Boasting ambitious works from contemporary artists, the Southern Highlands’ first regional art gallery raises the bar for rural arts institutions. Founded by celebrated artist Ben Quilty, and now under the leadership of Megan Monte, Ngununggula has repurposed a former dairy shed and veterinary clinic at Retford Park in Bowral, a property of the National Trust, as an art destination with a heritage-sensitive, state-of-the-art design by Tonkin Zulaihka Greer.
Make the time to make the 90-minute drive from Sydney, and follow up the food-for-thought with food for your belly at the on-site Hearth Café. The team serves up a flavour-driven seasonal menu created using ingredients from Moonacres Farm and local growers.
The gallery’s name comes from the word for 'belonging' in the traditional language of the Gundungurra people. With a focus on visual arts, education, artistic practice, and cultural voice, the gallery’s program represents the region and beyond through significant exhibitions, artist-led projects, live events, workshops, artist talks and more. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the building contains four gallery spaces, including an Entry Pavilion which will house a new commission each year by an Indigenous artist.
Ngununggula is open daily from 10am to 4pm, and entry is free.