Central NSW is playing cupid to announce the region’s top 10 most romantic places to stay. From safari-style tents on a vineyard to eco-farm stays and luxury hotels, cuddle up with log fires, furry rugs, red wines and starry nights.
Choose your romantic adventure from an Old Chemist Shop in historic Millthorpe, an eco-retreat by the Lachlan River in Forbes, glamping on a vineyard in Orange, or a beautifully renovated shearing shed in Cowra.
It all begins just two hours’ drive from Sydney with food and wine trails, galleries, museums, markets and gorgeous country lanes.
Bishops Court Estate, Bathurst – award-winning, historic, luxury boutique hotel
An icon for romance, this beautifully restored & decorated high Victorian manor house features six luxuriously appointed suites and is set in an acre of parkland gardens in Bathurst. The rooms are stunningly decorated with art, collectables, sweeping balconies with enormous outdoor lounge areas in tree level and even an historic candle-lit chapel for dinners & events. Enjoy relaxing by the open fire and completely unwind. www.bishopscourtestate.com.au
Orange’s new 4.5-star Byng Street Boutique Hotel
Byng Street Boutique Hotel opened its doors in 2019, 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
Rustic Farmstay, Cowra – a renovated shearing shed with friendly horses
This charming renovated shearing shed is designed for two and features spacious open plan living with contemporary comforts – king bed, luxury linen, a cosy fire, heating and BBQ. Set in a beautiful rural hideaway surrounded by animals the shed is a magical escape and located just 5km from the heart of Cowra. www.visitcowra.com.au/rustic-farm-stay
Nashdale Lane Wines’ Glamping, Orange – luxe style glamping on a vineyard
Choose from two top-of-the-range safari-style cabins imported from Holland, set in a magical vineyard overlooking Mount Canobolas. With hardwood flooring, four poster Queen-sized bed, full bathrooms with Monsoon shower, custom-built kitchenette, an internal wood fire, outdoor lounge area, private BBQ and herb garden, these are the epitome of luxury for two. All a stroll from the onsite cellar door where you can indulge in a tasting of the full range of wines. www.nashdalelane.com
Hockey’s Accommodation, Blayney – a restored old Chemist in historic Millthorpe
Set in the heart of heritage-listed historic village Millthorpe, it seems only appropriate to snuggle up in a restored Old Chemist shop. This retreat for two is self-contained with a queen bed, spa bath, kitchenette and lounge and fuses indulgent luxury and peaceful tranquillity. All just a short stroll to restaurants, cafes, homewares and antique stores. www.hockeysaccommodation.com.au
Girragirra Retreat, Forbes – an eco-luxury retreat on the banks of the Lachlan River
Wiradjuri for ‘be well, be happy, be merry’, Girragirra Retreat is tucked away down a country road on a 50-acre organic farm on the banks of the Lachlan River, just 4km from town. The architect designed, luxurious, self-contained two-bedroom apartment is perfect for one or two couples overlooking a billabong surrounded by Red River Gums and native grasslands. Pick your food from the food garden, cook in the gourmet kitchen, and retreat to luxury linens and bathrobes. www.girragirra.com
Lansdowne House by de Russie Boutique Hotel, Orange – period home oozing luxury
For hotel touches with more space, splash out on Lansdowne House, a turn of the century period home built in 1910 with elegantly proportioned rooms and beautiful marble fireplaces. Featuring three bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and formal dining room, it’s the perfect space to cook for your loved one using Orange’s local produce. Located in town, the House is run by nearby De Russie Hotel with 25 rooms. http://www.derussiehotels.com.au/
Mutton Falls B&B, Oberon – bush-ranger history in a B&B homestead
A beautifully restored homestead is now a B&B with four suites and the perfect place to unwind and reflect. It features an open fire and is set in an acre of gardens overlooking Fish River. Built in 1860 as a farmhouse and dairy, learn about its colourful history as a general store when it was robbed many times by bush-rangers on the route to Bathurst. www.muttonfalls.com.au/
Grenfell Hall, Grenfell – a restored former convent now B&B
Built in 1907, this once private Victorian residence, former convent and now private B&B oozes history and grandeur. On arrival is a 12ft high entrance foyer with cedar staircase leading to three en-suite rooms, one of them a former chapel. Enjoy home-baked treats, a delicious breakfast and short walk to Grenfell’s historic main street and attractions. http://go.grenfell.org.au/grenfellhall/
Hotel Gracelands, Parkes – love me tender in an Elvis loving hotel
A four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Parkes, this beautiful restored property features 20 rooms and great facilities. The on-site IKON restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening with live music, a cosy wood fire and local wines. http://www.gracelandsparkes.com.au/
