Romantic Food and Wine Getaways in Central NSW

Central NSW Tourism has unearthed some heavenly new and unique places to stay in its food and wine regions, perfect for a romantic, long weekend in the country.

Stay in eco-suites on a vineyard in Orange, on the banks of the Lachlan River in Forbes, or in a historic home on a hill in Bathurst. If you’re celebrating with friends, Mudgee’s luxury new rural retreat Horizon is perfect for groups.

Each place offers something very special, with local food and wine an integral part of the stay. It all begins just 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney in a region that offers a rich cultural heritage and magnificent landscapes along the way.

Central NSW is one of Australia’s biggest food and wine bowls with award-winning producers, wine-makers, restaurants, cafes and farmers markets.

Orange - Borrodell Vineyard

The place: Tree-changers and a metro influence have led to a boom in cafes and wine bars opening in Orange. Unearth your favourite at the rustic Agrestic Grocer, industrial Factory Espresso or hip Ferment The Orange Wine Centre where you can taste over 100 wines in state-of-the-art Enomatics, dine on tapas and hire bikes. Orange is 3.5hrs drive from Sydney.

The accommodation: Stay at Borrodell Vineyard on the slopes of Mt Conobolas in cottages and suites. Settle in with a wine by the fire at the new Cider Suites, Sommerset and Kingston, named after cider apples grown on site.

298 Lake Conobolas Road, Orange Tel: 02 6365 3425 www.borrodell.com.au

Forbes - Girragirra Retreat

The place:Taste real earthy tucker on the banks of the Lachlan River with freshly caught river fish, fruit picked from the Spring blossoms and local lamb rubbed in river salt and rosemary.Rex flies from Sydney daily to Parkes just 30km away.

The accommodation:Wiradjuri for ‘be well, be happy, be merry’, Girragirra Retreat is tucked away down a country road just 4km from Forbes. The architect designed, luxurious, self-contained two bedroom apartment is perfect for one or two couples with generous living areas overlooking a billabong surrounded by Red River Gums and native grasslands. Pick your food from the food garden, cook in the gourmet kitchen or outside on the BBQ, and retreat to luxury linens and bathrobes. Part of a 50 acre organic farm on the banks of the Lachlan River.

180 Warrul Road, Forbes, Tel: 044 974 4681www.girragirraretreat.com.au

Bathurst - Bishops Court Estate

The place: Bathurst’s historic buildings and laneways are being re-born as hip new bars and dining spots, preserving its past as Australia’s oldest inland settlement, 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney. Sip on cocktails at Webb & Co, a transformed department store, or at The Church Bar & Dining, on notorious Ribbon Gang Lane.

The accommodation: The best address is Bishops Court Estate, a historic luxury boutique hotel set on a hill with beautiful gardens, a gourmet restaurant in the chapel and cooking classes for guests. Wake to the sound of birds and country air in one of seven suites, many with their own Juliet garden.

226 Seymour Street, Bathurst Tel: 02 6332 4447 www.bishopscourtestate.com.au

Mudgee – Horizon

The place: A food and wine lovers’ paradise, Mudgee is a historic town surrounded by a tapestry of around 40 wineries with excellent producers, cafes and restaurants. Dine at the new Zinhouse, Pipeclay Pumphouse or at Alby & Esthers wine bar. Just 3.5hrs drive from Sydney.

The accommodation: Mudgee’s newest deluxe five star self-contained accommodation, Horizon, is a bright spacious rural retreat. Architect designed; there are four bedrooms, a state of the art kitchen and wet-edge swimming pool. It is set on 50 acres with vines, cows and river access.

637 Castlereagh Hwy, Burrundulla Tel: 02 6373 3623www.horizonmudgee.com

Unearth your Central NSW experience at www.visitcentralnsw.com.au