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Unmissable NSW: Central West

Farmers Hut at Wilga StationCredit: Wilga Station

Woman relaxing by the window at Farmers Hut at Wilga Station

#feelnsw

Unmissable NSW: Central West

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station

Woman relaxing by the window at Farmers Hut at Wilga Station

#feelnsw

Hashtags #feelnsw

The Orana region of the Central West, which encompasses Dubbo, Orange, Mudgee and Bathurst, an hour’s flight from Sydney, is the place where incredible holiday stories come to life. `Orana’ means `welcome’ in the language of the local Wiradjuri people, which is the way you’ll surely feel every moment of your stay here.      

Imagine checking in to a designer suite on the crest of a rolling hill overlooking an Australian sheep station or setting out on an African themed Zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Consider the awe-inspiring indulgence of a luxury eco glamping experience with your own fire pit along with indoor and outdoor bathing. Here, find the unmissable experiences you must book for your Central West sojourn.

Wilga Station is calling you

Escape the everyday on your very own 260-acre sheep farm at Wilga Station. Owned by third generation farmers, the Keith family welcomes guests to explore the natural surrounds of the picturesque countryside. Discover the history and heritage of nearby Bathurst, or indulge in the wine country of Orange, located 40 minutes from the property.

Stay in the lavishly appointed The Farmers Hut, which has been designed to blend into the landscape, 100% off grid. The temperature is a comfortable 16-24 degrees all year round and the appointments include a wood fireplace, king size bed, kitchenette, designer bathroom and a sheltered BBQ area. It’s perfect for two. 

Larger groups can hold the ultimate dinner party within The Shearers Hall, a stylish five-bedroom retreat, in the heart of the farm, overlooking the Fitzgeralds Valley. Your neighbours may include sheep grazing right outside your door.

Oh, the stories you can tell about staying in this dreamy location that looks more like a lush, Outback film set. Just remember to pack a Stetson and your cowboy boots.

Embarking on a wild safari

The Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo is the ultimate nature retreat - an immersive experience with open range exhibits in the heart of Central West NSW.  You’ll be right in the thick of the action with an exciting overnight stay at the Zoofari Lodge. Choose from one of the 15 luxurious African style spreads including the Animal View Lodge, which includes a shaded furnished deck overlooking the giraffes, zebras, rhinos and antelopes. It’s a true Out Of Africa moment. 

The Zoofari Lodge experience brings you close to exotic and endangered African wildlife with some exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. You’ll enjoy one night’s accommodation with dinner and breakfast, a two day Taronga Western Plains Zoo entry and bike hire, so you can see all the incredible creatures who call this place home.

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station surrounded by resident sheep

#FeelNSW

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station Credit: Wilga Station

Farmers Hut at Wilga Station surrounded by resident sheep

#FeelNSW

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Credit: Destination NSW

Woman enjoying a Giraffe Encounter experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

#FeelNSW

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Credit: Destination NSW

Woman enjoying a Giraffe Encounter experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

#FeelNSW

Sierra Escape’s haute glamping   

Unwind, unravel and recalibrate in this sublime glamping site, which is just a 20 minute drive from the wineries of Mudgee. This award-winning, eco-friendly, adults only glamping site is surrounded by verdant rolling hills with amazing views to add to its mystique.

Sierra Escape offers haute glamping in suites with huge windows, sliding glass doors, indoor and private outdoor freestanding bathtubs along with a sumptuous bathroom and a fire pit area, it’s just the spot for marshmallow toasting and storytelling.

Bathe in the sunset glow from your deck with a glass of Mudgee wine and a delicious cheese platter as you tune into the soundtrack of nature. Take a tour of the local wineries or you could book an in-suite wine tasting experience with an expert taking you through a flight of wines. There’s also healing massages on offer, yoga, walking tracks and excellent local restaurants to discover.  Will you even recognise your newly blissed out self when it’s time to check out?

We’ll give you the moon and the stars

All the stars are in Dubbo, which is why one of the key places to visit in this Central West town is the award-winning Dubbo Observatory. This is where you’ll view the planets, stars and galaxies through an amazing 43cm (17 inch) telescope.

Book a premium experience over 75 minutes with a presentation by local astronomer, Peter Starr, who will explain some of the constellations to you. It’s an awesome, unforgettable evening, as the stars shine so much brighter here away from the city. Astro-photography is also available with your own Canon or Nikon SLR cameras. A visit to Dubbo Observatory really adds another dimension to your journey.

Fly fishing on the fly

The city of Orange in the Central Tablelands, some 254km west of Sydney, has an altitude of 862 metres. It’s renowned for its excellent local produce, the cool climate craftsmanship of its high-altitude wines and its fine dining choices. Now combine all these attributes during a fly fishing experience at Printhie Wines, which has its own lake.

It’s certainly way different from the usual Cellar Door visit. An instructor will take you through the art of fly fishing including how to rig your rod, cast it and reel in a fish (Printhie follows a catch and release program). Afterwards, celebrate your newfound expertise over a five-course degustation lunch in the Printhie restaurant, which showcases local produce and native botanical flavours. The superb cool climate wines are matched with each course. Such a heady experience, which challenges you and nourishes your soul, is yet another action-packed chapter in your Westside story.

Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Guy Williment

Woman enjoying the firepit while watching the sunrise from the Uralla Tent at Sierra Escape, Piambong.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Sierra Escape, Piambong Credit: Guy Williment

Woman enjoying the firepit while watching the sunrise from the Uralla Tent at Sierra Escape, Piambong.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Printhie Wines, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying Swift Sparkling Wine and oysters with scenic views across Printhie Wines vineyard in Nashdale, near Orange.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

Printhie Wines, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying Swift Sparkling Wine and oysters with scenic views across Printhie Wines vineyard in Nashdale, near Orange.

#feelnsw #newsouthwales

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