Corbett Gardens
Aug/Sept 2025
LINDA EMERY
IN SEPTEMBER EACH YEAR, Corbett Gardens in Bowral is transformed from a peaceful park into the centrepiece of the Tulip Time Flower Festival, which has been an annual event since 1961. This year around 50,000 visitors are expected to view the 80,000 tulips and thousands of annuals that burst into bloom over three weeks of festivities.
But the park was not always the pride of Bowral. When Ada Sullivan Corbett first floated the idea of acquiring the land for a public park in 1910, the area was known as Denmead’s paddock and was an unloved space that hosted visiting circus troupes, buckjumping exhibitions, travelling fun fairs and on one occasion, a famous tightrope walker, Professor Leon. From the late 1890s, Bowral Association Band gave open-air concerts in the paddock but there were no facilities for musicians or audiences. When James Denmead put his land up for sale, a public subscription fund was opened to raise the £270 purchase price. Ada Corbett lobbied for government assistance and in December 1911 the area was officially proclaimed a public park.
The gardens were named in her honour at the insistence of the Minister for Lands, Niel Nielsen, who attributed the successful outcome to her “energy and pluck”.
Much of the early development of the park was undertaken by volunteers. The Forestry Branch of the Lands Department supplied 100 ornamental trees in 1912, many of which were planted by students from Bowral Public School. In the same year, Bowral Bowling Club was established and a portion of Corbett Gardens was made available for the first green. The club remained at Corbett Gardens until it moved to Shepherd Street in 1956. Initially, Corbett Gardens occupied one acre but subsequent land purchases increased the area to two acres.
By December 1914, the gardens and a fine new bandstand had been completed and they were officially opened by Member of Parliament Frank Badgery. Corbett Gardens became the gathering place for residents and visitors alike and the focus of significant events such as the victory celebrations at the end of World War I. In February 1925, an enormous crowd cheered as the Governor of NSW, Sir Dudley de Chair, switched on Bowral’s electricity in Corbett Gardens, flooding the park and the streets with light in “a scene of indescribable beauty and delight”. The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937 was celebrated in Bowral with a huge procession and festivities in the gardens.
Bowral’s first flower festival in 1958 included a garden competition, open private gardens and a procession down Bong Bong Street of flower-bedecked floats. In 1961, inspired by the massed display of spring bulbs in Holland, Tulip Time was born with Bowral Rotary Club donating 10,000 bulbs for planting in Corbett Gardens. The week-long festival attracted 7000 visitors, establishing a much-loved tradition that has flourished over 64 years.
Back Issue August/ September 2025 (PDF Download)
Relive the beauty of the Southern Highlands with this digital back issue of Highlife.
The great escape
When Dalway Farm, only minutes from Bowral, became available 10 years ago, Sam and Susan Ballas couldn’t resist the 40 hectare property’s lush paddocks and spectacular outlook.
The nature of art
Bronwyn Berman juggles many art forms – from large sculptures to 3D works on paper to jewellery – and all reflect a love of nature. We visit her Robertson studio/gallery.
Keeping up with Miriam
At 84, British/Australian actor Mariam Margolyes couldn’t be busier, with a new show, new book and more road trip documentaries in the planning. We visited her at the house she has owned in Robertson since 2000.
Going wild
It’s a rare sight in the middle of Bowral: an energy efficient house surrounded by a colourful all-native garden, which is as welcoming for birds and other creatures as it is for humans.
The beauty of stone walls
The appeal of stone walls set against countryside is age-old and you’ll see plenty of beautiful examples on drives around the Highlands.
Musical vision
In July, 29 students from around Australia attended the 37th National Braille Music Camp at Frensham. Roma Dix, who has been involved in every camp, tells us what makes it special.
Rare beauty
Frances Simons spent a week on Norfolk Island and found it delivered on all counts, from crystal clear bays, rugged coastline and unique flora and fauna to its intriguing history.
Schools of thought
The heads of 10 primary and secondary schools tell us what sets their school apart.
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