Head inland to Central NSW with these local secrets on where to cool down. Lakeside beaches, water parks, refreshing rivers and swimming pools at your accommodation are the perfect place to cool down after exploring historic villages, food and wine trails.
Here are Central NSW Tourism’s cool tips for visitors to Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Canowindra, Forbes, Grenfell, Oberon, Orange and Parkes.
Splash about – accommodation with swimming facilities:
From bed and breakfasts to rural homesteads there are plenty of places with pools.
- Everview Retreat, Cowra: stay in one of the three self-contained luxury stone cottages that look like they would be more at home in Ireland or Wales. Their large in-ground swimming pool and eight-person spa has panoramic country views, plus there’s a games room with pool table, darts and board games. www.everview.com.au/cottages
- Loloma’s White Rock, Bathurst: a luxurious couples’ retreat just outside Bathurst, no detail has been overlooked at Loloma’s, with its landscaped gardens and resort-style pool and outdoor areas. There’s a choice of two rooms, a private self-contained garden studio, or pool-view room that overlooks the twinkling lights of Bathurst by night. www.lolomas.com
- The Oriana, Orange: the four-star Oriana has 49 rooms and has just emerged from a major refurbishment with a welcoming outdoor area complete with swimming pool, lounge chairs and umbrellas. www.orianaorange.com
- Chesleigh Homestead, Sofala: a family-fun adventure in the historic gold-mining town of Sofala this all-inclusive holiday experience offers hearty cooked meals, horse-riding, gold-panning and guided bushwalking tours. The kids will love the farm animals, a game of tennis, and taking a dip in the swimming pool. www.sofala.com.au
- Seldom Seen Guesthouse, Eugowra: nestled in the breathtaking hills of Eugowra just outside Forbes, this is a country homestead escape ideal for groups and extended families. Choose from The Studio, The Old Tennis Homestead, and The Tennis House (as the name suggests, opposite the tennis courts on the property). Swim looking out across the 1,000 hectares of sheep and cattle farmland. www.seldomseenguesthouse.com
Waterways and swimming spots:
Central NSW is home to many waterways including rivers, lakes and waterfalls – oh, and beaches too!
- Lake Canobolas, Orange – this tranquil and beautiful lake is ideal to cool down during the Summer months and has something for everyone. Partake in a range of water sports including canoeing and sailing or leisurely cast your fishing line. For families, there’s a little beach on the western shoreline – perfectly safe for the kids to splash around and build castles in the sand. www.visitorange.com.au/lake-canobolas
- Koorowatha Falls, Cowra – after a morning of hiking in the Koorowatha Nature Reserve, cool down at the nearby Koorowatha Falls, with its spring-fed waterhole for swimming. The name Koorawatha is from a Wiradjuri dialect and means ‘a place of pine trees’. It’s the local’s secret spot for a picnic lunch and cool-down, with access to the area by 4WD. https://visitcowra.com.au/koorwawatha-falls
- Wallaby Rocks, just outside of Bathurst – discover this little slice of natural paradise. Located on the Turon River, Wallaby Rocks is the perfect place to visit during the warmer months. Cool down in the refreshing river, bring along your fishing gear or simply spend the afternoon snoozing as you listen to the sounds of nature around you. www.bathurstregion.com.au/things-to-do/outdoors
- Farleigh’s ‘Beach’ Reserve, Cowra – a favourite spot with the locals this is a peaceful picnic area on the banks of the Lachlan River. There’s plenty of eucalyptus trees to shade from the midday sun and picnic tables for lunching. After fuelling up, follow the pathway leading down to the water for an afternoon swim. https://visitcowra.com.au/farleigh-beach-reserve/
- Lake Endeavour & Bumberry Dam, Parkes – take the kids to see ‘The Dish’ during the morning, and as it heats up in the afternoon, cool off dam-side at the popular local attraction for fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, bird-watching, swimming and camping. https://visitparkes.com.au/explore/outdoor-adventures/
More summer-cool things to do:
- Cool down in a cave – Abercrombie Caves and Jenolan Caves offer a fascinating experience, each with their series of enchanting limestone caves, www.jenolancaves.org.au
- Bathurst Aqua Park – the largest aqua park in country NSW, head to The Lagoon at Chifley Dam for a fun way to cool down. An inflatable water course, open to kids 4+. There is a splash zone with toys for smaller children to play outside of the aqua park area. www.bathurstaquapark.com.au
- Parkes Aquatic Centre – for this summer season, families can swim free of charge at the 50-metre heated pool and kids splash pool. Facilities include the Poolside Cafe, BBQ area, play equipment and diving boards.
