Alert the ton: Bowral takes centre stage for a week-long ‘Bridgerton’ celebration →

Alert the ton, Bridgerton has arrived down under! Starting from today until Tuesday 23rd April, the country town of Bowral, in NSW Southern Highlands will play host to a spot of regency romance to celebrate the upcoming season of Shondaland's hit series Bridgerton.

This picturesque country town, with stately homes, boutiques and perfectly manicured gardens is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the blossoming romance of the ton's resident wallflower. Local businesses have joined the celebration with florals and flags sweeping the streets and a whisper of excitement in the country air.

Visitors are encouraged to carriage to the hills in their regency best and explore all the romance the town has to offer.

Bowral is the perfect backdrop to enjoy your own Bridgerton-inspired adventure. Suggested promenade below:

• The Press Shop: Start your day at the iconic blue door of Bowral's most photographed cafe. Take in the florals and pop inside for a spot tea and a decadent treat.

• SoHi:Step next door for a refresher at SoHi, Bowral's boutique spirits supplier. Explore a world of refined tastes and sophisticated pleasures, don't miss the carriage parking out front.

• Dirty Janes: Pass through the wrought iron gates of Green Lane and step into a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dirty Janes will have you swimming in Regency-inspired fashion and decor, curated to whisk you away to a world of aristocratic design.

• Green Lane: Take in the topiary, country citrus and lush greenery of this beautiful outdoor arcade. Stop by boutiques for a whiff of an exotic perfume and pick up a ceramic treasure. Drop into Harry's for lunch in the library and take in the impressive art collection.

• Coach House Collective: Step through the iconic ivy-covered doors and into a collection of artfully curated furnishings and treasures.

• Books Ever After: Is this Australia's only romance bookstore? A search for this hidden gem will be rewarded. Visit on Saturday 20th to soak up a classical string musical performance.

• Gumnut Patisserie: Stop by the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie for a Regency-inspired sweet treat.

• Corbett Gardens Rotunda: Set yourself up for a picnic or take shelter under the floral rotunda and behold the beauty.

• Retford Park: This stately home is a 5 minute drive from Bong Bong Street and a must-see on your day out in Bowral. The romantic pink estate is surrounded by hedge mazes, blanket gardens, sculpture and water features and is the perfect backdrop for your regency portrait. Open from 10am - 4pm daily (speciality hours for the week), you can enjoy a spot of croquet and skittles on the front lawn or promenade through the elegant rolling gardens. Please note Retford Park is a part of the National Trust of Australia: a $15 entry fee applies and goes towards the conservation of this historical property.

• Empire Cinemas:Be amongst the very lucky few to watch the first episode of Bridgerton Season 3 before it hits Netflix on Thursday 16th May. On Monday 22nd April and Tuesday 23rd April, Empire Cinemas Bowral will host four screenings daily at 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm. You may secure your placehere,very limited seats will be available for walk-ins on the day. Be sure to stop byThe Parting Glass for a pre or post screening cocktail!

Other not-to-be-missed favourites includeBespoke Letterpressto join the letter writing society and pen a letter to your loved one, andBowral's Sweets and Treatsto to sample regency confectionery including violet & rose creams and lemonade fizz balls.

Many businesses throughout town are joining the festivities - keep an eye out for the Bridgerton in Bowral bunting out the front of participating businesses.

Shall we promenade?

Bridgerton Season 3 (episodes 1-4) premieres 16 May only on Netflix.

Additional photos available for downloadHERE

ABOUT BRIDGERTON

From Shondaland and new showrunner, Jess Brownell, Bridgerton is back for its third season and finds Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) has finally given up on her long-held crush on Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) after hearing his disparaging words about her last season. She has, however, decided it's time to take a husband, preferably one who will provide her with enough independence to continue her double life as Lady Whistledown, far away from her mother and sisters. But lacking in confidence, Penelope's attempts on the marriage mart fail spectacularly.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his summer travels with a new look and a serious sense of swagger. But he's disheartened to realize that Penelope, the one person who always appreciated him as he was, is giving him the cold shoulder. Eager to win back her friendship, Colin offers to mentor Penelope in the ways of confidence to help her find a husband this season. But when his lessons start working a little too well, Colin must grapple with whether his feelings for Penelope are truly just friendly. Complicating matters for Penelope is her rift with Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who has found a new friend in a very unlikely place, while Penelope's growing presence in the ton makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

Series Premiere Dates: Part 1 (301-304): May 16, 2024; Part 2 (305-308): June 13, 2024 Episodes: 8

Filming Location: London, UK

Showrunner/ EP: Jess Brownell

Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica, and Chris Van Dusen

Series Regulars: Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton), Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma), Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Jessica Madsen (Cressida Cowper), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), and Julie Andrews (Lady Whistledown)

Additional Key Cast: Hugh Sachs (Brimsley), Emma Naomi (Alice Mondrich), Kathryn Drysdale (Genevieve Delacroix), Sam Phillips (Lord Debling)

Instagram: @NetflixANZ @bridgertonnetflix

Twitter: @NetflixANZ @bridgerton