Spring is one of the most vibrant and festive times to visit Central NSW and a photographer's dream with yellow canola fields, pink cherry blossoms and fresh green growth transforming the landscape.
Central NSW Joint Organisation has announced seven must-do events to plan a trip around, including the Canola Season in Cowra and Weddin, the renowned Orange Wine Festival and the Sakura Matsuri at Cowra Japanese Garden. The region begins 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney or Canberra.
Seven Blooming Events this Spring:
Spring is the ultimate time to take a journey through the agricultural heartland of Cowra and Weddin to witness the golden fields of canola transform the landscape. There are unique experiences for visitors including tours to crop viewing hotspots, twilight dinners and joy flights. The season runs from August to October (crop depending), so it’s a blooming time to visit.
The ultimate birding adventure in Australia's most spectacular birding destination you will go into the heart of the community for an exclusive experience showcasing the 240+ bird species found in the Capertee Valley.
Enjoy guided walks, expert talks and immersive nature focused experiences for first-time twitchers through to seasoned bird watchers with some activities designed for children. The centre of the festival activities is at Glen Alice and Glen Davis.
A highlight of the year at Cowra Japanese Garden, this cherry blossom festival is a celebration of Japanese traditions with a huge range of cultural activities and demonstrations.
Enjoy kabuki performances, a kimono show, bonsai workshops, taiko drumming, sumo wrestling, Japanese archery, origami, martial arts, dancers, choir performances, kintsugi, ikebana, tea ceremonies and more. Explore the bustling stalls filled with delicious food, unique goods and engaging activities for children, making it a day the whole family will love.
The annual Orange Wine Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s acclaimed cool-climate wines and thriving food culture. Taking place over three weekends, the festival brings together more than 40 unique events that highlight the best winemakers, Chefs and producers.
From intimate tastings and masterclasses to long lunches in spectacular vineyard settings, the program offers something for every wine lover - whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious to explore. Discover perfectly paired food and wine experiences, go behind the scenes on vineyard tours and meet the passionate people behind the labels.
Spring into Art at Newbridge is a Spring celebration of art, culture and history, held in the Blayney Shire village of Newbridge. The main event is the Newbridge Art Show with a huge art local artists display and art workshops, a true showcase of the depth of talent in the region.
New this year is a ‘Tiny Church Trail’ around the villages of Newbridge, Caloola, Moorilda, Barry and Hobbys Yards, visiting historic churches and two old schoolhouses with musical performances and special events.
Celebrating the rich gardening culture of Millthorpe in the Orange Region, garden owners, both within the village and on rural properties, open their gates and invite visitors to wander through each unique garden, be it large or small.
A celebration of the outdoor adventures in and around Oberon, this month-long festival has something for everyone from a 4WD tour that includes fishing and fossicking amongst other outdoor activities suitable for all ages, to a concert series at the Malachi and surrounding parks for those less inclined to tackle the Great Outdoors.
There’s also a two-day RedFin Roundup fishing competition with great prizes and a fun family activity and a fossicking day at Burraga dam. There are heritage and homestead tours and a range of other fun outdoor experiences.
Central NSW includes Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes, Grenfell, Lithgow and Lachlan. For more information, go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au.
