A week away in NSW

10th Nov 2020

This week-long road trip kicks off in the breathtaking Blue Mountains and heads through some of Australia’s oldest historical towns. You’ll then loop back to relax on the beach at the Central Coast before heading home to Sydney.

Stop 1 – Katoomba

Starting from Sydney, navigate your way 101 kms until you reach Katoomba within the Blue Mountains. This historic town will captivate you with its spectacular views, cultural heritage and with lots to explore, we recommend spending an extra night here.

The Blue Mountains encompasses one million hectares of wilderness and is a World Heritage Area, so be prepared for some amazing walking trails. Learn about the legend behind the Three Sisters Walk and explore the Jameson Valley canyons, or lookout over the Wentworth Falls on the Princes Rock Walk. If you’d prefer to take it easy, a short 10-minute drive will take you to Wentworth Falls where you can enjoy some lunch while admiring the cascading water.

If you want to really experience the area in a different way, we recommend booking a ticket with Scenic World. With a scenic railway, skyway, walkway and cableway, this is the ultimate way to explore the Blue Mountains from every angle.

Complete your stay with Western Wine Tours – an award-winning attraction with outstanding wines and delicious local food. A visit to the area is not complete without a trip to the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company.

Stop 2 – Bathurst

Your next stop is 98kms to Bathurst, Australia’s oldest inland colonial settlement. With heritage-listed architecture, a busy events calendar and plenty of outdoor activities, Bathurst has something for everyone.

While it may be best known for the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit, there is so much more happening in this town. For the foodies out there, take advantage of the abundant dining opportunities. From woodfired pizza in the Church Bar’s charming beer garden or brunch at The Hub, Bathurst features an endless list of places for a delicious meal with many experiences being housed in heritage buildings.

Established in 1815, Bathurst’s preserved heritage is a very special trait that cannot be missed. Go back in time and explore heritage buildings including The Town Square, George Street and Abercrombie House. You may also take advantage of all the different museums, heritage drives and walks.

Adventure up Mount Panorama, the Abercrombie Caves and along the Macquarie River. If you’ve got kids who need to burn some energy, we highly recommend the impressive Adventure Playground. Lastly, for those who love their motorsport don’t miss out going for a scenic drive along Mount Panorama – Australia’s most famous racing track.

Stop 3 – Orange

Continue your adventure an easy 55 km drive to Orange. Known for its fresh produce and excellent wines, this is the perfect location to kick back and relax.

This beautiful town offers a great vibe with various cafes, restaurants and wineries – all with some gorgeous views. Due to its cool-climate and high-altitude, the Orange wine region offers a world class winery experience, so you can make sure you indulge in a cheese and wine tasting at one of the many vineyards.

For some extra fun around Orange, see if you can get a hole in one at Orange Mini Golf or explore the natural beauty around the Nature Walking Track or at the Orange Botanic Garden. For those who have a kayak, make sure you check out Lake Canobolas.

Stop 4 – Dubbo

Just 144kms from Orange is Dubbo, located in the heart of the Macquarie Valley. This is a great overnight destination with plenty for the kids to explore.

First up? A visit to the famous Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Come face to face with hundreds of rare and endangered animals and explore the circuit by either walking or hire a cart. You can even book extra special experiences, including incredible overnight Zoo-cations. We also love to explore the Dubbo Gaol and Wellington Caves.

Stop 5 – Tamworth

Buckle up for a further 308 kms to reach Tamworth. Take a pitstop in Coolah at the Coolah Garden Café and Pantry for a coffee and a quick bite.

Known as the country music capital in Australia, Tamworth is the place for live music, great food and good times. It is full of amazing history and you could easily spend hours wondering around and taking in these old buildings. Make sure to get a photo beside the Big Golden Guitar – this Australian treasure stands at a huge 12 metres tall! You can also explore The Old Bell Tower and Railway Station.

During your stay, you may also like to unhook your car and go for a drive to Nundle. Here, you can check out the Hanging Rock area, go for a walk or 4WD then enjoy a meal at the Peel Inn Hotel.

Stop 6 – Muswellbrook

The next stop for your adventure is 160 kms to Muswellbrook. Located in the Upper Hunter Valley, this beautiful town is situated near many national parks and offers some great vineyard experiences.

Be sure to check the events calendar prior to your arrival as there is often something happening in and around Muswellbrook. Explore the town’s history on the Muswellbrook Heritage Walk before taking a short drive and enjoy the ultimate gourmet experience at Pukara Estate.

Scone is a nearby town you may also like to visit during your stay. Here you can explore Lake Glenbawn, Scone Mountain National Park and Elizabeth Park.

Stop 7 – Central Coast

Travel 183 kms to reach your final destination on the Central Coast. Featuring a beautiful harbor setting and stunning beaches, this is the perfect way to complete your adventure.

Go surfing at Shelly Beach near Bateau Bay or go for a bike ride along the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway. You may also enjoy exploring some of the amazing national parks on the many walking tracks available. We recommend taking the drive to discover the Gerrin Point lookout in the Bouddi National Park.

The drive back to Sydney is an easy 83 kms.