A heritage garden for all seasons, an elegant Victorian Italianate homestead, and art collections to explore in the former home of James Fairfax AC.
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.
The White Cottage Gallery houses the beautiful National Trust shop with gift ideas for all occasions, and an art gallery space with a changing program of temporary exhibitions and artworks for sale.
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.
OPEN GARDENS & OPENING HOURS
Summer Opening Hours
30 November to 27 January
Open Daily from 10am to 4pm
We will be open 7 days a week over the Summer, with additional House Tours being offered. This is in tandem with the Salon de Refuses Exhibition in the White Cottage Gallery at Retford Park and the Archibald Exhibition at Ngununggula.
At other times Opening Hours are
Thursday to Sunday
10am to 4pm
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
You are more than welcome to bring a picnic as there are many idyllic spots to claim for a lazy lunchtime.
We are closed Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 30 December and New Year’s Eve
OPEN GARDEN ENTRY FEES
- Adults – $17
- Concession – $15
- National Trust members – Free
- Family $49 – 2 adults and up to 4 children
HOUSE TOURS
House access is by guided tour only at set times:
Mon to Fri at 10:30am
Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Bookings via the National Trust Website. (The gardens are part of this ticket price)
Open Garden and House entry fees: (Bookings are essential)
Tickets:
- Adult – $35
- Concession (including children) – $25
- National Trust members -Free