Striking regional architecture in Central NSW is a big part of the tourism economy as historic buildings are transformed into hip places to stay, eat, shop and tour.
Alongside well-known experiences like Abercrombie House there is new luxury accommodation at The Wool Store in the heritage precinct of Bathurst and theatre at the transformed Malachi arts hall in Oberon.
“Former railway stations, wool stores, homesteads, halls and homes have been reborn into edgy new spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.” said Jenny Bennett, Executive Officer of Central NSW Joint Organisation.
With so many historic gems dotted across the countryside, Central NSW Joint Organisation has announced a list of some of the best buildings to visit from Bathurst and Oberon to Orange and Grenfell.
The Best Historic Buildings in Central NSW:
The Wool Store in Bathurst – is new luxury accommodation which opened in September 2022 with five New-York loft style apartments, including the top floor penthouse, and an art studio. Originally built in 1875 as a wool store it has been meticulously re-imagined offering new levels of cool in the heart of Bathurst’s heritage precinct. Enjoy The Penthouse (sleeps 8), Soho (sleeps 2), Upper East Side (sleeps 2), Upper West Side (sleeps 2), and City Midtown (sleeps 4). This comes from the owners of nearby farm stay accommodation at Wilga Station. www.wilgastation.com.au/city/
Abercrombie House in Bathurst – offers high tea, day tours and kids night tours of this beautiful, striking country home. Built in the 1870s it is now a living museum and home to the Morgan family, retaining its Scottish Baronial style architecture. www.abercrombiehouse.com.au.
The Malachi-Gilmore Hall in Oberon – re-opened in April 2022 after 40 years to offer a multi-use arts space with live-music and movie nights. An iconic Art Deco building that looks like its landed from space, it was originally built in 1937. www.malachigilmorehall.com.au
The Sonic in Orange – is a leading boutique store for fashion, homewares, art and gifts with a renowned café. Once the old Masonic Hall, it was transformed in 2016 by JUMBLED’s owner Pip Brett and her husband Nick Luelf. www.thesonic.myshopify.com
Iandra Castle in Grenfell – recently featured on Channel 7’s Home and Away – was built in 1911 as a homestead and now offers regular open days to tour the grand gardens and incredible interiors of the castle. www.iandracastle.com.au
The Platform Arts Hub in Blayney – is an art gallery and community hub located at the refurbished 1876 heritage listed Blayney Railway Station. It re-opened in 2021 and now hosts local and international artists. www.platformartshub.com
“We hope people can take the time to visit and appreciate the cultural importance of these buildings which are so beautifully preserved.” added Jenny.
Other heritage transformations include Orange’s 4.5-star Byng Street Boutique Hotel from a former homestead and the Union Bank re-born with a bar and restaurant.
In Bathurst the Tremain’s Flour Mill has been restored into an edgy new arts and dining hub, once a private home Bishops Court Estate is a luxury boutique hotel, and the award-winning Bathurst Rail Museum is now housed in the historic Railway Institute building.
The Forbes Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour to view the magnificent architecture across in town including the Forbes Town Hall and Forbes Post Office.
The historic village of Carcoar boasts 35 buildings listed by the National Trust and has long been seen by filmmakers as the perfect set for period tales. In-fact the region calls out for movie-makers in many places!
Central NSW includes Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Grenfell, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes.
For more information on Central NSW go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au
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