New South Wales

Central West NSW

Bathurst Founded in 1815, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland town and was a major centre even before the gold rush boom began in the 1850s. Some well preserved 19th century architecture remains. A normally sedate, cultured city Bathurst accelerates into a frenetic state during some big motor racing events in Oct/Nov.

Orange, as the name implies, is a fruit growing centre although it is mainly apples rather than oranges. Like all the towns which circle the Central West region, Orange has an array of accommodation and restaurants. South of Orange, via Blayney, the village of Carcoar has more than 20 beautifully restored colonial buildings. Nearby Cowra is a prosperous farming centre with poignant links to Japan, the aftermath of a Japanese POW breakout in 1944. Further south, Young is another market town in a cherry picking area.

North westwards from Young are the important regional centres of Forbes and Parkes, both very pleasant towns with some excellent heritage buildings. North again, Dubbo is a vital transport crossroads whilst east from there is the charming town of Mudgee, centre of an underrated wine area with a good range of accommodation.

North West NSW, which includes Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree and Lightning Ridge is included separately in the region, New England and North West NSW.

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Lily Pily Country House Luxury, modern, bed and breakfast accommodation - an eco-sensitive house on a 80 acre working farm in a lovely scenic location near Bellingen northern NSW	Burrawang West Station Legendary cattle station on 12,000 acres in central NSW with superb homestead and 12 luxurious guest suites, fine dining and a unique blend of adventure and relaxation
Southern Cross Suites Experience the difference of these 2 boutique hotel designed for today. Treat yourself to studio or suite accommodation in Sydney where you comfort is paramount	Salamander Shores A country style hotel with sensational views of Port Stephens with an absolute waterfront location in a pristine and natural setting.
Rydges Hotels & Resorts Affordable, well appointed hotels in a wide variety of locations across Australia - our objective is to make your stay as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible	Waves Surf School+Oz Snow Adventures One and two day surf tours to get you standing and riding a wave, plus fun skiing tours that are excellent value for money
Oz Experience The original hop on, hop off small group touring network for active and independent travellers. It's not an express bus, it's more than a tour, it's the ultimate ride!	Sullivans Hotels The Sullivan family operate intimate and charming properties in Perth (4 star) and Sydney (3.5 star). Enjoy a special location, a warm atmosphere and helpful staff.
Australian 4WD Hire A modern range of four wheel drive rental vehicles available from Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Broome and the Fraser Coast in QLD, enabling access to unique locations	Auswalk Superb accommodated walking holidays, in every type of Australian environment. Can be guided or self-guided walks guaranteed to depart with as few as 2 persons

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Dinner on the beach at Kewarra Beach Resort, near Palm Cove, QLD © Kewarra Beach Resort

Not sure what to do in Australia? Get ideas from our Suggested Itineraries

'The Dish', Parkes Obsevatory © Tourism NSW

DID YOU KNOW ... The first gold find in Australia was made near Bathurst in NSW in 1851. The same year a major discovery was made at Ballarat, and shortly after near Bendigo, both in Victoria.