Bowral and high tea

3 day weekend off due to Public Holiday on Monday 6th October. So decided to take Tiago away for the night was hoping to go for both the Saturday and Sunday but unfortunately only availability for the Sunday night. We got to hotel Berida Manor Country Resort in Bowral a 40 room ensuite hotel resort next to Bowral Golf Club before 2 checked in. Has a heated indoor pool and spa which we hopefully use later and is supposedly only a short walk to Bowral CBD but will probably drive. Bowral is nestled in the shadow of Mt Gibraltar and famous for there tulip festival. Bowral is just one of those unique places which prides itself on possessing best of both worlds the big smoke and the bush. After checking in was then to Centennial Vineyards for high tea and wine tasting as booked in for 2.30. Got plenty to eat at the high tea a selection of finger sandwiches plus a mixture of savoury and sweet pastries. High tea included pumpkin soup, sandwiches, savoury ball, scones, Lemon tart, chocolate mousse and pancotta. Decided to go for the option with the rose wine which was nice but still thought we might get tea which we didn't. It was beautiful setting and also a nice day so got to sit outside and admire the view more. The interior of the Centennial Restaurant at Bowral is lovely aswell, with large exposed wooden beams and a roaring open fireplace. This is must go to winery when exploring the Southern Highlands, it has beautiful surroundings, friendly and informative staff and a wide selection of wines. So after the high tea we headed to Centennial cellar door for wine tasting. All Centennial wines are made onsite and has up to 35 wines to tastes. We only tasted a small selection and bought the reserve barbera and a dessert autumn Chardonnay which was not too sweet. Back to hotel after 3.30 and go to the heated Indoor pool after 4 which was cold at first. But once been in for a while soon adjusted and Tiago did his under water swimming wasn't in for too long then 4 more got in. Then to the Jacuzzi spa which lasted less than 20 seconds and unfortunately button to press wasn't near, so had to get out to turn it on. So didn't end up staying in for long as no point if no bubbles just warm water so more like a bath than a spa. Next was the sauna which luckily we had put on before getting in jacuzzi otherwise wouldn't off been hot enough. It was then upstairs at 5pm to watch the Japanese Grand Prix and have some of the red wine barbera which we bought from the winery, very nice!! Lewis Hamilton ended up winning the Grand Prix after it was called off due to heavy rain and a serious accident suffered by Marussia driver Jules Bianchi. Then ended up falling asleep for abit after the Grand Prix and when woke up hungry unfortunately hotel not doing dinner. So ended up going to the Royal Bar and Dining only a short drive away and just got there 8.25 which was luckily as stop serving 8.30. We ate in the restaurant at the back of the hotel and was very impressed with the food. We shared the lamb we did want the 1kg t-bone but was sold out but the lamb was cooked really well and tasted great. I'd go back here without hesitation. When got back was going to play Pool but unfortuantely was busy so didn't end up been able play. So went back to the room instead and had the dessert wine we bought which was good not to sweet and also finished red wine. In the morning checked out at 10am and could off had breakfast in hotel but decided to go into Bowral. Overall the hotel was lovely however, while I understand trying to keep the charm of yesteryear, I think the place could do with a bit of a refurbish inside. Ended up going to Palate Pleasure Cafe which we noticed when walking up the Main Street of Bowral, it looked very popular so decided to have breakfast there. For breakfast I decided to have the Bircher muesli which was fresh, delicious and beautifully presented. There also looked to be a nice few shops in Bowral but thought Tiago wouldn't off been impressed if wanted to go shopping. So instead went to the Bowral Lookout which provides a scenic view overlooking Bowral, the Wingecarribee River Valley and Moss Vale. Mount Gingenbullen, and the Cuckbundoon Ranges (near Goulburn) can be seen in the distance. Several walking tracks radiate from here and there is car parking, toilets, tables, picnic areas and shelters available. It was back to centennial Winery to get more wine which we had last night was no other car in front car park so unsure if open. But was open and was just before 12, was one other couple in the winery and 4 people in restaurant. It was then heard back home on way saw sign for Picton which Seemed familiar and then I saw people coming down by parachute. I then saw site off skydive centre then clicked to why I knew name was where I did my skydive in February 2013 for Debbies birthday.