Blayney & Carcoar
Car driving by the Court House Museum, Carcoar
Important travel information
Travel to this destination may be affected by changes to traffic conditions on the Great Western Highway, including a detour at Victoria Pass. Alternative routes are available, with multiple travel options to access the region. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest travel advice and maps via the Transport for NSW website.
Two of the oldest towns west of the Blue Mountains, Blayney and Carcoar boomed during the gold rush period of the mid-1800s. Today, many of their historic buildings are beautifully preserved, taking you back to a bygone era. The countryside that surrounds them is all rolling hills, vineyards and orchards, giving you a taste of the country charms of the Central West.
Highlights
Heritage & culture
Set near the headwaters of the Belubula River, both towns were established in the 19th century to service the rich agricultural holdings of the area. In 1867, gold was discovered near Blayney and the surrounding towns enjoyed a lucrative boom that put them on the map. Today, many of the historic buildings that line the main streets in Blayney and beyond are classified by the National Trust.
The Christ Anglican Church, Blayney
Carcoar is the third-oldest town west of the Blue Mountains, founded in 1893. It is home to many beautifully restored heritage buildings from between 1850 and 1890 and retains such an authentic atmosphere that it is frequently used for filming period movies and TV shows. Take a walking tour and visit Stoke Stable Museum, built by convicts in 1849 and the town's oldest existing structure. Carcoar Hospital Museum and the Twentieth Century Toy Museum are also worth a stop.
Both villages have a vibrant arts scene, giving you an insight into their culture and community. A Thousand Words Gallery is set inside Carcoar's original 1852 Saddlery building, with a rotating calendar of exhibitions from local artists. Nearby Newbridge has a proud artistic heritage, seen at the Olde Bridge Gallery and the annual Spring into Art at Newbridge festival. Pick up homewares, fashion and vintage pieces to take home from Tomolly and The Rustic Flamingo in Carcoar.
Spring into Art at Newbridge, Newbridge - Credit: Carolyn Hide
Copyright: Cazeil Creative
Outdoor adventures
If you’re a fan of fishing and boating, you’ve come to the right place. The Belubula River, which flows into Carcoar Dam, is famous for golden perch, trout and Murray cod. The waterway is also popular for swimming and boating, while the banks are a great place to spread out a picnic rug, with barbecues on site.
Junction Reefs Reserve is a secluded campground on the banks of the Belubula River where you can admire the dam wall feature from a lookout. Lace up your shoes for walks along the river to a hidden waterfall past the dam wall, then cast out your line. Enjoy beautiful views of the Belubula River and the iconic Carcoar bridge at Kurt Fearnley Park, named after the Paralympian and hometown hero.
Junction Reefs Reserve Campground, Burnt Yards - Credit: Melise Davis
Eat & drink
In Carcoar, drop in to The Village Grocer for excellent coffee and homemade pies, or visit Blayney's fantastic Ironbark Espresso for local Fish River Roasters brews. There are also plenty of classic country pubs to visit, like the Carcoar Royal Hotel, Royal Hotel Blayney and The Neville, in the tiny village of Neville about 20 minutes from Carcoar. The villages are also a great base to explore the Orange wine region, renowned for its cool-climate wines and fresh produce.
The Village Grocer, Carcoar
Exciting events
Enjoy popular events across the region such as the annual Sculptures by the Bush, featuring an array of haybale art, farm sculptures and scarecrows dotted around the countryside. Experience traditional country life at the Carcoar Show in October and the Neville Show in November. The iconic Newbridge Winter Solstice in June brings history to life, with Viking Battles, a medieval banquet and tribal dancing.
Sculptures by the Bush, Blayney - Credit: Bradley Bradley
Getting there & where to stay
Blayney is a 30-minute drive southeast of Orange or 30 minutes southwest of Bathurst. The drive from Sydney is 3.5 hours, via the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. You can catch the train direct from Sydney to Blayney, which takes just over four hours, or you can fly to Orange Airport and rent a car. Places to stay in Blayney and Carcoar include country pubs like the Carcoar Royal Hotel, cosy B&Bs, farmstays and numerous campgrounds.
