From the escarpments of the Blue Mountains to the historic streets of Bathurst and the vineyard lined landscapes of Orange and Mudgee, the Central West offers a wealth of wining and dining attractions, framed by remarkable scenery that make it a memorable journey worth undertaking. 

Heading beyond the Blue Mountains? Take the 25-minute detour via Darling Causeway and Chifley Road at Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway

Savour the Blue Mountains

Be charmed by the scenic village of Leura, a 90-minute drive west from Sydney in the magnificent Blue Mountains. Enjoy the extraordinary views from the The Lookout Echo Point as you settle in with a lookout cheeseburger, or power up with a grilled vegetable wrap after an invigorating mountain stroll.

Uncover more gourmet delights in Katoomba, the largest town in the mountains, just five minutes up the road. Follow the alluring scent of freshly baked sourdough to Black Cockatoo Bakery on Katoomba’s long main street: the bread is fermented for 20 hours and the pastries (which range from classic croissant to sweet escargot) are crafted with Pepe Saya cultured butter.

Take a refreshing pit stop at Mountain Culture, a brewpub housed in a restored 1900s heritage listed building. Order a burger to go with its range of beers, wines, spirits and more. Then find your new favourite Aussie tipple on the all-Australian drinks list at Tempus Katoomba as you tuck into a sumptuous dinner inspired by the seasons. Or revel in the old-world extravagance of a chandelier-lit dinner at Darley’s, the flagship restaurant for the historic Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa.

Relax after an invigorating bushwalk at Ates in Blackheath, where the 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven (Ates means ‘fire’ in Ottoman Turkish) invites you to cosy up and feast on contemporary share plates and fun wines. Tuck into the likes of charcoal-grilled fish, wood-fired focaccia or wood roasted cauliflower from the à la carte menu, or sample a range of dishes in chef’s banquet menu for groups of six or more. Then sleep off your meal in style at the Kyah boutique hotel just up the road, with a Palm Springs-inspired design reimagined for a cool mountain setting.

Savour the ultimate paddock-to-plate meal at Megalong restaurant in the Megalong Valley, a 20-minute drive from Blackheath, where nearly all theproduce is sourced from the farm on the same property, Lot 101. Feel enlivened by the escarpment and bushland views as you linger over a long weekend lunch or dinner from Thursday to Saturday.

Head further west to discover the cooler‑climate charms of Mount Victoria and Oberon, where heritage streetscapes meet hearty country fare. In Mount Victoria, linger over coffee and baked treats in cosy village cafés before settling in for a stay at the historic Victoria & Albert Guesthouse, where you’ll feel wonderfully transported into a bygone era. 

Beyond the escarpment, Oberon rewards hungry explorers with classic highlands hospitality – think generous pub meals, local produce and warming plates after a day spent exploring nearby forests and caves. Don’t miss a wander through Mayfield Garden just outside town, where a visit pairs beautifully with a relaxed café lunch surrounded by sweeping rural views.

Take the scenic route through Bathurst

Beyond the mountains, Bathurst emerges with grand heritage streets, goldrush history and a quietly confident food scene. Wander the wide streets around Keppel and William streets, punctuated by landmark buildings and local favourites, before pausing for coffee at Moubar Vintage or a relaxed daytime bite at Carah’s Cakes and Pies, whose hand-crafted savoury and sweet delights make for the perfect treat. 

For lunch, Dogwood, BX anchors Bathurst’s modern dining scene with a slice of down-home Americana right in the heart of town. Feast from a selection of classic American style dishes, such as their tangy hot wings, comforting cornbread, and iconic mac and cheese. When night hits, head to Norma Joan for a regionally focused wine bar with casual fine dining restaurant that champions all things local. Just outside town, the historic village of Rockley makes a worthwhile detour, where the much‑loved Rockley Pub, founded by Matt Moran, blends country hospitality with refined plates in an atmospheric heritage setting.

Spend the night at Wilga Station, a luxurious farm based accommodation just 12 minutes from Bathurst, where guests can fully immerse themselves in the idyllic country lifestyle. Then extend your stay with a visit to Mount Panorama, whose summit offers sweeping views over the city and surrounding farmland. It’s a reminder that Bathurst’s appeal stretches well beyond the racetrack, rewarding those who linger.

