The Rockley Mill and Stables Museum was built in 1862 and displays the rich history of the area, with old mill machinery, period clothing on display, old police records and more.
The three-story building is a highlight of the drive along the main street of Rockley, directly across from Stevens Park.
Rockley was home to Henry Budden (CBE), a Sulman Award-winning architect responsible for developing large parts of Hunters Hill during the Federation Arts and Crafts style and Art Deco period of the early 20th century.
Discover the charm of the countryside at Valley View Flower Farm and Garden, where every visit is a sensory delight. Stroll through vibrant rows of seasonal blooms and handpick your own flowers to create a bouquet as unique as you are.
Just steps from the flower fields, the sweeping rural views stretch across the valley — a stunning backdrop for photographers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Wander the highland country garden and learn about gardening, growing and country life.
Whether you're visiting for a relaxing day trip, a creative outing, or a moment of quiet beauty, Valley View Flower Farm offers an experience to remember. Come wander, pick, and pause — and take home not just flowers, but the feeling of the countryside in full bloom.
Chifley Dam is located a three-hour drive west of Sydney, over the Blue Mountains. It's an ideal spot for a peaceful weekend retreat or an exciting, fun-filled holiday for the whole family.
The dam is Bathurst's water supply and recreation area - power boating, water skiing and sailing are permitted. The dam offers good fishing, cabin accommodation, barbecue and picnic facilities.
There is a free primitive camping area with a maximum of four camp sites, the maximum stay is three nights.
Ever wondered where Australia's Largest Cool Climate garden is?
Wonder no more!
Located on the western end of the Blue Mountains, Mayfield Garden offers a great day out for the whole family and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Explore hidden gems across 65-hectares of this exquisite private estate, from Australia's largest Box Hedge Maze to the Cascade and Temple, Croquet Court, Rose Garden, Family Chapel, Herbaceous Border, Mayfield Lake and a Water Garden that will take your breath away.
The numerous pathways are designed to be explored, with many nooks-and-crannies to discover. The mobility-friendly Camellia Walk that provides access from the lower to the upper sections of the garden for those with mobility aids or prams.
Enjoy a great regional food experience at Mayfield's garden cafe. Come for breakfast or lunch. Book your special event or private party.
Treat yourself to an exclusive, private tour for a behind-the-scenes look.
Mayfield also offers an amazing Glamping experience during Autumn, Spring and Summer. Spend a night of luxury embedded in the garden, after enjoying a three-course a la carte dinner in the restaurant.
In the historical village of Newbridge, 35 minutes drive from Bathurst, 40 minutes from Orange and 15 minutes from Blayney. Camping areas available at the Newbridge Showground. Have a picnic or bbq at the Showground or have a round of tennis. There's a shaded childrens' playground to explore and a fitness cirquit to try out. Why not take a stroll through the historic streets, discover treasures, new and old in the Stringy Bark Craft shop or wander intothe Old Bridge Gallery to be amazed at the skills and crafts of the locals. Then make time for a coffee and lunch at the pub. Before you leave try and spot the local koalas, echidnas and beautiful native birds. Newbridge a beautiful, quiet rural village. A lovely space to be in.
Olde Bridge Gallery is a unique artisan gallery in the heart of the historic village of Newbridge.
The Gallery showcases a diverse and exciting collection of original paintings, photography and hardwood furniture. These are complemented by locally handcrafted metal work, pottery, jewellery, handmade chocolates, heritage dolls, cards and gifts.
All genuinely locally produced and superbly featured in a lovingly restored 1850's building in the centre of the village.
Visitors are welcome to come and browse their amazing collection, explore the lovely historic village, meet Foxie the greyhound mascot and enjoy a coffee and meal at the Gladstone.
A collective-run trove of local crafts and preserves plus secondhand homewares, books and fashion.
Located in the old village hall, scene of many dances in times gone by, a bonus attraction is the old Newbridge telephone exchange, school bell and myriad historical items drawn from the village and surrounding areas.
Oberon is the perfect place to visit for a daytrip, a weekend or longer. The area enjoys true high country weather with mild summer days, occasional snow falls in winter and cold frosty nights perfect for a log fire. Ride a horse or a quad bike, enjoy a BBQ or camp oven cook out in our high country hut. Many friendly farm animals free range over the property (horses, cows, alpacas, pig, goat, sheep, cats & dog).
The kids will love our new in ground Olympic trampoline, table tennis and air hockey. There are many walking and 4WD trails in our national parks and forests. Jenolan Caves is also a great nearby place to visit.
