UNCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS OF CENTRAL WEST NSW THIS SUMMER
Swap the packed beaches for a laid-back country escape this summer in the Central West of NSW. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, this underrated region is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, with serene rivers, refreshing swimming holes, and charming rural retreats.
Whether you’re looking to dive into crystal-clear waters, savor local wines under the stars, or cozy up in a stylish country cottage, the Central West serves up a slice of paradise — without the crowds. Pack your bags and get ready to explore cool, unique spots to stay, dip, and unwind, all with that unmistakable country charm.’:
Top Five Waterway Activities
Lachlan River Dreaming Tour, Forbes: A new 2.5-hour guided kayak tour meanders down the Lachlan River, the fourth longest river in Australia, and has an Indigenous and environmental focus, a blissful way to cool down on the water. Cost $220pp.
Flat Rock on the Fish River, O’Connell Bathurst: Kids can hop rocks to their hearts content around crystal-clear natural pools at this idyllic spot. Then enjoy lunch at the renowned O’Connell Hotel pub by Fish River.
Lake Canobolas, Orange: This tranquil lake offers swimming pontoons and is a local hotspot for families with a little beach, perfect for building sandcastles. You can also canoe and enjoy the playground and circular cycle path.
Lyell Lake Recreation Park, Lithgow: This is a beautiful place to hang for the day with swimming from a sandy beach to a pontoon, great fishing and places to launch a kayak.
Gum Bend Lake, Condobolin: A popular lake with its free camping this is also the local’s go to for summer picnics and to play in and off the water, with world-class sunsets.
Swim at your Accommodation
Orange’s The Oriana: A 4.5-star retro hotel and resort with 49 rooms and a centre-piece swimming pool complete with lounges, a pool bar for cocktails and Summer Kitchen. Enjoy country glamour at its best.
Canowindra’s Everview Retreat: Stay in one of the three self-contained luxury stone cottages and enjoy the large in-ground swimming pool and eight-person spa with country views.
Wilga Station, Bathurst: This has a 12 million litre natural swimming pond with pontoon and fountain for guests staying at their luxury farm-stay accommodation. In Bathurst there are also pools at Rydges Mount Panorama, the Bathurst Motor Inn and Panorama Bathurst.
Molong Caravan Park: The park has re-opened after the floods and is ready for guests with three newly renovated, air-conditioned cabins surrounded by cool trees, it is directly opposite the gorgeous Molong Swimming Pool.
Parkes: A range of hotels with refreshing pools at the Parkes International, North Parkes Motel and Bushman's Motor Inn.
Waterfalls, lakes and rivers
Kalang Falls, Oberon: Nestled in the Kanangra Boyd National Park, take a scenic walk to Kanangra Walls Lookout then enjoy a dip under the refreshing Kalang waterfall.
Koorowatha Falls, Cowra: After a morning hike in the Koorowatha Nature Reserve, cool down at the Koorowatha Falls, with its spring-fed waterhole for swimming.
Farleigh’s ‘Beach’ Reserve, Cowra. This peaceful picnic area is on the banks of the Lachlan River where big eucalyptus trees provide shade and there are picnic tables for lunching.
Lake Cargelligo: This huge 8km long natural inland lake is an oasis for water sports and birdwatching, sailing, water skiing, swimming and kayaking from its peaceful foreshore.
Forbes Ski Dam, Lake Forbes, Forbes: A beautiful spot on the bend of Lake Forbes the Ski Dam is water skiing central in summer and comes with a playground, places for the kids to paddle, toilets, BBQ shelters and backs onto 10km of walking and cycling trails.
Carcoar Dam, Carcoar: Pick up a grazing picnic platter from Carcoar’s Village Grocer and enjoy swimming, water sports and fishing at this local Dam on the Belubular River.
Company Dam, Grenfell: A beautiful spot surrounded by bush just near town is ideal to cool down and watch wildlife come for a drink on dusk.
Bumberry Dam, Parkes: Explore ‘The Dish’ during the morning, and as it heats up, head to this scenic water area at Bumberry Dam to cool off, swim, kayak or paddle board.
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