Garden of dreams

As far as cool-climate gardens go in Australia, they don't get any grander than Mayfield Garden. This glorious privately-owned estate is the largest of its kind in the country, inspired by the stately gardens of England. Follow winding pathways through a Japanese-style water garden, with wooden bridges leading to hidden grottos, waterfalls and secret nooks. Take a rowboat onto the lake and admire the 13m obelisk, framed by an avenue of plane trees. The garden also hosts seasonal festivals and glamping, while a cafe utilises fresh produce grown on-site.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Outdoor adventure

While the timber industry is one of Oberon's biggest employers, the pine forests that give the town its European ambience have also become a tourist attraction in their own right, threaded with a network of trails and roads. Go hiking or mountain biking on the trails around Oberon Dam, through the Kanangra Boyd National Park and along the scenic heritage rail trail that runs from Oberon to Hazelgrove Siding.

Mountain Biking and Hiking Trails, Oberon - Credit: Oberon Visitor Information Centre

Explore the wilderness on one of the many great drives. Beginning in Oberon, the historic 4WD Oberon Colong Historic Stock Route takes you through the southern part of Blue Mountains National Park and the historic mining ghost town of Yerranderie. Stop at the serene Oberon Dam on your way, a popular spot for trout fishing.

Yerranderie Regional Park, Oberon

The open country of the Oberon district is ideal for horse riding, with breathtaking views and trails for riders of all abilities. At High Country Trail Rides and Farm Stay, ride through high country pine forest on one of their well-trained horses. They also offer self-drive buggy tours through the mountains as well as farm tours and on-site cottages, if you can’t bear to leave. 

Only half an hour away by car, Jenolan Caves is a world-class wonderland, a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone caves sculpted by underground rivers. (Note that Jenolan Caves is currently closed and scheduled to reopen in late 2026.) Both Abercrombie Caves and Wombeyan Caves are also nearby.

River Cave system, Jenolan Caves

Local growers and produce

Visit The Milbrey Kitchen & Store for seasonal menus featuring fresh local produce and tasty treats to take home. On the first Saturday of each month the Oberon Community and Farmers Market is held at Oberon Showgrounds, with freshly baked breads and pastries, locally grown fruits and vegetables, preserves, art and crafts, designer jewellery, plants and alpaca products.

In autumn, foragers descend upon the forests to hunt for mushrooms. Meanwhile, winter is truffle season. At RedGround Truffle Hunts, join the experts and their trained truffle-hunting dogs for a tour of the farm, followed by a tasting and a truffle grading workshop. Their premium cellar door inspired tastings include a flight of canapes and a glass of sparkling wine. Or visit during the annual Field to Forest festival in April to celebrate the harvest.

RedGround Truffles, Oberon

Where to stay 

Farmstays and rural retreats are a signature of the Oberon district. Commune with friendly farmyard animals and working dogs at High Country Farm Stay or relax by the indoor heated pool at McKeown's Rest, a luxurious homestead surrounded by the alpacas, goats, donkeys and camels of Kenzell Farm. Melaleuca Mountain Retreat has eight cosy cabins surrounded by bushland in the highlands around Oberon. Or sleep in a stylish bell tent on the grounds of Mayfield Garden on weekends and during school holidays in spring, summer and autumn.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Getting there  

Oberon is just over three hours' drive from Sydney. The Great Western Highway is currently closed between Mount Victoria and Hartley, so the town is only accessible via the Bells Line of Road and alternative routes. You can also catch a train to Tarana, then catch a connecting coach service to Oberon. The whole journey takes around four and a half hours.