Heart of Country
Credit: Destination NSW
Father and son enjoying a meerkat encounter at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Credit: Destination NSW
The Wagga Wagga Art Gallery houses a world class, nationally significant collection of contemporary art glass, featuring approximately 500 pieces. As well as displaying the National Art Glass Collection, the gallery also exhibits a number of curated exhibitions which feature well known Australian and international glass artists throughout the year. Visitors admiring the exhibition.
NSW's Heritage Havens and Scenic Wonders
The Heart of Country region spans the entire central breadth of New South Wales, covering a distance of over 1,000 kilometres between the state of Queensland in the north and Victoria in the south. To the west of this region lies the New South Wales outback, while to the east is the state's lush hinterland of the Great Dividing Range and popular ocean coastline.
The Heart of Country region encompasses some of the state's most historic country towns and cities, fertile agricultural and pastoral plains, forests, rivers and lakes. Dotted with historic river ports is the Murray River, Australia's longest river which forms the region's southern border with Victoria, making it an ideal recreational playground for water activities. The major inland cities of Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Queanbeyan, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga are rich with cultural heritage, festivals and events.
The north-south routes of the Newell Highway, Hume Highway and New England Highway cover much of the region, with some interesting detours available along some of the tourist side routes of Fossickers Way, Kidman Way, Lachlan Valley Way and the Olympic Highway.
Visitors come to the Heart of Country region to experience wide open spaces, gourmet food, friendly locals and the country lifestyle.
Heart of Country Destinations
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple standing across from the Albury Post Office while a flock of birds are flying above them, Albury.
Albury
Albury is a regional city in New South Wales, situated on the northern bank of the Murray River, just across the state border from its counterpart of Wodonga in Victoria.
Credit: Destination NSW
Autumn trees lining a road in Armidale.
Armidale
Delve into the town's rich heritage by exploring its elegant colonial architecture, including cathedrals, museums, and heritage-listed buildings.
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Sun rising over Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest.
Barooga
Barooga, nestled on the Murray River, lies just across from Cobram, Victoria. Located about 20 km upstream from Tocumwal.
Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic 4WD tour in bush settings around Bathurst and the Central West, with river crossings and steep hill climbs. Trout fishing in mountain stream, wild mushroom foraging in highland forests, panning for gold & sapphires. BBQ lunch in a remote setting.
Bathurst
Whether drawn to motorsports, history, culture, nature, or community spirit, Bathurst offers a diverse and enriching experience for all types of travelers.
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic getaway at Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.
Bowral
Visit breathtaking gardens like Bradman Oval and Corbett Gardens, immerse yourself in the legacy of cricket at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame.
Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic drive into Warrumbungle National Park with views through to Belougery Split Rock.
Coonabarabran
Coonabarabran is a picturesque country town nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Warrumbungle Ranges in New South Wales, Australia.
Credit: Destination NSW
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in a 1920's old flour mill in Corowa.
Corowa
Corowa, Murray River's charm: heritage streets, Federation-style buildings, and tranquil riverside parks invite serenity.
Credit: Destination NSW
Men enjoying a day of fishing on the Edward River, Deniliquin.
Deniliquin
Deniliquin, a captivating town nestled along the banks of the Edward River, is renowned for its annual Ute Muster, drawing visitors to celebrate rural culture.
Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a giraffe encounter at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Dubbo
Heritage meets modernity in central NSW. Explore the Taronga Western Plains Zoo and embrace a vibrant regional hub with friendly locals.
Credit: Destination NSW
The Grecian Rotunda built in 1891 in Victoria Park, Forbes.
Forbes
Forbes stands as a testament to Australia's rich past, nestled within the storied landscapes of the Lachlan Valley.
Credit: DestinationNSW
Sun rising over Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest.
Gilgandra
Nestled on the edge of the Australian Outback, Gilgandra invites you to embark on a journey of discovery.
Credit: Destination NSW
Glen Innes Memorial Walk lined by 36 blue arrow juniper trees in Anzac Park, Glen Innes.
Glen Innes
Glen Innes, a quaint country town nestled in the heart of New South Wales, beckons with its unique blend of natural beauty and Celtic heritage.
Credit: Destination NSW
Goulburn, NSW
Goulburn
Explore the historic charm of Goulburn, an inland city renowned for its rich heritage and iconic landmarks.
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple exploring Hermit's Cave and Lookout, Griffith.
Griffith
Nestled in the heart of the Riverina region, Griffith is a vibrant town steeped in Italian heritage and renowned for its flourishing vineyards.
Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a walk around Lake Alexandra Reserve, Mittagong in the Southern Highlands.
Mittagong
Nestled within the scenic beauty of the Southern Highlands, Mittagong offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Credit: Matt Beaver
Aerial of house boats along Murray River.
Moama
Moama, a tourist hotspot near Echuca, lures with historic charm, parks, and scenic Murray River fishing spots.
Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking the town of Moree.
Moree
Nestled in the heart of New South Wales, Moree beckons with its tranquil ambiance and rural allure.
Credit: Destination NSW
Hot air balloons launching in Mudgee.
Mudgee
Blending history with modernity, rural charm with cosmopolitan flair. Explore a region steeped in history, blessed with natural beauty, & renowned for its wine and food.
Credit: Destination NSW
Mulwala Water Ski Club located in the Riverina Murray region in Mulwala, offers an outdoor bar and casual relaxed dining overlooking Lake Mulwala. Learn to water ski on a world-class, private, twin lake the Max Kirwan Ski Park.
