The hubs of Central NSW are being re-born with the transformation of historical buildings into new hotels, bars and restaurants, edgy art spaces and beautiful estates.
Orange is at the heart of change with the Byng Street heritage precinct welcoming a new 4.5-star Byng Street Boutique Hotel and the Union Bank has been re-born with a bar and restaurant. In Bathurst the Tremain Flour Mill has been restored into an edgy new arts and dining hub, Forbes’ Carrawobitty Estate has finished a renovation and Cowra’s Iandra Castle is a step back in time on open days.
Perfect for a road-trip, and just two-hours’ drive West from Sydney, the grazing landscapes are dotted with castles (yes castles!), historic villages and a rich cultural history which is celebrated at every turn.
Orange’s Byng Street heritage precinct openings
- The new 4.5-star Byng Street Boutique Hotel has opened its doors, a beautiful juxtaposition of the former ‘Yallungah’ c.1896 historic homestead and contemporary architecture. The 22 rooms and suites feature luxury touches and artworks from local artists Larissa Blake and Loretta Blake. Proprietors Kristen and Thomas Nock passion for design, detail and service comes through in every detail. Prices start from $295.00 per night including two course a la carte breakfast in the Yallungah Dining Room. www.byngstreethotel.com.au
- Perfect for alfresco dining, the Union Bank will re-open in October with The Schoolhouse Restaurant and The Art House Bar & Courtyard. The iconic venue will celebrate its origins as an art school and original site of Kinross Wolaroi School, with manager Sarah Crowley from Sydney’s Rockpool Bar & Grill leading the team.
- Other new food and wine offerings in Orange include the new Spilt Milk Gelato Bar www.spiltmilkbar.com; Philip Shaw Wines have introduced a new wine tasting and pairing experience with new chef Francesco Zarrella; and Tamburlaine are opening a local cellar door after 10 years of wine growing in the Region in Millthorpe. On 1 February 2020 Orange’s Heiffer Station winery will host A Day On the Green, this is the first time the acclaimed music concert series has come to Orange. www.adayonthegreen.com.au
Bathurst’s Tremain’s Mill reborn as edgy arts, events and food hub
Tremain’s Victoria Mill in Keppel St, an 1857 flour mill, has been re-born into a hip new arts, retail, events and dining hub for Bathurst. The multi-use complex oozes restoration glory with The Victoria pub a playful mix of part-bar, part-restaurant, part-art gallery, Australia’s first Australian Milling Museum, Dopio Espresso, Ciao Italian Pizza and regular live music and art exhibitions in The Backyard. www.tremainsmill.com and www.thevictoriabathurst.com.au/
Mountain View Homestead restored after 70 years – tours November 2019
Abandoned for almost 70 years Mountain View Homestead, between Oberon and Bathurst, is now in the process of being restored to its former glory and can be viewed at a series of Open Day tours on 2,3,4,6,8 November, along with two other private homesteads. The grand two storey home and General Store sits in a picturesque valley by a running stream. www.visitoberon.com/events/oowheritage/
Stay at restored Carrawobitty Rural Retreat in Forbes
For a country escape, Carrawobitty Rural Retreat has completed a major restoration to offer nine guest rooms, cheese-making workshops, high-teas, health and wellbeing retreats. Passionate new owners Ken and Monica Wren took over in 2012 and have restored the 1926 homestead which is nestled into five acres of country gardens on the bank of Carrawobitty Creek. Located 13km from Forbes, the house is furnished with period furniture to take guests back in time to a relaxed bygone era. www.carrawobitty.com
Weddin’s Iandra Castle ongoing restoration
A magical piece of history, Iandra Castle is a heritage-listed homestead and a must-visit for its open days in October and April. It was established by George Henry Greene from 1878-1911 and represents a rare example of complete feudal-like estate, modelled on the English Manor System. The nearby village of Greenthorpe was built by Greene for his tenants. Greene pioneered share farming in NSW in 1892, and soon after the turn of the century, the Iandra estate produced the largest yield of wheat for that time, 100,000 bags. www.iandracastle.com.au
The Fleece accommodation opens near Parkes
For a complete de-tox from modern life, The Fleece has opened 45mins from Parkes, a tastefully restored 70-year old shearing shed with self-contained accommodation and two bedrooms. Located on the 118-year-old property ‘Cora Lynn’ there are spectacular views across the landscape, a lion’s foot bath, large deck with BBQ and gorgeous dining table for long lunches. www.thefleece.net
