Nothing beats a girl’s getaway to the country and with some of the best shopping experiences in regional NSW, Bathurst and Orange are a must-do road trip.
With a wave of new fashion and homeware designers popping up, this guide on where to ‘bond with your besties’ over clothing, homewares, antiques and produce, is a great start. Ohh, and there are gorgeous places to stay, cafes and wineries all along the way!
Orange and Bathurst are the biggest cities in Central NSW, a 50-minute drive apart, and their retail scenes are flourishing. Many of their iconic stores are in historic buildings, or tucked away down alleyways, so shopping and discovery go hand in hand.
Bathurst – a 2.5 hr drive from Sydney, or 3 hr drive from Canberra
- Gorgeousness Boutique, full of girly things, this magical boutique sells clothing, unique pieces, accessories and jewellery to make you smile.
- DeJorja Boutique is the best new place to start on Keppel Street and will take your breath away in a stunning space featuring three businesses under one roof, Dejorja Boutique & Homewares with clothing and jewellery, Florence Grace Floristry and the Crows Nest café in a pretty courtyard setting. Simply divine.
- Paint and Clay is a vibrant art, ceramics and gift store run by a local artist who also offers a ‘Paint and Sip’ session on weekends. Or The Teahouse is new with vintage tea sets to buy, gifts and a variety of afternoon teas to taste.
- Vintage Vibes Emporium is a treasure trove of small and large vintage items beautifully displayed across three rooms.
- Just out of town the Bathurst Grange Distillery offers a tasting room, distillery tours and a tasting menu to help you choose from their delicious gin and whisky range.
- The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery’s gift shop sells handmade cards and gifts like books, painted silk, jewellery and ceramics from local artists.
Also in Bathurst, stay at Bishops Court Estate, a luxury bed and breakfast which is walking distance to shops and restaurants, with a pretty garden and cosy fires to relax by. The Victoria Hotel also offers live music and 19 stylish rooms, next to the historic Tremains Mill precinct. Or the lovingly resorted Lachlan Terrace is perfect for six people and is self-contained.
The Orange Region – 3.5 hrs drive from Sydney or Canberra
- Jumbled at the Sonic is your must-do first stop, a vibrant and fun concept store with fashion, homewares and a café located in the renovated old Masonic Hall. It oozes pops of colour in furniture, bedding, clothes, gifts, artworks and inspiring homewares from founder Pip Brett.
- The White Place is a local’s favourite with an eclectic mix of scouted contemporary and modern treasures for your home and life. Stay in accommodation styled by the store at The White Place on Byng Street and The White Place on Casey Street, two beautiful self-contained four-bedroom houses.
- Hawkes General Store started in 1976 and is still thriving with fashion must-haves from Arlington Milne, POM and Ivylee, plus there’s a coffee bar and homewares.
- Mary & Tex Curious Emporium, sells new and unique pieces for the home, gifts and wardrobe with ceramics, leather from brands including Bueno, Status Anxiety and Najo.
- Enjoy lunch in the zen courtyard at Anything Grows, a popular local café, where you can also buy hanging baskets, cacti, succulents, large palms and plants.
- In April 2024 Dirty Janes Orange, Bowral’s much-loved and iconic vintage market, will open in the former PCYC building in Byng Street with over 100 stallholders. Oh yeah!
- Take something home for him at the beautiful historic Molong Stores with hand-made hats and gifts by local artisans, blacksmiths and Pony Rider homewares.
- In historic Millthorpe Hive Grove sells custom made door mats, clothing, jewellery and accessories, and just 10mins drive away in Blayney stay at the historic four-bedroom The Avenue Anahdale and drop into the new women’s fashion boutique store, Bo and Ree.
- The Orange Retail Trail takes in all the shopping sights, and buy direct from the producers at the Orange Farmers Markets held fortnightly, or other regular markets held across the region.
Also in Orange, hire bikes and cycle part of the Orange Villages Bike Trail with routes to vineyards, cafes and producers. Soak up the ambience at Cook Park with its insta-worthy duck-ponds and visit one of 40 cellar doors on a winery tour. Art-lovers should visit The Regional Art Gallery, the Peisley Street Gallery and Cornerstore Gallery.
Go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au.
