Road trips to the country are on the horizon and in Central NSW your accommodation comes with a twist. Choose from a Wagyu beef farm tour in Orange, sourdough workshop in Forbes, truffle hunt in Oberon, or a candle-lit dinner in a private chapel in Bathurst.

A variety of boutique accommodation is going the extra mile to indulge foodies, nature-lovers, and romantics, with add on experiences.

Central NSW begins two hours’ drive West from Sydney and is renowned for its beautiful wide open spaces, food and wine, historic villages, nature and soft adventures.

The Hobbit, Oberon
With incredible views over the Tarana Valley, this stunning new two-bedroom accommodation opened in 2020 and is located at Lowes Mount Truffles, a working truffiere. Guests can join the truffle hunts (June to August), wonder through the oaks, explore farm paddocks, and a truffle tasting experience. Then watch the sun set over the valley with incredible night skies.

Girragirra Retreat, Forbes
Wiradjuri for ‘be well, be happy, be merry’, Girragirra Retreat is on a 50-acre organic farm on the banks of the Lachlan River, just 4km from town. The architect designed, luxurious, self-contained two bedroom apartment is perfect for one or two couples overlooking a billabong. Book into regular on-site workshops held in the main house and learn to make sourdough bread and ferment foods, and pick produce fresh from the extensive food garden.

Bishops Court Estate, Bathurst
An icon for romance, this beautifully restored & decorated high Victorian manor house features six luxuriously appointed suites and is set in an acre of parkland gardens in Bathurst. The Bishops Court Estate rooms are stunningly decorated with art, collectables, sweeping balconies. Special extras include joining a cooking class in the huge kitchen, then a romantic candle-lit dinner for two in the historic on-site chapel. Tours to local vineyards and attractions can also be arranged.

Cadogan Country House, Orange
This contemporary five-bedroom homestead is nestled among picturesque cottage gardens and is ideal for families or groups. Cadogan Country House sits on a 3500-acre working beef property, 20 minutes from Orange or Bathurst, guests are treated to a farm tour of the working Wagyu beef property to feed the animals and take in the views. Also get lost in the 200m wide hedge maze and enjoy in house private dining with famed local chef Richard Learmonth.

Wilga Station, Bathurst
Stay on a genuine Australian 260-acre working sheep farm in The Farmers Hut, an exclusive self-contained retreat for couples. It is 100% off-grid, features a unique grass roof, and a cleverly designed three-sided window set daybed. Also new in September 2021 is The Shearers Hall, a luxurious five-bedroom country retreat oozing Australian charm for 10 guests. Wilga Station owners host guests on a one hour farm walk to learn about sheep farming and the history of the region. Walk tracks along a willow-lined creek, then settle into toasted marshmallows and local wine at night.

Hotel Gracelands, Parkes
A four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Parkes, this beautiful, restored Hotel Gracelands features 20 rooms and great facilities. The on-site IKON restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening with live music, a cosy wood fire and local wines.

Grenfell Hall B&B, Grenfell
Grenfell Hall is a beautifully restored two-story Victorian B&B in the heart of Grenfell, oozing character and filled with amazing art and antique furniture. Learn about the residence’s history as a former convent, and it’s the perfect base to explore the town’s history as the birthplace of Henry Lawson, its bushranger and gold mining past.

If you can pull yourself away from your accommodation visit Mayfield Garden, Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, The Dish in Parkes, Sculpture down the Lachlan, and various museums and galleries, wineries, cellar doors and boutique shops.

Central NSW includes Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Oberon, Parkes and Weddin.

Please follow the NSW Government advice on travel rules and restrictions to keep everyone safe.