Central West

Travel Guide

We spent yesterday arvo bush-bashing down to the Zig Zag Railway viaducts above Lithgow, NSW and looking around the place for a few hours. In this shot you can see the No. 1 Viaduct on the Top Road track. A little further down is the larger No. 2 Viaduct. And on the Bottom Road (which is the train line near the bottom of this pic) is the No. 3 Viaduct. Comprising rock cuttings, classical sandstone viaducts and tunnels, the Lithgow Zig Zag was, and remains to this day, a magnificent piece of engineering. Construction of this part of the rail system began in 1866 and was completed by the late 1890s. The line was decommissioned in 1910 with the construction of the Ten Tunnels deviation which is still in use today by state rail. Back in the early 1970s, volunteers worked to bring the line back into operation as an iconic tourist railway which ran for decades, bringing with it tourism dollars to the wider Lithgow area. In 2013, a huge bushfire swept through the area and destroyed a lot of the infrastructure and equipment used by the Zig Zag Railway. Since that day work has proceeded to slowly bring the tourist train line back into operation It is hoped it'll be up and running again in the next year or so. Follow @zigzagrailway on Insta and Facebook for updates. For more pics of this awesome area, check out the 4WD Swagman facebook page. #zigzagrailway #lithgow #stoneviaduct #railway #bluemountains #djimavicpro
Such a different perspective watching the dawn of a new day, from a hot air balloon
Waterfalls in the Blue Mountains #nature #australia
A fantastic place to stay when visiting the Blue Mountains area in Australia. Mornings like this and almost a dark sky for night / astrophotographers you just can’t go wrong. This is the actual view from the balcony of the room.
The Three Sisters landmark in the Blue Mountains. Joined list of UNESCO Heritage Sites in 2000.

Where to stay in Central West

Bathurst featuring fall colors and a park

Bathurst CBD

While visiting Bathurst CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.

Bathurst CBD
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Kelso

Kelso is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Bathurst area, you might plan a trip to Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum or Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.

Kelso
National Motor Racing Museum which includes interior views

Mount Panorama

Unique features of Mount Panorama include the restaurants and spas. Make a stop by Mount Panorama Winery or Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit while you're exploring the area.

Mount Panorama
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South Bathurst

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in South Bathurst. You might want to make time for a stop at Chifley Home or Ray Morcom Reserve.

South Bathurst
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Bowenfels

Though Bowenfels might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eskbank House and Museum and Lake Lyell.

Bowenfels
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Gormans Hill

While Gormans Hill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like National Motor Racing Museum and Mount Panorama Winery.

Gormans Hill
See our Where To Stay guide
West End Motor Lodge

West End Motor Lodge

3.5 out of 5
2-6 Dalton Street Orange NSW
$100 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$110 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Orange. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Thank you to this excellent accommodation. My husband and son had an absolutely flawless and friendly stay.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

West End Motor Lodge
Central Caleula Motor Lodge

Central Caleula Motor Lodge

4.5 out of 5
60 Summer Street Orange NSW
$127 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
$141 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Orange. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (950 reviews)
The air conditioner was not operating correctly. Had to fiddle with the timer function and the clock the remote to get it to work. Reported the problem to staff but didn’t seem to be fixed.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

Central Caleula Motor Lodge
Parkview Hotel Orange

Parkview Hotel Orange

3 out of 5
281 Summer St Orange NSW
$71 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$79 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Orange. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (833 reviews)
So clean. The pub had a great atmosphere and really good meals.great price. Right in the middle of the Main Street. So good. Really good sized rooms. Renovated bathroom.

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026

Parkview Hotel Orange
See all 696 properties in Central West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst

Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst

4 out of 5
1 Conrod Straight Mount Panorama NSW
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Bathurst. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,923 reviews)
Excellent position if wanting to see the race track. The National Car Museum is a must see if interested in racing at Mount Panorama

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst
Bathurst Studio Apartments

Bathurst Studio Apartments

3.5 out of 5
44 Morrisset Street Bathurst NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bathurst. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and Bathurst War Memorial ...
7.8/10 Good! (372 reviews)
All appliances worked

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

Bathurst Studio Apartments
Littomore Suites Bathurst

Littomore Suites Bathurst

3.5 out of 5
19 Charlotte Street Bathurst NSW
Stay at this aparthotel in Bathurst. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a conference center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
Friendly helpful staff.Clean rooms.Kettle toaster,iron,microwave- all available.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

Littomore Suites Bathurst
See all properties in Central West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Jenolan Caves which includes caves

Jenolan Caves

Descend into a world of beautiful limestone formations in this labyrinth of ancient chasms beneath a remote valley of Blue Mountains National Park.

Jenolan Caves
Mayfield Garden which includes landscape views, a small town or village and tranquil scenes

Mayfield Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Mayfield Garden, a lovely green space in Mayfield. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Mayfield Garden
We spent yesterday arvo bush-bashing down to the Zig Zag Railway viaducts above Lithgow, NSW and looking around the place for a few hours. In this shot you can see the No. 1 Viaduct on the Top Road track. A little further down is the larger No. 2 Viaduct. And on the Bottom Road

Zig Zag Railway

Enjoy an outing to Zig Zag Railway during your stay in Clarence. Wander the gardens or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

Zig Zag Railway
CSIRO Parkes Observatory

CSIRO Parkes Observatory

Home to an iconic landmark and fascinating educational exhibits, this attraction in Parkes makes for a fun, family-friendly day out.

CSIRO Parkes Observatory
Orange Botanic Gardens featuring fall colors

Orange Botanic Gardens

Stroll through a historic homestead that now operates as a beautiful botanic garden brimming with native and exotic plants and trees.

Orange Botanic Gardens
Bathurst Courthouse featuring heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Bathurst Courthouse

Admire the centerpiece of Bathurst, a beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture in this culturally rich Central Tablelands town.

Bathurst Courthouse

Cities near Central West

Bathurst featuring a small town or village and a park

Bathurst

Early morning views Cowra

Cowra

The New South Wales central western town of Forbes.

Forbes

Orange which includes a garden and autumn leaves

Orange

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