A regional hidden gem with history to boot

We have found a quiet, friendly place from where you can explore the food, wine, history and activities the NSW Central West has to offer.

At only 1525 square kilometres in size and with a population just shy of 7500, the Blayney Shire has often been dwarfed by its noisy neighbours, Orange and Bathurst. What Blayney offers in comparison is a quiet, friendly place from where you can explore the food, wine, history and activities the NSW Central West has to offer.

Known as the shire of villages, Blayney has a reputation for being, well, a little bit cold. Yes, it's snowed in November a few times and you never go out without a jumper, but that's its charm. The villages of Millthorpe, Carcoar, Newbridge, Neville, Mandurama and Lyndhurst not only allow for a full appreciation of the four seasons, they're also geared up for the cold with wood fires in the pubs and welcoming cosy cafes.

When it comes to shopping you won't see the same-old-same-old chain stores like you do in other "tourist" towns. Blayney's villages are all about small, independent boutiques having a good old crack and bringing something different to travellers.

If history is your thing the villages of Carcoar and Millthorpe have it all going on. Carcoar is a favourite among film crews and photographers, and hosts a toy museum, a courthouse and the somewhat-harrowing Hospital Museum. In Millthorpe give yourself plenty of time to explore the Golden Memories Museum and take in the sunset from the hill behind the cemetery.

In Blayney, rail enthusiasts will enjoy a look around the Platform Arts Hub situated at the restored Blayney Railway Station.

From aged local beef at the Royal Hotel in Mandurama to modern Australian at Tonic in Millthorpe and then to a classic Italian dinner at Antica Australis in Carcoar, the Blayney Shire's residents are fortunate enough to be able to fully appreciate local produce, and they're happy to share.

Not only is there great food, but Millthorpe has not one, but three award-winning cellar doors all within 100 metres of each other. Tamburlaine, Slow Wine Co and Angullong all source and make wines in the region. Angullong's cellar door also has an EV station.

The vast majority of visitors to the villages prefer to stay in either romantic bed and breakfasts such as Hawthorn Hill in Millthorpe or the Post Guest House in Carcoar. Families or small groups of friends can bed down at the Pitt and George Food Company in Millthorpe and for those travelling with their own home towed behind them, the lakeside at Carcoar Dam is a popular choice.

... visiting Carcoar. It was the winner of the best Tiny Tourism Town in NSW and that's just one of the reasons to visit. A babbling brook, museums, bluestone gutters, old churches, bushrangers, ghosts and more can all be found in this amazing village. orange360.com.au