By Rama Gaind.
Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama.
Country NSW has an astonishing miscellany of natural beauty spots and places of interest with the ‘wonder’ factor. If you’re thinking of visiting, there will be plenty to keep you entertained – from nation-making heritage sites and charming towns to cultural attractions, world-class food and wine regions and walking trails that wind through World Heritage wilderness. It is also home to many sites that are of great significance for Indigenous Australians.
While some travel restrictions have been lifted after several weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, caution is still recommended. Stay updated with the latest information before you head down the road to your destination as the situation can often change swiftly.
Be amazed by the diversity in Country NSW. Discover emerald-green sections of the Gondwana Rainforests near Armidale and Glen Innes in northern NSW, the World Heritage Mungo National Park in southwest NSW and Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungle region.
Couple enjoying a glamping experience at Nashdale Lane Wines in Country NSW.
The list goes on: ride a paddlesteamer on The Murray, go on safari at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, visit the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, explore 430 million-year-old caves and joining the dots between cellar doors are just a few of the state’s must-do experiences. You can even try your luck and go fossicking for gold.
Young and old will love wildlife sanctuaries, adventure playgrounds, horse riding and water parks. Choose your own adventure in Country NSW from placid pastimes like hiking, fishing and birdwatching to adrenaline-pumping pursuits such as mountain biking, canyoning and skydiving.
Foodies regularly flock to award-winning regional restaurants like Lolli Redini, Tonic, Poachers Pantry and the Pipeclay Pumphouse. You can also tuck into seasonal fare in heritage pubs and charming cafes. Stop at a local farmers market to pick up fresh produce, cheese, wine and more.
Museums and cellar doors
Enjoy a visit to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, Bowral.
Plan your trip to Country NSW around an exciting regional event, festival, show or sporting match. The one-of-a-kind museums in Country NSW also make compelling pit stops, from the Bradman Museum in Bowral to the Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra, and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst. There is also a world-class collection of historic aircraft at the Temora Aviation Museum.
Some of Australia’s most exciting art galleries are found in regional Australia. Think Mama in Albury, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo. The Bank Art Museum Moree, located in the thermal spa town of Moree, is also worth visiting for its collection of Aboriginal art.
You can also appreciate luxury cruising on the Murray River. The majestic PS Emmylou is one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia, cruising the Murray River from Echuca, just 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne.
A new six-night All the Rivers Run Cruise will be introduced from November 2020. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Australia’s longest river with a Murray River cruise aboard the world’s only cruising wood-fired paddlesteamer and Australia’s most luxurious boutique river cruise. Take a step back in time – with savings on this holiday package.
Visit Lowe Wines in Mudgee, Country NSW.
The wineries of Country NSW also make for a sweet detour, with cellar doors offering sensational views in regions like Orange, Mudgee, the Riverina and the Hilltops. Take a wine tour, meet the winemakers and sample the latest vintages amongst the vines. You’ll also find boutique breweries and small batch distilleries turning out one-of-a-kind drops. Bookings are essential.
Lowe Wines grows, makes and sells premium organic wine in Mudgee NSW. Their grapes are grown according to organic and biodynamic farming principles. Lowe Wines is a certified organic vineyard and winery that specialises in small batch winemaking using innovative techniques.
Love both red and white? Then Nashdale Lane Wines is another place to visit where you will find an extensive range of wines all grown from fruit on the 24.2 hectare vineyard in Orange, NSW. Here you will particularly enjoy a special Australian getaway – with luxury glamping cabins.
DETAILS BOX
Murray River Paddlesteamers Echuca
(03) 5482 5244
Lowe Wines
(02) 6372 0800
Nashdale Lane Wiines
