FINDING WALLY, GLOW WORMS AND EAGLES: FAMILY-FRIENDLY GETAWAYS IN CENTRAL NSW

3 days ago

Close-up of a camel with a colorful harness in a park. Another camel is behind. A seated person is in the background on grass.

Families looking for a memorable school holiday escape now have three exciting new reasons to head to Central NSW, with unique adventures recently announced in Lithgow, Orange, and Forbes.

From camel riding in Orange and glowing tunnels in Lithgow to eagle-spotting in Forbes, the Central NSW Joint Organisation has highlighted the region's latest tourism experiences, perfect for family breaks, just two hours drive from Sydney and Canberra.

“Families are the fastest-growing market visiting Central NSW because there are so many nature-based adventures and activities available at great value,” said Jenny Bennet, Central NSW Joint Organisation Executive Officer.

At Lake Canobolas near Orange, the newly launched Canobolas Camels offer weekend and school holiday camel rides. Families can meet Wally, the region’s new camel celebrity, and experience 20-minute rides along the lake for $20 per person, topped off by feeding these friendly creatures their favourite snack—a fresh carrot.

Visitors can also relax lakeside or have lunch at the new Lakeside Kiosk and Café, with nearby accommodation available at Black Sheep Inn, a stylishly converted shearing shed.

Two people stand in a cave illuminated by orange light, holding a flashlight. Lush greenery visible at the cave entrance creates a serene mood.

In Lithgow, the Glow Worm Tunnel (above) in Wollemi National Park has undergone a $4.3 million upgrade, enhancing its magical experience.

Families can marvel at thousands of glow worms illuminating the former railway tunnel along a 5.7km walking trail. Nearby attractions include the historic Zig Zag Railway, which offers memorable steam train rides. Visitors can also opt to stay in historic Hartley, enjoying the colonial charm of St Bernards Presbytery cottage.

Bird enthusiasts and curious kids will delight in Forbes' Gum Swamp, home to newly-built two-storey birdwatching hides. These elevated viewing areas allow close-up observation of over 300 bird species, including majestic eagles and pelicans.

At the swamp's entrance, the enormous 20-metre goanna sculpture—part of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail—makes an ideal family photo stop.

Nearby accommodation includes the unique Top Paddock Silo farm stay, featuring converted grain silos and a spa with views of the local wildlife.

Man and child birdwatching in a green field with wildflowers. Child uses binoculars; man wears a cap labeled "Bushnell." Dead trees in the background.

These new experiences add to Central NSW's extensive list of family attractions, which also include the Mayfield Garden maze, bonsai workshops at Cowra Japanese Garden, hot-air ballooning over Cowra and Canowindra, cycling trails in Orange and Grenfell, and discovering Australian history at the Henry Parkes Centre.

Covering popular towns like Oberon, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Parkes, Grenfell, and Lachlan, Central NSW continues to emerge as a favourite family holiday destination. It combines adventure, nature, and culture.

For more information, visit www.visitcentralnsw.com.au