Now is the time to plan a short break to Central NSW as an explosion of beautiful golden colours transforms the landscape, it is the best season to enjoy the region’s arts, culture, history, food and wine.
Explore world-renowned gardens, forage for food, cycle to vineyards, marvel at outdoor art trails and attend one of the many vibrant events and festivals.
Central NSW Joint Organisation has compiled 11 Awesome Adventures to take this Autumn:
1. Sunrise hot-air balloon ride – for an eagle eye view take off from Canowindra on a daily Sunrise Flight, the most magical time to fly with breakfast and champagne, of course! The Canowindra International Balloon Challenge is on from 12-16 April 2023.
2. Cycle the Orange region’s food and wine villages – start and finish in the City of Orange, the Orange and Villages Bike Trail is a glorious 360km six-day cycling journey to wineries, cafes and farm-gates including villages in Cabonne and Blayney. Bring your own bike or hire an e-bike.
3. Forage for mushrooms – for foodies Autumn is the best time after the rain to forage for mushrooms in the majestic pine forests, places such as Hampton, Jenolan and Vulcan State Forests. The Oberon Visitor Information Centre can assist you with tips and information. Then enjoy your forest finds on a picnic at Mayfield Garden nearby, simply breathtaking for the Autumn Festival 1-25 April 2023.
4. New cycle trails around Parkes – Parkes is the newest region to expand its cycling holiday routes, choose from 20-80km loops, explore the beautiful landscapes and see iconic attractions including ‘The Dish’. Soak up the country air by riding along fully mapped cycling trails, it’s the best way to get fit and feel free.
5. Sculpture down the Lachlan – a growing tourist attraction featuring 22 larger-than-life and very unique sculptures, this world-class public art trail starts in Forbes and stretches 100km along the Lachlan Valley Way.
6. Utes in the Paddock – Condobolin is the home of a quirky bush exhibition with around 20 Holden Ute vehicles used as a canvas by artists in a celebration of outback life.
Must do events:
7. Iandra Castle Open Days (9 and 23 April 2023) – a grand estate and privately owned, the Open Days are a unique opportunity to explore the homestead and gardens of this historic castle near Grenfell.
8. Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail (15 and 16 April 2023) – this festival features over 100 artisans in an exciting, expanded program this year with a two-day fair and for the first time a new visitor trail to iconic heritage venues around the region.
9. Sculptures by the Bush (6-23 April 2023) – visit the historic villages of Carcoar, Millthorpe and Neville for this quirky annual event featuring sculptures which dot the landscape in the form of hay bales, farm art and scarecrows.
10. Cowra Japanese Garden’s Autumn Festival (May) – a month-long celebration includes Children’s Day on the 5 May, workshops, and viewings of the rich Autumn colours across five hectares of beautifully manicured gardens and waterfalls.
11. LithGlow (13 May) – Lithgow Blast Furnace Park is the perfect venue and a canvas for lighting artists, fireworks, magically illuminated walkways, live music and entertainment which draws huge crowds. Contact the Seven Valleys Visitor Information Centre for all the details.
Why not take the back roads to lesser-known towns and villages, indulge in some retail therapy, and stay a little longer. There is so much to see, do and taste. The region is teeming with boutique places to stay, from hotels and motels to glamping and farm stays.
Central NSW includes the Local Government Areas of Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Orange, Parkes and Grenfell.