Set in the beautiful O'Connell Valley between Bathurst and Oberon NSW.
A recently renovated Old Rectory Building set within an important heritage area.
Customers can choose from a variety of local quality artisan items such as locally made coffee beans, quality jams and spreads, local artworks, soap, garden wares and selected vintage items. More than a store...its an 'experience'.
The Bathurst Plains & Hill End Trail begins in Bathurst and travels north through open country, heritage homesteads and timeless gold rush towns.
It's a journey shaped by stories where grand architecture, boutique farm stays and starlit skies, come together in perfect balance.
Your trail begins just beyond town, where a stately estate set among rolling gardens offers a glimpse into the elegance of a bygone era. Concerts, exhibitions, and afternoon teas invite you to linger and savour the cultural heart of the Central Ranges.
As you move through the plains, the landscape stretches wide dotted with vineyards, working farms, and peaceful retreats. Along quiet country roads, glasshouse cabins offer one of the region's most magical stays.
Designed for solitude and starry nights, these hideaways let you lie in bed and gaze at constellations through full-glass ceilings, wrapped in silence and comfort beneath the vast country sky.
The trail includes Sofala, Australia's oldest surviving gold town, where cobbled streets, weathered timber facades, and riverside tracks invite exploration.
Whether you're sipping wine by a woodfire, waking to birdsong on a hillside, or watching dusk fall over the Turon River, the Bathurst Plains & Sofala Trail offers a journey rich in heritage, beauty, and quiet wonder.
The Bathurst Town Trail offers a delightful blend of history, culture and modern-day indulgence of the senses. Eat, drink, shop and explore your way through Bathurst.
A visit to Bathurst wouldn't be complete without exploring its charming boutiques, where you can discover unique fashion, homewares and local artisan goods. These beautiful stores showcase the creativity and spirit of the region, perfect for finding that special keepsake or gift.
For food lovers, Bathurst delivers a range of mouthwatering experiences, from cosy cafes, pubs and artisan bakeries to fine dining restaurants serving up fresh, local produce. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or a craft beer from one of the town's acclaimed breweries and enjoy the rich flavours that reflect the area's vibrant food scene.
Immerse yourself in the energy and charm of the Bathurst Town Trail
Bathurst's history is also an integral part of the town's charm. Visit fascinating museums and historic houses, which offer a glimpse into the past and tell the stories of the region's heritage. Wander through the stunning parklands, where green spaces and tranquil settings provide a peaceful retreat.
The Blayney Trail journeys through some of the Central Ranges' most captivating villages, combining rural beauty, heritage, creativity and genuine country hospitality.
Begin at a luxury retreat on a working sheep station, where beautifully designed cabins feature glass walls for stargazing, outdoor copper baths and firepits beneath expansive country skies.
Continue to Rockley, a charming heritage village of stone cottages, galleries, cafés and its much-loved country pub.
Next is Carcoar, one of Australia's best-preserved 19th-century villages. Wander historic streets lined with Georgian buildings, browse antique stores and enjoy the tranquil riverside setting and rich gold-rush history.
In Blayney, discover a close-knit rural community shaped by agriculture and an emerging creative spirit. Follow the heritage walk through the historic town centre, explore locally owned shops or enjoy the parks and scenic Belubula River Walk, particularly beautiful in autumn.
Finish in Millthorpe, a picturesque heritage village renowned for boutique cellar doors, artisan food, leafy streets and beautifully preserved buildings.
The Blayney Trail is a relaxed celebration of country life, connecting memorable places, local flavours and stories across this distinctive part of the Central Ranges.
Discover Flat Rock on the Fish River, an idyllic place where colourful paddocks meet bubbling waters. Find a quiet spot, breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy the space and serenity that define this remarkable landscape.
Reconnect, immerse and relax on the Oberon Trail.
Experience the restorative practice of Forest Bathing – Shinrin Yoku – where the scents, sounds and stillness of the forest encourage you to pause, reconnect with nature and simply be present.
Beyond its natural beauty, Oberon offers an abundance of local flavours. Join an immersive truffle hunt, discover award-winning distilleries crafting spirits inspired by the region, or visit boutique wineries to taste cool-climate wines that reflect the character of the high country.
As daylight fades, look to the sky. With minimal light pollution, the Oberon region offers spectacular stargazing and another reason to linger.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or a taste of the region, the Oberon Trail brings together nature, local flavours and unforgettable high-country experiences.
