Fun summer getaways in Central NSW to avoid coastal crowds

Despite its world-famous coastal cities, regional NSW also some of the most popular holiday spots in the country.
In fact, in the 12 months leading up to March 2024, regional NSW attracted 66 million domestic visitors, according to tourism data from Tourism Research Australia (TRA).
And it was the most visited regional destination in the country.
READ MORE: These are the most popular beaches in Australia, according to TikTok users
The Central West of NSW begins two hours’ drive from Sydney and offers a surprising oasis of places to swim and stay, especially for families. Central NSW includes Oberon, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Bathurst, Forbes, Lithgow, Lachlan, Weddin and Parkes.
There are plenty of rivers, swimming pools, and waterfalls that should be enough to lure you away from the coast to stay on country farms and in historic villages.
With the summer holidays on the horizon, here are a few places to stay and where to take a dip in the country, that not only offer great value but will take you away from the coastal crowds.
READ MORE: Flight attendant warns there is a right and a wrong way to use a luggage tag
Lachlan River Dreaming Tour, Forbes – a new 2.5-hour guided kayak tour meanders down the Lachlan River, the fourth longest river in Australia, and has an Indigenous and environmental focus, a blissful way to cool down on the water. Cost $220pp.
Flat Rock on the Fish River, O’Connell Bathurst – kids can hop rocks to their hearts content around crystal-clear natural pools at this idyllic spot. Then enjoy lunch at the renowned O’Connell Hotel pub by Fish River.
Lake Canobolas, Orange – this tranquil lake offers swimming pontoons and is a local hotspot for families with a little beach, perfect for building sandcastles. You can also canoe and enjoy the playground and circular cycle path.
Lyall Lake Recreation Park, Lithgow – is a beautiful place to hang for the day with swimming from a sandy beach to a pontoon, great fishing and places to launch a kayak.
Gum Bend Lake, Condobolin – a popular lake with its free camping this is also the local’s go to for summer picnics and to play in and off the water, with world-class sunsets.
READ MORE: The world’s ’50 Best’ hotels for 2024 have been crowned
Orange’s The Oriana is a 4.5-star retro hotel and resort with 49 rooms and a centre-piece swimming pool complete with lounges, a pool bar for cocktails and Summer Kitchen. Enjoy country glamour at its best.
At Canowindra’s Everview Retreat stay in one of the three self-contained luxury stone cottages and enjoy the large in-ground swimming pool and eight-person spa with country views, just bliss.
For a cooling dip, Wilga Station in Bathurst has a 12 million litre natural swimming pond with pontoon and fountain for guests staying at their luxury farm-stay accommodation. In Bathurst there are also pools at Rydges Mount Panorama, the Bathurst Motor Inn and Panorama Bathurst.
The Molong Caravan Park has re-opened after the floods and is ready for guests with three newly renovated, air-conditioned cabins surrounded by cool trees, it is directly opposite the gorgeous Molong Swimming Pool.
In Parkes, you will find a range of hotels with refreshing pools at the Parkes International, North Parkes Motel and Bushman’s Motor Inn.
READ MORE: How to spend the perfect weekend city escape in Orange
Safety note – natural areas are unpatrolled with limited facilities so always exercise caution as water conditions can be unpredictable (but shark free!), and always leave the area tidy. Snakes are common in warmer months so look out.