Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, BathurstCredit: Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum
Dinosaur display at the Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, Bathurst.
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Did you know David Attenborough described the Canowindra Grossi as the most significant fossil discovery in the world? Or that Jenolan Caves is the planet’s oldest cave at 340 million years?
With the recent discovery of Australia’s biggest dinosaur skeleton, it’s a reminder to discover our own backyard. Central NSW encourages travellers to explore the wonder of Gondwana, a journey into Ancient Australia, at eight easily accessible attractions and experiences in the region.
Let these locations inspire future planning to explore Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Canowindra, and Condobolin. Deep underground cave systems, fossil museums with dinosaur skeletons and the first signs of life, and ancient Aboriginal cultural sites abound.
Top eight Ancient Attractions in Central NSW:
- Jenolan Caves, Oberon: At 340 million years old, they are arguably the world's oldest caves and the largest underground caves in Australia. Featuring a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms, formed by underground rivers, a magical guided tour is the best way to see Binoomea or 'Dark Places' as it’s known by the Gundungurra tribes of Australia. www.jenolancaves.org.au
- Ages of Fishes Museum, Canowindra: One of only two fish fossil museums in the world it tells the story of over 360million years ago, the Devonian Period. Home to the Canowindra Grossi, this fish fossil had limbs and an ability to breathe air, a key species in the process of evolution. Long before dinosaurs, these rivers teamed with bizarre, armoured fishes and huge predators with jaws like crocodiles. Thousands of their fossils were found at Canowindra. www.ageoffishes.org.au/
Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying a tour through the River Cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains.
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Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying a tour through the River Cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, Bathurst: The collection contains over 5,000 objects with the centrepiece being a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, a large collection of fossils in amber and unique Australian opalised fossils. This is the permanent home of the Somerville Collection with some of the rarest specimens of mineral crystals and fossils from around the world. www.museumsbathurst.com.au
- Abercrombie Caves, Bathurst: Set in a peaceful valley, Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve is a spectacular place to visit and a unique opportunity to experience the hidden depths of NSW. It boasts the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere, as well as a number of other grand, richly decorated caves. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
- Detour Adventures Wiradyuri Ngurambang 4WD Cultural Tour, Oberon and Bathurst: A leading 4WD tour operator Detour Adventures have created educational and engaging tours with the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation. Their full day 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. www.detouradventures.com.au
Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra Credit: Destination NSW
Young girl enjoying a visit to the Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra.
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Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra Credit: Destination NSW
Young girl enjoying a visit to the Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra.
- Fossick for ancient gems and gold, Hill End: Visit History Hill, an underground mine and museum, join a gold panning tour with Simmo’s Off-road or Detour Adventures, or visit Ophir Reserve and Hill End Tambaroora Commons Fossicking Area. www.historyhill.com.au
- Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange: Local Indigenous man, Gerald Power, takes people off the beaten track in Orange to learn about Wiradjuri history dating back over 50,000 years. Visit ancient ceremonial and cultural sites and enjoy bush tucker tastings. Costs $75 for 3-4 hours. www.indigenousculturaladventures.com.au
- The Wiradjuri Study Centre, Condobolin: This hub for the study and understanding of Wiradjuri culture provides a range of services and sells arts and products. www.wiradjuricc.com
Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a cultural tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures owner and founder Gerald Power in Orange.
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Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a cultural tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures owner and founder Gerald Power in Orange.
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
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Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.