Wellington

Wellington is a popular stopover on the Mitchell Highway as you head west to Dubbo. Many 19th century buildings survive today, best seen on a historical town walk taking in art galleries and the Oxley Museum. Stop for a drink at the Lion of Waterloo Hotel, the oldest hotel west of the Blue Mountains. The area's biggest attraction are Wellington Caves, a short drive from town.

Also close by are botanic gardens, wineries and Lake Burrendong.

Look out for emus at the Burrendong Arboretum, a large botanic garden that has 2,000 species of Australian trees and wildflowers. Other natural highlights include the peaks, views and birdlife at Mount Arthur Reserve and pretty Cameron Park in the city centre with its sunken garden, rose beds and lily pond.