Mulwala
Mulwala on the Murray: Lakeside bliss near Yarrawonga. Boating, fishing, and Australia's largest public golf resort await in this waterside gem.
Credit: Narrabri Shire Council
CSIRO Telescope Compact Array, Narrabri
Narrabri
Narrabri, nestled in the heart of New South Wales' outback, offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Credit: Destination NSW
Morning sun rising over the town of Narrandera.
Narrandera
Nestled along the banks of the meandering Murrumbidgee River, lies Narrandera, an idyllic agricultural town renowned for its rich farming heritage.
Credit: Destination NSW
Owned by the Swift family. Printhie Wines is a member of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Group and is a 5-star Halliday rated winery for 12 years located in the cool climate region of Orange, NSW.
Orange
Natural beauty, gastronomic delights, cultural richness, and a welcoming community, making Orange an appealing destination for diverse interests.
Credit: Destination NSW
Fields of canola growing at a farm in Parkes.
Parkes
Welcome to Parkes, a vibrant town in New South Wales that captivates visitors with its celestial wonders and down-to-earth charm.
Credit: Destination NSW
Queanbeyan, NSW
Queanbeyan
Queanbeyan, a vibrant city nestled amidst a tapestry of natural wonders, stands as the perfect gateway to explore the beauty of the surrounding region.
Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking a car driving through the countryside near Tamworth.
Tamworth
Explore charming streets, vibrant markets, and the iconic Golden Guitar, as Tamworth warmly welcomes visitors to experience the heart and soul of Australia's countryside
Credit: Destination NSW
Car driving down a scenic country road in Tenterfield.
Tenterfield
Tenterfield, a charming heritage town nestled amidst majestic mountain ranges & pristine national parks, invites visitors to embark on a journey through time and nature.
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a camping weekend away on the banks of the Murray River at Ulupna Island, Tocumwal.
Tocumwal
Tocumwal's blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, historical charm, and community spirit makes it an appealing destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Credit: Destination NSW
The Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens are set over 22 acres and feature lots of walking trails, beautiful gardens and a play area for kids.
Wagga Wagga
Discover Wagga Wagga, NSW's largest inland city. Nature meets urban life with Murrumbidgee River parks, Baylis Street shopping, and Willans Hill Reserve walks
Credit: Destination NSW
Garden Club 2000 Rose Garden in West Wyalong featuring over 200 roses.
West Wyalong
Situated in the heart of a fertile cereal crop growing region, West Wyalong stands as a living testament to Australia's rich agricultural heritage.
Heart of Country Map
New South Wales Country: A Journey Through Australia's Breathtaking Rural Landscapes
Embark on a thrilling journey through the captivating landscapes of New South Wales (NSW) Country. Imagine vast open plains, majestic mountains, lush valleys, and charming rural towns. This heartland of Australia offers a quintessential rural experience, steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. The land was home to various Aboriginal tribes before European settlement in the late 18th century. This indigenous legacy, intertwined with the transformation brought by European settlers, makes NSW Country a fascinating blend of old and new.
The Diverse Natural Landscapes and Wildlife of NSW Country
NSW Country is defined by its diverse landscapes, each with a unique allure. The Great Dividing Range, for instance, offers breathtaking vistas and adventure-filled activities from hiking in the Blue Mountains to exploring the snow-capped peaks of the Snowy Mountains. Not to be overshadowed, the verdant valleys of NSW Country, thriving with farms and vineyards, offer a feast for the senses. The Hunter Valley is renowned for its award-winning wines, while the Bega Valley takes pride in its quality dairy produce. This rich natural environment also provides a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife. Here, you can spot kangaroos hopping in the bush, koalas nestled in eucalyptus trees, and a multitude of bird species singing their melodious tunes.
Experience Rural Life in NSW Country
At the heart of NSW Country are the towns and communities that breathe life into this rural landscape. Each town, from the cultural hub of Bathurst to the historic town of Goulburn, is rich in history and community spirit. By partaking in local farmers' markets, festivals, and country shows or enjoying a traditional Aussie barbecue, you'll experience the warmth of country hospitality and get a taste of authentic country life. Equally enticing is the local cuisine of NSW Country. With an emphasis on locally sourced produce, the region's food is as diverse as its landscapes. Expect to enjoy hearty meals featuring the finest meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables that the region has to offer.
Travel Tips and Essential Activities for Visitors
Embarking on a journey to NSW Country is part of the adventure. Whether you choose to drive, catch a coach, or take a train, the journey promises to be as remarkable as the destination. While NSW Country offers year-round attractions, the temperate climate in spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) provides particularly beautiful conditions for outdoor exploration. During your visit, immerse yourself in a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, wine tasting, exploring historic towns, and visiting local farms.
Conclusion
NSW Country offers an unparalleled rural Australian experience. It's a place to reconnect with nature, delve into history, and create unforgettable memories. So, when will you start your journey through this remarkable Australian countryside?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-visit towns in NSW Country?
Among the many charming towns in NSW Country, Bathurst, Goulburn, and Tamworth are particularly favoured by visitors.
What wildlife can I see in NSW Country?
You can encounter a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and an array of bird species.
What kind of food is typical in NSW Country?
The region's cuisine boasts a farm-to-table approach, featuring locally-grown meats, cheeses, and produce.
What is the best way to get around NSW Country?
Car travel provides the most flexibility, but coach and train services also serve many towns
