip Time and are a good way to make your visit feel more complete, especially if you are staying for more than one night.
Check the official Tulip Time programme before your visit, as more details may be released closer to the event.
The Tulip Time Trail
The Tulip Time Trail gives visitors a reason to explore beyond Bowral.
In 2026, public garden stops include:
Corbett Gardens, Bowral
The main home of Tulip Time.
Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Mittagong
A useful first stop for maps, local advice and a spring display.
Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale
A quieter garden stop in the centre of Moss Vale.
The Tulip Time Trail is a good way to turn your visit into a fuller Southern Highlands spring day, rather than only seeing Corbett Gardens.
Where to get a great coffee during Tulip Time
A good Tulip Time day usually starts with coffee.
Bowral and the wider Southern Highlands have plenty of strong café options, but during the festival it is worth allowing extra time. Weekends and school holiday dates can be busy.
Here are a few good coffee and food stops to consider right here in Mittagong
What else can I do while I’m in the Southern Highlands?
Tulip Time is the reason many people visit in spring, but it should not be the only thing you do.
The Southern Highlands is made for slow exploring. Allow time for gardens, villages, cafés, antique stores, scenic drives, local produce, wineries and quiet walks.
Why book your Tulip Time accommodation early?
Tulip Time is one of the busiest spring periods in the Southern Highlands.
Accommodation in Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale can book quickly, especially across weekends, school holidays and the October long weekend.
Booking early gives you better room choice, easier planning and more time to build a proper spring itinerary.
Suggested Tulip Time weekend itinerary
Day one: Arrive in Mittagong
Check in at Fitzroy Inn, enjoy your welcome drink and settle into the property.
Take the afternoon slowly with homemade afternoon tea, then have dinner nearby or enjoy a quiet evening before your festival day.
Day two: Visit Tulip Time in Bowral
Start with breakfast, then head into Bowral for Corbett Gardens.
Visit the tulip display in the morning, stop for coffee or lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring Bowral’s shops, cafés and galleries.
Return to Fitzroy Inn for a calmer evening away from the busiest part of town.
Day three: Explore before heading home
Use your complimentary 10.30am checkout, then visit Berrima, Moss Vale, Fitzroy Falls or a local winery before heading home.
This turns Tulip Time from a rushed day trip into a proper Southern Highlands escape.
Plan your Tulip Time 2026 visit
Tulip Time Festival is one of the prettiest times of year to visit the Southern Highlands.
The flowers bring people to Bowral, but the whole region is worth staying for.
Book your festival tickets through the official Tulip Time website, then book your Southern Highlands accommodation early so you can enjoy the season without rushing.
Book your Tulip Time stay at Fitzroy Inn
Stay close to Bowral, enjoy the quiet of Mittagong, and make Tulip Time feel like a proper spring escape.
[BOOK YOUR TULIP TIME STAY]
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The Historic Retreat Experience
Located in the picturesque Southern Highlands of NSW, The Fitzroy Inn (est. 1836) is a heritage-listed property offering more than just accommodation - it offers a complete retreat experience.
Your group will enjoy access to our elegant, shared spaces:
A delightful double parlour with open fires, and intimate dining/conference table.
A charming library
Cosy open fireplaces
Billiards and games room
Option to explore the original dungeons & kitchen
Beautiful gardens and verandas - ideal for breakout sessions, walking meetings, or quiet reflection
Let our peaceful grounds and historic architecture set the tone for creativity, connection, and relaxation.
A Unique Setting
The Fitzroy Inn offers a one-of-a-kind setting for corporate retreats, strategic offsites, and executive events.
With over 180 years of history and charm, our boutique inn combines heritage luxury with modern comfort - perfect for teams looking to connect, create, and unwind in a truly memorable setting.
Event & Conference Spaces
Includes access to two beautifully restored event spaces:
The Conservatory
Bright, spacious and versatile
Ideal for team dinners, creative workshops, or cooking classes
Includes stage, speaker system, and microphone
The Front Parlour
Intimate, with fireplace and comfortable lounge seating
Perfect for small meetings, strategy sessions or breakout groups
The Marquee (Available by arrangement)
An elegant outdoor structure ideal for large group dinners, cocktail evenings or special celebrations
Weather-protected with garden outlook
Perfect for twilight gatherings or evening events under the stars.
The Atrium
A stylish, light-filled space perfect for casual lunches, drinks, or indoor-outdoor mingling
Surrounded by heritage architecture and garden views
Flexible configuration for informal or semi-formal events
We’re experts at arranging Catering
At Fitzroy Inn, we believe that nourishing food enhances both focus and connection. Our catering is designed to support productive sessions, thoughtful conversation, and genuine wellbeing - all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Available in full and half day packages.
Reach out about our Southern Highlands Retreat or Conference Venue
FITZROY INN HISTORIC RETREAT - MITTAGONG
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