Take a bite out of Orange 

Feel enlivened by the rural scenery as you continue your journey west of the Blue Mountains, bound for the heritage-listed village of Millthorpe. Here Tonic, a fine-dining restaurant with excellent service, makes for a particularly memorable lunch destination. Move on at your leisure to the booming wine region of Orange, conveniently just a 20-minute drive away.

Choose your own cellar door adventure

Taste the terroir in the cool-climate wines of the Orange region at its character-laden cellar doors. Whet your palate on a roaming tasting tour or private picnic among the vines at Heifer Station, which produces chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot gris, merlot, shiraz and more. And prepare to be enchanted by the century-old stone barn that sets the stage for tastings at acclaimed winery Philip Shaw,its Koomooloo vineyard is one of the region’s highest and coolest.

Pair fine wines from the family-owned Swinging Bridge with soothing views of Mount Canobolas, or book in for a five-course lunch matched with the estate’s wines. Cosy up against the cool breeze at nearby Rowlee Wines, where you can take your pick from a range of cellar door and dining experiences.

Uncover more delicious local craft drinks at Small Acres Cyder, a 15-minute drive from Orange, which produces its cider from locally grown apples and pears. Book ahead for a tasting or simply drop in to make a takeaway purchase. 

Surprise a special someone with a helicopter arrival to Printhie Wines, followed by a private tasting and a decadent five-course lunch at the estate’s sophisticated restaurant Printhie Dining, just one of several memorable experiences offered by the winery just outside Orange.

Feel right at home at the welcoming 22-room Yallungah Boutique Hotel in central Orange, which combines the history of an original homestead with contemporary furnishings.

Treat yourself to another day of indulgence

Enjoy a sweet start to your day with fresh basked pastries, cakes, pies and more at Racine Bakery, where everything is artisan and freshly made from the best produce available to old fashion recipes.

Resist the temptation to fill up too much before lunch and grab a locally roasted coffee and a light takeaway brunch instead from Bills Beans East Orange, sip an aromatic brew at Byng Street Local Store, or take a leisurely 15-minute drive south of Orange to the village of Lucknow to enjoy a coffee as you browse pantry wares at Larder and Home

After a morning exploring the region, unleash your appetite at The Agrestic Grocer’s restaurant, which showcases hyper-local produce with a sustainable focus. Pick up some housemade pickles and relish as edible souvenirs or as thoughtful gifts bound to inspire your loved ones to plan their own foodie road trips.

Relish the simple pleasure of harvesting your own produce: from summer to autumn, you can pick your own cherries, berries, apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and apples at Hillside Harvest in Borenore, a 20-minute drive from Orange, or at Thornbrook Orchard in Nashdale, a 15-minute drive from town.

Linger over long lunches in Mudgee

Continuing further west, Mudgee invites travellers to slow the pace and savour one of NSW’s most welcoming wine regions. Begin in town with a relaxed breakfast at Alby & Esthers, known for its café‑by‑day, wine‑bar‑by‑night charm, or sample small‑batch brews and local camaraderie at Mudgee Brewing Co, housed in a converted service station.

Set aside time for a long lunch at Zin Food & Wine House, one of the region’s most celebrated dining experiences, where seasonal menus draw heavily from the restaurant’s kitchen garden and local growers. Nearby, Pipeclay Pumphouse delivers an equally delectable paddock‑to‑plate experience, combining destination dining with vineyard‑framed accommodation for those keen to wake among the vines.

Mudgee’s cellar doors offer remarkable diversity within easy reach. Taste elegant, age‑worthy wines at Lowe Wines, a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming, or explore award-winning Australian reds, whites & fortified wines at Robert Stein Winery. 

For a relaxed afternoon, head to Logan Wines for sips in their stunning Tasting Room, perched elegantly atop a hill overlooking the vines, or settle in at Slowfox Wines for a more intimate time. The family run winery only produces a small batch of wines from the best fruit the season offers, with a unique and cosy cellar door that will leave you feeling at home whilst you sit and sip. As evening falls, return to town for dinner and an overnight stay at The Clairfield Hotel, pairing refined farm to table dinners at their onsite restaurant Gigi’s with impeccable rooms in a handsome heritage setting.