Roadtrip Sydney to Cowra – A Back Roads Adventure
- Distance: Approx. 143 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 59 min
- Follow the Bells Line of Road to Lithgow via Richmond, Kurrajong and The Blue Mountains
- Pitstop 1 – The Botanic Gardens at Mount Tomah with diverse plant collections, the Gondwana Walk and the Wollemi Walk and take a break at the cafe.
- Welcome to Lithgow – home to Ironfest celebrating metal arts, history, and culture! There’s fabulous live performances, historical reenactments, blacksmithing demos, and artisan markets and you’ll see the elaborate costumes of participants dressed as medieval knights to steampunk characters. This festival draws artists and enthusiasts from across Australia. alternately, if you’re passing through on Halloween, catch the Lithgow Halloween Festival and the costume parade, trick-or-treating, haunted house attractions, and live entertainment. The Anzac Day Commemoration is special here, as is the sparkling transformation of Lithgow at the Christmas Lights Spectacular.
- Why not pick up some goodies at Lithgow’s monthly farmers’ market, grab a takeaway or go fruit picking of cherries, apples, or stone fruits straight from the orchard Lithgow Valley Springs —depending on the season of course. Follow the signs on Lithgow Street in the centre of town to Hassans Walls Lookout and picnic with a stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains.
- And if you don’t mind a bit of underground adventure, there’s The State Mine Heritage Park and old mine buildings tour. Or, check out Lithgow’s gun making past at the Small Arms Factory Museum and 5 mins outside town is the Blast Furnace Park. Wanting a bit of retail? Spend some time browsing the shops admiring locally-made goods and the fabulous Indigenous work at Gang Gang Art Gallery, or simply finding a good coffee with a bite at The Lithgow Tin Shed.
Day 3: Lithgow to Bathurst
- Distance: Approx. 62 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 44 min
- Pitstop 2 – Vittoria – Olive Capital of Australia! Foodies will enjoy sampling olive oils, and gourmet product and history lovers like the Vittoria Public School and War Memorial. Relax with a picnic or take a scenic drive through vineyards, and enjoy wine tastings at nearby vineyards.
- Welcome to Bathurst – home to the iconic Bathurst 1000 race at Mount Panorama. If you didn’t book a spot, there’s a great collection of fossils and minerals at the museum or step into our 16th prime minister’s Chifley Home. (tickets purchased on site) For a cultural fix, visit Bathurst Regional Art Gallery or take a breather and maybe a picnic at Machattie Park. Head to family friendly Knickerbocker Bistro or Sweet Caramel, a popular spot for delicious cakes and coffee.
Day 5: Bathurst to Canowindra
- Distance: Approx. 105 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hrs and 24 min
- Detour – Pitstop 3 – Canowindra – land of hot air ballooning and intriguing fossil history. Visit the Age of Fishes Museum with fish fossils dating back millions of years or join Bling Freddy’s Bushranger Tours for a wild ride through local history. If you’re into wine, savour tasting tours at Rosnay Wines, Wallington (for grapes and olives) and Perennialle Plants with a cafe. Morris Park is a relaxing green space to unwind while art enthusiasts can visit the David Isbester Gallery for a glimpse of local talent. Feeling peckish? Grab some homemade goodness at Gloria’s Country Kitchen.
 Day 5: Canowindra to Cowra
- Distance: Approx. 33 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 24 min
- Welcome to Cowra – home to WWII history and the World Peace Bell. Start your visit at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre with stunning gardens, ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. Then, explore the town’s history at the Cowra Prisoner of War Campsite and the Cowra War Cemetery. Don’t miss out on Bellevue Hill Reserve for scenic bush walks and panoramic views. If you love art, head to the Regional Gallery and the Kalari Cellar Door and Art Gallery. Afterward, have brunch/lunch at Breakout Brasserie or try the Mumbai cuisine at Marsala Library By Sid – you won’t be disappointed.
Day 5: Cowra to Young
- Distance: Approx. 73 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr
- Welcome to Young –Â the “Cherry Capital of Australia.” Stroll the vibrant Cherry Walk, and see the Lambing Flat Folk Museum which showcases the town’s gold rush history. Enjoy the Chinese Tribute Garden, a beautiful park commemorating Young’s Chinese heritage and discover the history of Young at the Historical Museum. Why not have a picnic at Anderson Park or Chinaman’s Dam? And don’t miss picking your own delicious local cherries at Ballinaclash. This fruit orchard has been owned & run by the Mullany family since 1965. Support local.
Day 7: Young to Goulburn
- Distance: Approx. 176 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 55 min
- Welcome to Goulburn – home to the Big Merino! There’s a lot to see here, like the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, the War Memorial Museum and the Court House. Garden lovers will adore the tulips at Belmore Park in Sept – Oct, while art lovers can head to the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery. You can’t go passed the great tucker at Trappers Bakery (near the Big Merino.)
Day 7: Goulburn to Sydney
- Distance: Approx. 195 km
- Drive Time: Approx. 2 hr and 9 min
- Return to Sydney. As you approach Sydney, the scenery gradually transforms into suburban and urban surroundings. The journey typically takes around two to three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, you may encounter rest stops, roadside stalls selling local fruits.
This extended itinerary allows for a two-night stay near Bathurst and Young, providing ample time to explore the town’s attractions and immerse yourself in its rich history and natural beauty.
If you think these regions sound like amazing holiday destinations, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation in the South West Slopes and Central West.
