Retford Park Bowral - National Trust, NSW Verified listing

About Retford Park

Built in 1887 by the Hordern family and lavishly redesigned by James Fairfax in the 1960s, Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance located in the heart of Bowral, Gundungurra Country.

Be amazed by the ‘Portuguese Pink’ mansion while wandering the pristine gardens dotted with sculptures and artworks. Children will have fun on a self-led art trail, while dogs on leash are welcome in the dog-friendly gardens. Book a guided tour of the house to hear the fascinating stories of James Fairfax’s impressive art and furniture collection.

For visitors wanting to make a day of it, bring a picnic to enjoy under the oak trees, or stop into Hearth by Moonacres café for lunch and refreshments. The Southern Highlands Regional Gallery Ngununggula is also located right next door.

CLICK HERE TO PLAN YOUR VISIT

History

Retford Park is located on Gundungurra Country and has a European history extending back to land grants made to Edward Riley Snr by Governor Macquarie in 1821. The grand house was built in 1887 by merchant and stockbreeder, Samuel Hordern and his wife Jane nee Booth, and designed by Sydney architect, Albert Bond.

In 1964, James Fairfax AC, former chairman of John Fairfax Ltd (later known as Fairfax Media), bought Retford Park and transformed the agricultural property into a gentleman’s estate. Mr Fairfax was a well-known champion of the arts and generous philanthropist. He always believed that Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations and in 2016 he gifted his historic home and its magnificent gardens to the National Trust (NSW). To learn about the history of Retford Park, visit the James Fairfax Foundation website.

How to get here

Retford Park is located at 1325 Old South Road, Bowral NSW.

By car:  Head up Merrigang Street from Bong Bong Street, the main street in Bowral, then follow to the end of Merrigang and turn right at the ‘T’ intersection.

Watch for the Retford Park white gates – the second driveway on the left. Car parking is available on site.

If you have booked a house tour, please allow at least 15 minutes to get from the entrance gates to the main house to avoid the disappointment of missing the tour.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is the best way to get the most out of your visit to Retford Park. Here, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently-asked questions about visiting.

When should I visit?

Retford Park is a standout Southern Highlands NSW attraction every season of the year. The gardens are a wonder to walk through for autumn colour, while in winter the ‘winter walk’ comes to life with daphne, snowdrops, witch hazel, bergenia and honeysuckle. Spring brings prolific displays of peonies, azaleas and rhododendrons. Summer is equally special for picnics under the shady canopy of Retford Park’s huge oak trees.

Can I access the house during my visit?

House access is by guided tour only at set times. There are limited tickets available to view Retford Park house, so we recommend you pre-book your house tour ahead of your visit. Our experienced guides will introduce you to the former residence of James Fairfax AC and share the stories behind the incredible collection of 16th, 17th & 18th Century furniture, fine art and textiles that lie within. House tour tickets also include garden access. Book your house tour.

How much time do I need?

To fully appreciate the thirty hectares of beautiful grounds, we recommend that you allow at least 45 minutes for the garden, and at least two hours for exploring the house and garden at Retford Park. If you’d also like to take in the art attractions at Ngununggula, the Southern Highlands Regional Gallery, please allow extra time for this as well.

What should I wear?

To stay comfortable during your visit, we recommend that you bring warm clothing and a waterproof jacket in case it gets chilly. You’ll also need to wear sturdy shoes that are suitable for walking outdoors. If you’re planning to drop in during the winter months, we also recommend bringing a beanie, scarf and gloves so you can enjoy the garden.

Will children enjoy visiting?

Retford Park is a very family-friendly outing and ideal for children of all ages. On arrival, children can collect a self-led art trail map that will guide them around the garden to interesting sculptures, plants and even a historic dog cemetery! Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out in nature.

Can I bring my pet?

Well-behaved dogs on leash are very welcome in our dog-friendly gardens. Please make sure to clean up after your dog with bins provided.

Can I organise a group visit?

Groups are more than welcome at Retford Park. To book a group visit click here.

Can I hire a venue for my special event?

Retford Park has picturesque gardens for weddings and special events. Find out more about Retford Park Venue Hire.

To enquire about venue hire, please email retfordpark@nationaltrust.com.au or call (02) 4861 1933.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RETFORD PARK GUIDED TOURS

Retford Park, Bowral Venue Hire

A new heritage venue in the Southern Highlands with beautiful outdoor locations for wedding ceremonies, parties and special events.

Retford Park is one of the most spectacular all-seasons gardens in Australia, featuring private garden rooms and wide-open parkland spaces under towering mature trees.

Built in 1887 by the Hordern family and lavishly redesigned by James Fairfax in the 1960s, this perfectly pink Victorian Italianate mansion provides a marvelous backdrop for photos and a garden rich with atmosphere.

Why Retford Park?

Located in Bowral, only a short drive from the town centre, Retford Park is an original and charming choice for Southern Highlands weddings and events. Highlights of the landscaped gardens include:

• Unique garden rooms bursting with seasonal flowers
• A magnificent backdrop of the Victorian Italianate mansion
• The striking pool pavilion designed in 1969 by Guilford Bell
• Wide-open parkland and historic trees

For weddings, pictures can be taken throughout the gardens, with a wealth of highly photogenic spots to choose from. Please note that this Southern Highlands wedding venue does not provide accommodation.

When should I book my event?

Retford Park is open Thursday to Sunday all year round. You’re welcome to book the garden for wedding ceremonies throughout the year, during a month that suits you. Please note that the venue will remain open to the public.

Each season is special in the heritage garden, from peonies and azaleas during spring, to rows of towering deciduous trees that are bright with autumn colour.

Like all garden wedding venues in the Southern Highlands, the temperatures can get cool in winter.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF VENUE HIRE OPTIONS

Interested in becoming a National Trust Volunteer?

We would love you to help bring Australia’s most unique cultural and architectural icons to life, and share them with the public.

If you love heritage, historic places and picturesque gardens, want to expand or utilise your skills, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, apply now to volunteer at Australia’s oldest and largest independent conservation organisation.

We’re looking for storytellers, those with a green thumb, educators, hospitality buffs, and those who love to host events. We have a number of roles available across our properties in New South Wales that we need to fill. Volunteers also enjoy free entry to all 21 National Trust Properties in New South Wales, retail discounts, and SO much more.

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