Cycling through Central NSW

Explore Central NSW’s breathtaking countryside, attractions and world-class food and wine on a cycling holiday to Bathurst, Orange, Parkes, Forbes and beyond. As the future of cycling moves off major roads, a number of new cycle trails, gravel routes and tours have been launched.

“Cycling is growing in popularity in Central NSW with its rolling landscapes, beautiful vistas, historic towns and villages. It’s such a great way to spend time in our region – travel slow!” said Jenny Bennett, Executive Officer, Central NSW Joint Organisation.

“It’s also one of the best ways to visit a boom in boutique breweries, wineries, producers and distilleries that are popping up across the countryside.” added Jenny.

The Orange region has been establishing itself as a food and wine cycle destination with the ‘Orange and Villages Bike Trail’, a glorious 360km six-day cycling journey to wineries, cafes, farm-gates and restaurants across the Orange region. As part of this the 51km ‘Orange, Millthorpe and Carcoar’ loop can be done in a day with stunning scenery, village atmospheres, boutique shops and wineries.

Nearby the Parkes Region has just launched their new gravel cycle routes ranging from 20-120km loops, perfect for ‘off road’ cyclists. There are day and multi day routes including the 55km ‘Dish Loop’ to the famous CSIRO Parkes Observatory, aka The Dish, where there’s a lovely café for lunch. Or the 163km ‘Parkes to Trundle’ section visits the historic villages of Peak Hill and Trundle, where you can explore the historical Peak Hill Gold Mine and enjoy a cold drink at the pub with the longest verandah in NSW (87.6m, fact!) at the Trundle Hotel.

Also new is the ‘Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail’ which takes in over 20 stunning towns and villages including Forbes, Cowra, Eugowra, Gooloogong, Parkes and Canowindra. The full route of 345km can be experienced in seven sections of approximately 50km. Stop along the way include the Sculpture down the Lachlan outdoor art trail and bushranger history at Bell Hall’s key sites and graves. The Lachlan Valley Cycle Trail route is mostly flat terrain and ideal for less experienced riders.

The Bathurst Region has also launched a series of new cycling routes as more locals and visitors explore the magic of its historic towns and villages. There’s the easy ‘Bathurst River Loop’, which the kids will love, through to the challenging ‘Mount Panorama/Wahluu Loop’, which takes in the world-famous motor racing circuit.

Lithgow’s Seven Valleys region offers a range of tracks to suit all types of bikes, ages and abilities. Take the leisurely cycle path around Lithgow, explore the region on the many gravel trails including the Bicentennial National Trail, or ride single track courses at the Lidsdale State Forest, home to the Australian National 24-Hour Mountain Bike Championships.

In Oberon the 9km Southern Loop Bike Path has been upgraded and takes in the pretty shoreline of Lake Oberon. For something more challenging head into the majestic Kanangra-Boyd National Park to ride one of its four different sign-posted cycling trails.

Head a little further west and hit the trails around Lake Cargelligo, Condobolin and villages to discover the Lachlan region. Pedal through spectacular scenery, visit sacred Aboriginal sites, get back to nature on forest trails, and savour the wide-open spaces.  

The best time to visit Central NSW for a cycling holiday is Spring and Autumn when the seasonal colours ignite the landscape. There are bike friendly places to stay, bike shops and eateries right across the region.

Central NSW includes Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes, Grenfell, Lithgow and Lachlan.

For more information go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au