'Bridgerton' in Bowral: This NSW Town Is Enjoying a Week-Long Regency-Themed Transformation
You can feel like you're stepping inside 'Bridgerton' just by travelling to the Southern Highlands — and if you can't make it, this is what it looks like.
Here's something for Lady Whistledown to write about: for a week right now, running until Tuesday, April 23, 2024, one Australian town has been given a makeover that'll get visitors to the New South Wales Southern Highlands thinking that they've stepped into Bridgerton. Bowral is your current destination for regency-themed fun, with the country locale's homes and boutiques embracing the transformation (and its manicured gardens helping make the spot an ideal destination for the celebration).
The reason for turning Bowral into Bridgerton is the upcoming arrival of the Netflix hit's third season, which is on its way in two parts. The first four episodes arrive on Thursday, May 16, then the next four on Thursday, June 13. The streaming platform's Bridgerton in Bowral festivities also include eight free screenings of the first episode of the new batch across Monday, April 22–Tuesday, April 23 at Empire Cinemas. Expect tickets, which are available online, to go quickly. A limited number of walk-in spots will also be available on each day.
First announced at the beginning of April, then kicking off on Tuesday, April 16, the temporary Bowral takeover doesn't just span watching the show early if you're lucky enough to score a seat, and also seeing what this patch of regional Australia looks like when it's harking back to the regency era. A range of places around town have received the Bridgerton treatment, with local businesses joining in on the fun. The idea is to make you feel like you're getting the full ton experience. If you want to dress up to fit the part, that's obviously up to you.
Some highlights for your promenade include taking in the florals at The Press Shop, then popping behind the cafe's blue door for some tea; spying the carriage outside boutique spirits supplier SoHi; and hitting up Coach House Collective, which already boasts ivy-covered doors, to peruse furniture and other treasures. Vintage lovers will want to walk through the wrought iron gates at Dirty Janes, where fashion that that takes its cues from regency times awaits. And at outdoor arcade Green Lane, you'll see topiary and other greenery — plus art if you have lunch in the library at Harry's.
Romance novels are in the spotlight at Books Ever After, as accompanied by classical string music performed live on the Saturday. Bespoke Letterpress is hosting a letter-writing society, Bowral's Sweets and Treats has regency confectionery — think: violet and rose creams, as well as lemonade fizz balls — on offer, and Gumnut Patisserie is also nodding to the period in a sweet treat.
Plus, you can also enjoy a picnic under the floral rotunda at Corbett Gardens, or take a drive to the pink-hued estate that is Retford Park. The latter is opening from 10am–4pm daily for the occasion (with a $15 entry fee) to let visitors explore its hedge mazes, water features and sculptures; mosey around its gardens; and play croquet and skittles on its front lawn.
A garden party at Milton Park will close out the week, but tickets to that have already been snapped up.
If you're going to treat yourself to a getaway this month and you love Bridgerton, you clearly need to make it this Bridgerton-loving getaway. And if you're a Bridgerton obsessive who lives in Bowral, prepare for plenty of company.
Of course Netflix is bringing the series into real life to celebrate season three. This is the streaming service that set up public toilets based on Squid Game, Heartbreak High and Emily in Paris back in February, after all. In the past, all in Sydney, it has also opened a Stranger Things rift on Bondi Beach, unleashed the Squid Game Red Light, Green Light doll by Sydney Harbour and a had pop-up Heartbreak High uniform shop slinging threads in Newtown, too.
Bridgerton S3 - Bowral Town Takeover, Australia
April 16th 2024
The town of Bowral's Bridgerton-themed makeover runs until Tuesday, April 23. For seats to screenings of the first episode of the show's' third season across Monday, April 22–Tuesday, April 23 at Empire Cinemas, head to the ticketing website.
Bridgerton season three will stream via Netflix in two parts, with four episodes on Thursday, May 16, 2024 and four on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Images: Liam Daniel/Netflix.
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