Batlow
The Apple Thief Cider House - Credit: Grant Hardwick
Batlow
Batlow might be a small town tucked away in the hills between Tumut and Tumbarumba in the Snowy Valleys, but it has plenty of big experiences. Big scenery, some big festivals and the biggest thing of all, the Big Apple. Starting life as a gold rush town back in 1854, Batlow is now part of the scenic Snowy Valleys Way touring route that begins in Gundagai and winds south through breathtaking landscapes, charming towns and fascinating history.
Highlights
Things to do
Batlow is undeniably best known, and deservedly so, for its apples. The biggest apple of them all is not edible, it is one of Australia’s ‘big things’. The Big Apple sits in an orchard out of town, paying tribute to the fruit growers who have kept the economy going for well over a century. You can pick your own apples and other fresh produce at local farm gates. Wilgro Orchards sells apples and cherries from a roadside stall during the picking season. You can also buy apples and cherries in season at Mouat's Farm Shop, as well as free range eggs, homemade jams and local honey.
Wilgro Orchard, Batlow
For a different type of glimpse into farm life, visit Yesteryear Plantations to learn about growing and producing eucalyptus oil, and peruse the on-property shop. Learn more about the area by visiting the Batlow Historical Society Museum. Discover stories of the pioneers, and learn about visionary orchardist Herbert Velvin Smith, who made Batlow famous for apples thanks to his cold-storage development and co-operative fruit marketing.
Batlow is the closest town to the Bago State Forest, which runs from Batlow to Blowering Dam. The park’s iconic stand of sugar pine trees was sadly destroyed in the 2019/2020 bushfires. A new Sugar Pines grove has been planted and the visitor area has picnic tables, a nature playground and walking trail. Follow the Wellness Walk or Alpine Ash Walk through the Pilot Hill Arboretum and paddle a kayak on Paddys River Dam.
Sugar Pines, Bago State Forest, Laurel Hill - Credit: Josh Stephenson | Forestry Corporation of NSW
Created by the team behind Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi, the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is a 150km permanent public collection of nearly 60 sculptures in 12 locations across the Snowy Valleys. Discover sculptures by artists from 14 countries in the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Talbingo. Tumbarumba and Tumut, as well as a number of vineyards and state forests.
Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Tumut - Credit: Grant Hardwick/Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail
Festival fun
The small town hosts a number of festivals each year to celebrate its delicious produce, which includes cherries, pears and berries and cider. Batlow CiderFest is an annual community street party in May with market stalls, boutique ciders, gourmet food, live music and more.
Batlow CiderFest, Batlow - Credit: Jack of Hearts Studio
Eat and drink
In a town that is all about apples, it’s little surprise that cider is a staple. Drop into Crafty Cider’s cellar door for a tasting, open on weekends from 11am to 4pm. At The Apple Thief Cider House visitors can immerse themselves in the full cider experience from the first step through the orchard right through to the stylish tasting bar. The venue offers cider tastings, casual dining and an expanded menu with picnic platters to enjoy under the apple trees.
Pippins Cafe does coffee and brunch, and Batlow Bakery serves baked classics like meat pies and sausage rolls. For pub fare, The Batlow Hotel has been recently renovated and has a fantastic beer garden, as well as regular live music.
Orchard in the Snowy Valleys
Getting there
Batlow is set in a delightful rural escape. It is a five-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne, and 2.5 hours from Canberra. You can fly into Wagga Wagga Airport, then it just over an hour's drive to Batlow. Albury Airport is a two-hour drive and it's just over 2.5 hours' drive from the Snowy Mountains Airport near Cooma.
