When it comes to travelling through NSW, so may tourists simply stick to the coast. After all, whether you’re on a Port Macquarie holiday, a South Coast fishing adventure or a Byron Bay escape, the East Coast of Australia is where it’s at. Having said this, there are a range of places in inland NSW that deserve a second glance; places where country charm and simple living are still alive and well, and where the history of Australia can be felt. Here, we profile a few of the best spots to explore in inland NSW, from country towns with heart to beautiful landscapes that will have you reaching for the camera every five minutes.
The Hunter Valley
About an hour inland from Newcastle lies the breathtaking Hunter Valley, famous for it’s incredible wines and world class produce. The Hunter Valley is famous for its Semillon, the only Semillon in the world that can be enjoyed straight away (up to 18months after it’s bottled) or saved for over 6 years and allowed to mellow into a far more complex flavour. It’s not just wine that can be enjoyed here, however—the surrounding countryside is ripe for bushwalking and bird watching, with a number of luxury B&Bs and hotels to make you feel spoiled!
Southern Highlands
Located between Canberra and Sydney, the Southern Highlands area of NSW is one of the most picturesque places to spend a few days. Towns such as Bowral, Moss Vale and Berrima have embraced the ‘quaint countryside’ motif, and while they all operate primarily as agricultural regions, the produce coming out of some of these places is so good that it has fostered a thriving gourmand scene. Add to this rolling hills, antique shops, rustic country pubs and an annual flower show that lights up the entire region and you’ve got a tailor-made escape from city living.
Lightening Ridge
Way out west in Country NSW is Lightening Ridge, famous for its history as a mining town. It’s not gold or coal or nickel that is mined here, however, but the elusive black opal, a gemstone as enigmatic and beautiful as the town itself. Covered in a layer of red dust and at the mercy of the hot, dry, sun, Lightening Ridge may not at first appear to be a tourist hub. Listening to the stories of the townsfolk, however, and learning about the rich Indigenous history of the region allows visitors a rare and unique perspective on the way small towns in Outback Australia operate.
Inverell
The definition of country NSW, Inverell is a farming community from way back. Its colonial history still colours the architecture of the town, and with a stunning location on the banks of the Macintyre River, fishing is a favoured pastime here. The Gaelic meaning of the name ‘Inverell’ is ‘meeting place of the swans’, and after enjoying a riverside picnic in the crisp summer sunshine, you’ll certainly know why. If this isn’t enough to have you booking your Inverell accommodation already, we should tell you that Inverell also has a gemstone history, so you can try your hand at fossicking while you’re here, or simply relax and let the sounds of the country wash away all that city angst.