Bowral, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially traversed in 1798 by John Wilson, an ex-convict, as part of a search party commissioned by Governor Hunter to explore south of Sydney. The land, originally named 'Wingecarribee', was the property of the sons of John Oxley, a notable explorer of the early colony.

The town's development accelerated with the construction of the railway line from Sydney to Melbourne in the 1860s and 1870s. This led to an influx of new residents and the establishment of various facilities including a bakery, blacksmith, newsagency, general store, hotels, and a post office. The growth of Bowral was further influenced by the establishment of various churches and schools, notably the Anglican stone church in 1863, which also functioned as a school, and the first Catholic Church built in 1891.

Bowral's architecture and town planning were significantly influenced by Edmund Blacket, a famous architect who designed the first Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, completed in 1874. However, due to the growing population, this church was demolished in 1887, with only the bell tower and a part of the original building remaining.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bowral emerged as a fashionable retreat for Sydney's elite, leading to the development of several grand country houses and estates. This period also saw the establishment of Bowral as a popular tourist destination, with numerous hotels and boarding houses to accommodate visitors.

Today, Bowral is known for its boutiques, antique stores, gourmet restaurants, and cafes. It is also famous for the Bradman Oval, Bradman Museum, and International Cricket Hall of Fame, dedicated to the achievements of cricketer Sir Donald Bradman.