Bowral /ˈbaʊrəl/ is the largest town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, and the main business and entertainment precinct of the Wingecarribee Shire and Highlands. As of 2011 the population numbered 12,154.In a past era, Bowral served as a rural retreat for the elite gentry of Sydney similar to The Hamptons for wealthy New Yorkers, resulting in the establishment of many grand historic estates and manor houses in the district.