Central West Travel Guide

Tourist 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
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.

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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 Bathurst War Memorial Carillon and Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.

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 Motor Racing Circuit or Mount Panorama Winery 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
Eskbank House and Museum showing interior views and a house

Lithgow Central

While visiting Lithgow Central, you might make a stop by sights like Eskbank House and Museum and Blast Furnace Park.

Lithgow Central
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White Rock

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in White Rock and surrounding area, you can visit Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit and Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.

White Rock
West End Motor Lodge

West End Motor Lodge

3.5 out of 5
2-6 Dalton Street Orange NSW
The price is AU$156 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$156
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & 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 their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Everything was great, from the check in to the parking, to the room and facilities.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

West End Motor Lodge
Parkview Hotel Orange

Parkview Hotel Orange

3 out of 5
281 Summer St Orange NSW
The price is AU$112 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$112
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Orange. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (831 reviews)
Room was lovely. The sound from the speaker below the room can be heard in the room making sleep difficult until the music stops at midnight.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Parkview Hotel Orange
Central Caleula Motor Lodge

Central Caleula Motor Lodge

4.5 out of 5
60 Summer Street Orange NSW
The price is AU$162 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$162
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Orange. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (944 reviews)
Clean, nicely decorated room, large comfy bed, friendly staff. Italian restaurant next door that does morning coffee. Two small problems: shower leaked, thankfully had a second towel to mop up. Other people’s doors banging shut late at night and loud voices/footsteps in hallway. But had a really ...

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Central Caleula Motor Lodge
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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
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Bathurst. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,919 reviews)
Please improve cleanliness, the room appears dusty

Reviewed on 5 Feb 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and Bathurst War Memorial ...
7.8/10 Good! (369 reviews)
Not clean, one bed looked unwashed sheets, smelly bathroom, improved after fan filter cleaned by us. Obviously not ever cleaned. Looked black. Also not enough utensils plates etc for 4 people as per booking.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a conference centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (863 reviews)
Clean rooms, excellent staff. Great location

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Littomore Suites Bathurst
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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

4.5/5(152 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Jenolan Caves during your travels in Jenolan. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

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

Mayfield Garden

4.5/5(33 reviews)

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

4/5(22 reviews)

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

5/5(68 reviews)

Take the family on an outing to CSIRO Parkes Observatory during your trip to Parkes. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

CSIRO Parkes Observatory
Orange Botanic Gardens featuring fall colors

Orange Botanic Gardens

4.5/5(82 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Orange Botanic Gardens, a lovely green space in Bletchington. While in this walkable area, you can savour the wineries and cafes.

Orange Botanic Gardens
Peaceful garden with a beautiful blend of Australian and Japanese influences, Shutterstock ID 565056631, Purchase Order: -

Cowra Japanese Garden

4.5/5(51 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Cowra Japanese Garden, a lovely green space in Cowra. Take in the entertainment choices and countryside in the area.

Cowra Japanese Garden

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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