Picture the scene: you’re travelling down a country road lined with flame-coloured trees before pulling into a charming little township and checking into a cosy cottage for the night. Sounds pretty dreamy, eh? Central NSW is simply breathtaking in the autumn and there’s more to enjoy here than just the wonderful scenery. Headed inland? Check out these incredible experiences for a romantic getaway that will seriously impress someone special…
Looking for romantic NSW accommodation? Find the perfect place here…
Glamp among the grapevines
Love wine? Always wanted to go glamping? Book. This. Now.
Now home to New South Wales’s first vineyard glamping experience, the very scenicNashdale Lane Wines (an hour east of Bathurst) offers plenty for romance-seekers. Decked out with hardwood flooring, four-poster Queen-sized beds, full bathrooms, kitchens, internal woodfire heaters, outdoor lounge areas and private BBQs, the vineyard’s two luxurious safari-style cabin tents are a dreamy place to call home. Looking out over the vines and out to Mount Canobolas, these secluded hideaways also feature their own herb and seasonal veggie garden. If visiting after April, be sure to visit Nashdale’s cellar door to round out the vineyard experience.
Get some skills at the Barrel & Larder School of Food and Wine
Central New South Wales is known for its fantastic food and wine, so naturally you’re going to want to get a taste (pun intended) of both while in the area.
If you’re looking for more than just a lazy lunch, head to Ross Hill Vineyard (just under an hour east of Bathurst). Here you’ll find the Barrel & Larder School of Food Wine. Inviting small groups to learn everything from wine appreciation to how to make amazing paella, the cooking school boasts a stylish courtyard overlooking the vines where you can enjoy the fruits of your labour. Cheers to that!
Catch some music on the lawn at AutumnFest
If your ideal Saturday afternoon involves fuss-free street food, quality craft beer and locally produced wines, and watching some live music on the lawn, head to AutumnFest on April 7.
Held in the beautifully manicured Mayfield Gardens in Oberon (30 minutes northeast of Bathurst) , this spectacular festival celebrates the best of the local area. It all centres around live music, though. Showcasing everything from laid-back folk to toe-tapping blues, AutumnFest is perfect for kicking back and just generally enjoying life as the sun sets.
Indulge at Orange’s iconic F.O.O.D Week
A beloved event in Australia’s culinary calendar, Orange’s F.O.O.D Week (April 6-15) is something serious foodies should experience at least once.
Featuring a long list of incredible experiences (everything from night markets to degustation dinners), this year’s event will include the inaugural Autumn Grazing Dinner in Blayney (30 minutes southeast of Bathurst) on April 9. Hosted by Grebe Point Diner chef Alex Kearns, the exclusive event will invite couples to sample their way around picturesque Blayney Village before enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars at Carrington Park.
Get artsy at Utes on the Paddock
Whether you consider yourselves passionate art-lovers or you just like a day trip experience that’s a little left-of-centre, check out Utes on the Paddock at Condobolin (three hours northwest of Bathurst).
Relocating from its home of eight years in Ootha, this beloved and quirky outdoor exhibition displays a range of painted utes in true Aussie style. Exhibiting artists have given retired vehicles a revitalised look, so there’s plenty of be-ute-ifal things to see. We had to.
Want more information and ideas? Check out Visit Central NSW here