The Seven Valleys Trail is a memorable journey through the Central Ranges, made for those who love the open road. By car or motorbike, winding roads and sweeping countryside connect charming villages, natural wonders and stories of reinvention.
Begin in Tarana, a small village surrounded by farmland and dramatic hills. Settle into the local country pub for a long lunch or drink by the fire before continuing through open paddocks and wooded ridgelines to Rydal, a peaceful village known for its gardens, relaxed character and welcoming country hospitality.
The trail then winds towards Portland and Wallerawang, where the region's industrial heritage is being creatively reimagined. In Portland, the former cement works have been transformed into a striking arts and cultural precinct, with creative spaces, a brewery, gallery and event venues bringing new life to this remarkable site.
In Wallerawang, colourful silo art captures the spirit and stories of a community shaped by coal mining and now embracing a new future.
Finish in Lithgow, at the heart of the Seven Valleys, where industrial heritage, local culture and spectacular bushland converge, completing a road trip rich in character, contrast and discovery.
Fishing is a popular pastime around Oberon, which can be enjoyed for most of the year.
Lake Oberon is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout and Golden Perch fingerlings. Lake Oberon supplies drinking water so swimming, camping and lighting of fires beside the lake are prohibited. Visitors may walk around the foreshore if they keep close to the water’s edge. Access to many of the streams in the area may be through private property.
Lake Oberon is open to anglers all year round, but the streams are subject to Freshwater Fishing Regulations. The season for stream fishing opens at the start of the October long weekend and closes at the end of the June long weekend. All anglers must have a Freshwater Fishing Licence.
Lake Oberon is ideal for canoes, kayaks and small fishing or sailing dinghies which are electric powered as Lake Oberon is open to non-powered boating only. As Lake Oberon sits 1068 metres above sea level, it's classed as alpine waters and life jackets must be worn at all times.
There are a number of access points around the lake, including the recently upgraded area called The Reef, vehicle and trailer boat access to the water’s edge.
Trunkey Creek is a lovely old gold mining village. The hills around Trunkey Creek are honeycombed with abandoned mine shafts and mullock heaps and together with the crumbling mud huts and brick chimneys are the only remains of the goldrush age. Gold can still be obtained from the quartz rocks that were left lying around the old mullock heaps.
The district was one of the earliest pastoral areas to be established. Some of the early selections were surveyed in the 1820s. The present-day pastoralists in the area, produce some of Australia's top-quality Merino wool. Today Trunkey Creek is a quiet rustic rural village. The Hotel and Billabong tea house provides a service for visitors.
Another special attraction is provided by pioneer craft demonstrations given by experienced bushmen. Wood skills, earth, mud and stone wall building, blacksmith and gold panning are some of the skills demonstrated.
The annual wool festival, sheep show and horse show are among the highlights of the Trunkey Creek calendar, bringing the community together and celebrating the area's rich pastoral and pioneering heritage.
The Oberon and District Museum was established in 1989. It holds an interesting and varied collection of artifacts and memorabilia, including a 3D model of the township as it was in the 1930s.
It has a functioning blacksmith’s shop, an array of old farming equipment and a very old, Oberon weatherboard cottage (circa 1887) with furniture-filled rooms depicting how life was lived in those early years. There is also a huge array of photos, as well as an extensive collection of local family history.
It is open on the first Saturday of each month and every Sunday. Other times by appointment.
Flat Rock Picnic Area is a beloved spot for swimming, fishing, camping, and picnics. Set along the scenic Fish River and 26km drive from Bathurst's city center, it's the perfect place to enjoy a day out or camp overnight.
Only 25 minutes from Bathurst, this picturesque location is easily accessible by a sealed road, making it suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles.
The site has drop toilets, a free barbeque (bring own wood) and is a pet-friendly - on leash. Potable water is not available. Bring own drinking water with you when planning a trip.
The ground is fairly flat and suitable for caravans and tents alike; however, at this free camping site there are no powered sites.
The Oberon to Tarana branch railway line was Oberon’s lifeline from 1923 until its operation was suspended in 1979. The branch line was largely responsible for turning the village into the vibrant town of Oberon, NSW.
Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Inc. is working towards re-establishing the branch line to an operational standard and operating a tourist train attraction in the future.
The Oberon Station Precinct is located one block off Oberon’s main street in North Street. (Turn at Shell garage).
