Visit New South Wales

RURAL HEARTLANDS OF THE STATE'S CENTRE
Ever wondered where to find Australia's famous 'wide brown land'? Early explorers Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson actually stumbled on it when they finally cut a path through the unforgiving bush of Blue Mountains. The vista stretched out before the trio was what's now known as Explorer Country: a solid, respectable region with some of the richest farmlands in Australia. Renowned for everything from good food and wine to warm country hospitality, it's here that visitors can really sample life on the land.

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FAMOUS FOR...

A shot of the telescope's dish, featured in the film, 'The Dish'.

CSIRO Parkes telescope Featuring in recent Aussie film, The Dish (2001), the Parkes telescope was used in the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to record Neil Armstrong's historic walk on the moon.

Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo Cycle or drive through this vast zoo, home to over 1,000 animals, many of them endangered species including Africa's Black Rhinoceros.

Peter Brock and Mt Panorama Each October, the usually sleepy town of Bathurst cranks into gear for the Bathurst 1000 Touring Car Race, held at this famous motor racing circuit. Bathurst's well-known 'King of the Mountain', Peter Brock, has won the Bathurst 1000 race no less than nine times.

Superb sports stars Australia's fast bowler Glen McGrath actually grew up in Narromine. And Sue-Ellen Lovette, Paralympian (dressage) has raised more than $2 million in charity rides, including riding from Brisbane to Sydney.

A tasty drop of red Mudgee is well known for its wines, with over 20 family-owned wineries based locally. Both Cowra and Orange are also known for their award-winning wines and diverse local produce, in addition to a fascinating history.

DID YOU KNOW...?

Historic buildings dot the townscapes throughout the region.

Do a spot of star-gazing at the many observatories in the area, including Parkes, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Dubbo and Cowra. Visit the world famous Parkes radio telescope or Siding Springs Observatory near Coonabarabran.
Wellington's Cathedral Cave boasts the world's largest stalagmite, an amazing 15 metres high and 32 metres at the base.
The Goldrush made its mark on this area. Visit the old gold rush towns of Gulgong, Hill End and Sofala, and try your hand at gold panning.
The region has some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the State, including the Warrumbungles mountain range and National Park.
Find out more about Australia's notorious bushrangers who terrorised the region in Forbes by visiting the local museum and Ben Hall's Gave.
Explorer Country has some of the best food and wine festivals and events in the State including Cowra's Chardonnay Festival in November, the Mudgee Wine Celebration (in September) and the Orange F.O.O.D. Week in April.

Images

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Climate

The region enjoys steady temperatures, from the low 10s to mid-20s (Celsius) most of the year, with autumn and spring considered the best time to visit.

Distance from Sydney

Bathurst is 210km (131miles) west of Sydney, and the gateway to the region. From here you can head north-west through Orange and Dubbo, 414km (259 miles) west of Sydney, or southwest through Cowra and West Wyalong.

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