Bowral crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
340 recorded in this period, compared with 375 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Bowral
Bowral is the largest town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, located within the Wingecarribee Shire (postcode 2576) approximately 110 kilometres southwest of Sydney. Nestled in a fertile valley beneath the towering facade of Mount Gibraltar, the locality experiences a cool temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons. At the 2021 census, Bowral recorded a population of approximately 13,000 residents, reflecting its status as a prominent residential and lifestyle hub in the region.
The town functions as the commercial and cultural center of the Southern Highlands, featuring a bustling town centre lined with boutique shops, cafes, major supermarkets, and medical facilities. It is particularly renowned for its immaculately maintained public gardens and parks, most notably Corbett Gardens, which serves as the focal point for the annual Tulip Time festival. Bowral is also well-serviced by educational and transport infrastructure, including a railway station on the Southern Highlands line providing direct commuter access to Sydney and Canberra.
Established in the 1830s following early European exploration of the interior, Bowral grew as an agricultural and pastoral settlement before transforming into a fashionable summer hill station for wealthy Sydneysiders in the late 19th century, drawn by the cool mountain air and picturesque scenery. The town retains a rich architectural heritage, featuring numerous grand Victorian and Edwardian estates, historic churches, and heritage commercial buildings. Globally, Bowral is celebrated as the boyhood home of legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, whose legacy is preserved at the Bradman International Cricket Hall of Fame.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 37 | 34 |
| Malicious damage to property | 36 | 43 |
| Fraud | 34 | 29 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 33 | 30 |
| Steal from retail store | 22 | 11 |
| Liquor offences | 19 | 40 |
| Other offences | 15 | 12 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 12 | 21 |
| Steal from dwelling | 11 | 10 |
| Trespass | 11 | 8 |
| Sexual assault | 10 | 15 |
| Other theft | 9 | 6 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 8 | 11 |
| Breach bail conditions | 7 | 19 |
| Possession and/or use of cannabis | 6 | 4 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 6 | 10 |
| Resist or hinder officer | 6 | 2 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 6 | 7 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 10,764 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.