White Rock Lavender Estate offers an immersive agri-tourism experience in the heart of the Bathurst region, where visitors can reconnect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life. Set amongst picturesque farmland, White Rock Lavender Estate combines wellness, relaxation and hands-on learning in a beautiful setting inspired by the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Guests can wander through fragrant lavender fields, explore vibrant sunflower mazes, or visit the colorful pumpkin patch during harvest season. The experience extends to White Rock Lavender Estate's thriving vegetable gardens, where visitors can enjoy a guided "show and tell" style experience that showcases how fresh produce is grown, cared for and harvested. It's an engaging, educational and sensory experience perfect for families, couples and anyone curious about sustainable farming and country living.
Beyond the gardens, White Rock Lavender Estate offers wellness workshops, seasonal photoshoots, and handmade botanical skincare crafted from homegrown ingredients. Every experience is designed to calm the mind, inspire creativity and celebrate the connection between people and the land.
What makes White Rock Lavender Estate unique is its focus on authentic, seasonal and hands-on experiences. Each visit reflects the natural beauty of the Bathurst countryside and the joy of discovering where food, flowers and wellbeing truly begin.
Nestled beside the serene Lake Oberon in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, you will find the Oberon Golf Club.
About two and half hours west of Sydney, Oberon is a challenging, undulating course carved through towering forests of gums, and is the work of prolific golf architect, Al Howard.
Opened in 1958 with 9 holes and sand greens, the course was expanded to 12 holes and by 1972 18 holes.
Oberon is famous for its small, sloping greens, spectacular views, and its tight fairways.
Another feature of Oberon is that it doesn’t have any bunkers.
It is also a cool climate course and at over 1000 metres in altitude, can even receive a light dusting of snow in the winter months.
After a 40-year intermission, the historic Malachi Gilmore Hall has reopened its doors once more to present a wide range of artistic and cultural events in the rural town of Oberon, New South Wales.
Close to the world-famous Jenolan Caves and Kanangra-Boyd National Park, the Art Deco gem known affectionately as 'The Malachi' was built in 1937 and sits centre-stage in the Central West town.
With its eye-catching, geometric façade and curved glass brick wall, The Malachi is considered a unique example of the interwar modernist period. As co-owner Lucy East explains, the venue served as a cinema, dance hall and roller-skating rink, with a supper room downstairs.
Now you can expect to find brilliant live music performances from country to classical, film screenings, art and heritage exhibitions, dances and theatre shows. A visit to The Malachi is a celebration of creativity, a vibrant community and brilliantly quirky architecture.
Fossicking is a popular and rewarding activity in the Oberon District. There are some perfect designated fossicking spots in the area, which include Porters Retreat Little River Fossicking Reserve, Sapphire Bend, and Campbell’s River Bridge Reserve.
You maybe lucky to find sapphires, zircons, industrial diamonds, and gold.
Gemstone hunting, when the sun is shining, is a great benefit when looking for something that gleams in the pan! It also helps keep the cold away. The simple pleasure of paddling in the water, focusing on what is swirling about in the bottom of a black dish, is remarkably absorbing and relaxing.
There are also a number of dry areas where gems can be found, with a little effort. A sturdy shovel, sieve and a drum of water to wash the clay off the sparklers is all you need. There are a number of designated areas around Oberon, including Sapphire Bend in the Vulcan State Forest.
Pick up all the information you need to enjoy your fossicking adventure. If you would like to receive a demonstration on how to use the fossicking kit before heading out on your own, simply call in and see staff at the Visitor Information Centre. They can also provide maps to designated fossicking spots and go through some of the do's and don'ts to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
Bathurst Harness Racing Club offers exciting and memorable experiences for visitors all year round. With fifty-eight race meetings held annually, guests can enjoy the thrill of live harness racing in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, every event offers something special.
The club is home to the prestigious Gold Crown Carnival, held in the last week of March. This iconic event draws visitors from across the country to witness top-level harness racing and be part of a week-long celebration. It's a must-see for anyone visiting the Bathurst region in late autumn.
Beyond racing, Bathurst Harness Racing Club is a popular venue for private functions and special occasions. The modern facilities and scenic surrounds make it an ideal setting for birthdays, weddings, and wakes. The team works closely with each group to create a personalised and seamless experience.
During the famous Bathurst 1000 race week, the club also welcomes campers, offering a convenient and friendly base just minutes from Mount Panorama. It's the perfect way to be close to the action while enjoying the comfort and community spirit the club is known for.
With a rich history, modern amenities and a strong sense of community, Bathurst Harness Racing Club delivers entertainment, hospitality, and country charm in one of New South Wales' most iconic regional cities.
