The Ferrari-effect – cashed-up travellers – has driven into Central NSW in recent months, which makes perfect timing for a new luxury accommodation experience to open at Wilga Station, near Bathurst. While you’re in the region, get immersed in local culture on a unique and historical tour.
Wilga Station Opens: New luxury accommodation has opened in a uniquely Australian 260-acre working sheep farm near Bathurst. Perched on the highest vantage point is the jewel in the crown, The Farmers Hut, an exclusive self-contained retreat for couples. It is 100% off-grid, features a unique grass roof, and a cleverly designed three-sided window set daybed with stunning views for sunrise, sunset and star-filled skies. There is a wood fireplace, king size bed, kitchenette, designer bathroom and a sheltered BBQ area. Costs are $450 a night.
Located 12minutes drive from Bathurst and 40minutes from Orange, guests can re-charge on the farm’s tranquil, winding, walking tracks and willow-lined creek, before settling into toasted marshmallows and local wine at night.
More accommodation to come will be The Shearers Hall (opening Autumn 2021). Formerly a working shearing shed, it’s being transformed into a luxurious, five-bedroom country retreat for up to 10 guests and will also be suitable for children. Its historic past is celebrated with the sheep shoots (under glass) and the old wool table now holding pride of place in the entertaining area. Expect to see grazing sheep outside your window. Wilga Station has been home to the Keith family for three generations. Go to www.wilgastation.com.au
Other luxury accommodation in Central NSW includes: Girra Girra Living (Forbes), Byng Street Boutique Hotel (Orange), Bishops Court Estate (Bathurst), Rustic Farmstay (Cowra), Montrose House (Canowindra), Hockey’s Accommodation (Blayney), Dragonfly Cottages (Cabonne) and Hotel Gracelands (Parkes).
The Best Cultural Tours: While you’re in the region, the best way to get immersed in Central NSW’s unique culture and history is to join a guided tour. Here are four of the best, packed with fascinating incites, stories and local personalities.
‘Wiradjuri Ngurambang 4WD Cultural Tour’ – Oberon and Bathurst
A leading 4WD tour operator Detour Adventures have created some educational and engaging tours with the Wiradjuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation. Their full day ‘Wiradjuri Ngurambang 4WD Cultural Tour’ visits significant Aboriginal sites such as Windradyne’s grave, Wahluu (Mt Panorama), Borenore Caves and Maiyingu Marragu (hand painting caves) plus lunch on country. Cost from $212 pp. www.detouradventures.rezdy.com/405709/wiradyuri-nurambang-4wd-cultural-tours
‘Blind Freddy’s Bushranger Tours’ – Canowindra
Your local guide Craig Lawler will take you on a two-hour journey through the Wild Central West of NSW to hear stories and learn about the tumultuous 1860s. Johnny Gilbert committed over 600 robberies in his career before he was shot through the heart at Binalong. Ben Hall became a folk hero whilst his nemesis, Sir Frederick Pottinger, lurched from half-triumph to full-tilt disaster. Frank Gardiner and his acolytes held the roads, harried the wealthy, and confounded the New Police for five years. Call Craig on 0433 490 922 or go to www.blindfreddytours.com
‘Captain Barnacles Tours’ – Cowra
Get strapped in for a thrilling open-road adventure in a Harley Davidson sidecar ‘Roadboat’ with Captain Barnacles Tours from Cowra. Guests are taken along scenic routes, to attractions and historic villages. Choose from multiple tours including the four-hour ‘Bushranger Ambush’ tour with the amazing story of Escort Rock, or the ‘Cowra Breakout and Japanese Gardens’ tour. Costs start from $105pp for the ‘Poke Around Town’ tour. www.captainbarnacles.com.au
‘Indigenous Cultural Adventures’ – Orange
Indigenous Cultural Adventures, based in Orange, takes people on a journey to learn about the First Nations People and to share culture and heritage through the food they have consumed and survived on for 50,000 years. All tours are hosted and guided by local Wiradjuri Elders, and small groups of visitors will be taken off the beaten path. Contact: Gerald on 0414 904 497, indigenousculturaladventures@gmail.com
- Central NSW begins two hours’ drive from Sydney and includes Oberon, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Bathurst, Forbes, Lachlan, Weddin and Parkes. Unearth your Central NSW experience at www.visitcentralnsw.com.au. Support us at #unearthcentralnsw #LoveNSW #wewantyouback.
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