Every spring, the Southern Highlands bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour as tulips take centre stage at one of Australia’s most loved floral festivals, Tulip Time.

From Friday 12 September to Monday 6 October, Bowral’s Corbett Gardens becomes a living canvas, with more than 80,000 tulips and annuals in full bloom. Visitors from across the country come to stroll among the vibrant displays, browse boutique market stalls, and enjoy live entertainment in the fresh Highland air.

But Tulip Time isn’t just about flowers in one garden!

The festival spills across the region, with blooms brightening the Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre in Mittagong and Leighton Gardens in Moss Vale, along with other charming towns and villages. It’s a time when the Highlands shows off its best - crisp spring mornings, cool-climate gardens at their peak, and a calendar brimming with seasonal events. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a photographer chasing the perfect shot, or simply looking for a beautiful day out, Tulip Time offers an unforgettable taste of the season.

Corbett Gardens - The Heart of Tulip Time

Located in the centre of Bowral, Corbett Gardens is the festival’s main attraction. Established over 100 years ago and central to Tulip Time since its beginnings, it’s where you’ll find over 80,000 tulips and annuals arranged into sweeping, colourful displays. The garden’s vibrant patterns and flower beds are refreshed each year, ensuring no two visits are the same.

As you wander, enjoy live entertainment on the garden stage, browse boutique market stalls, and take in the sights and scents of spring. Corbett Gardens is also home to food vendors offering coffee, treats, and light meals - perfect for enjoying while you relax among the blooms.

Opening Hours:

Sundays to Fridays: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Ticketing for Tulip Time 2025:

Tickets are available online or at the gate via EFT and credit card only (no cash sales).
Local residents of Wingecarribee Shire can enjoy free entry through the dedicated Merrigang Street gate with proof of residency.

Signature Events & Special Dates

Tulip Time isn’t just a static floral display — the program is packed with special events designed to appeal to all ages.

Family Fun Day – A dedicated day with children’s entertainment and activities, perfect for families looking to enjoy the festival together.
Tulips After Dark – The Secret Garden at The Mill – Held over selected evenings, this ticketed event features illuminated floral displays, live music, and a whimsical atmosphere inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Blooming Weekends – Themed weekends across the festival period, including experiences such as Beekeepers’ Long Lunches, Sparkling High Tea at local heritage venues, and sunset garden evenings.
October Long Weekend (4–6 October) – The festival’s grand finale weekend, coinciding with regional events such as the Waratah Festival, Babe Country Fair, and the Bradman Dash.

The Tulip Trail – Beyond Bowral

While Corbett Gardens is the centrepiece, Tulip Time’s beauty extends well beyond Bowral. The Tulip Trail invites visitors to explore additional floral displays across the Highlands:

Southern Highlands Visitor Information Centre, Mittagong – Striking tulip beds greet you at the gateway to the Highlands, a perfect first stop for maps, local tips, and photo opportunities.
Leighton Gardens, Moss Vale – A beautifully maintained public garden featuring seasonal plantings, ideal for a quieter stroll among the flowers.

The Tulip Trail also winds through smaller parks and village gardens, offering plenty of opportunities to capture the season’s magic away from the main crowds.

Exploring the Southern Highlands in Spring

Tulip Time coincides with one of the most beautiful seasons in the Southern Highlands. Make the most of your visit by pairing the festival with other regional experiences:

Bowral Town Centre

Browse boutique fashion, homewares, and antique stores.
Stop at one of Bowral’s many cafés for a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.
Visit the Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame for a slice of sporting history.

Historic Villages

Take a short drive to Berrima, one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages, known for its sandstone architecture, heritage-listed courthouse, and riverside walks.

Nature & Scenic Walks

Discover Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, where a short walk leads to breathtaking views over the escarpment.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral, lined with flowering cherry blossoms in spring.

Cool-Climate Wineries

Visit local cellar doors such as Centennial Vineyards or Joadja Estate to sample award-winning cool-climate wines.

Practical Tips for Visiting Tulip Time 2025

Plan Your Visit: Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends and afternoons.
Parking: Allow extra time for parking in Bowral during the festival, or consider public transport.
Accessibility: Corbett Gardens is wheelchair accessible, with seating areas throughout.
Accommodation: Book early, as spring is one of the busiest times of year in the Highlands. Staying at a central location such as Fitzroy Inn Historic Retreat in Mittagong provides easy access to both the festival and surrounding attractions.

Tulip Time is more than a flower festival - it’s a celebration of the Southern Highlands in its prime.

From the explosion of colour in Corbett Gardens to the relaxed charm of its surrounding towns and gardens, it’s an event that captures the joy of spring in every petal. Whether you visit for a day or make it a weekend escape, Tulip Time 2025 is an experience you’ll carry long after the tulips fade.

Delightful Southern Highlands Tulip Time - September 2025