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Heart of Country map:

Moree Deniliquin Tenterfield Glen Innes Armidale Tamworth Narrabri Coonabarabran Gilgandra Dubbo Parkes Forbes West Wyalong Griffith Narrandera Wagga Wagga Queanbeyan Mittagong Bowral Goulburn Mudgee Bathurst Orange Albury Moama Tocumwal Barooga Corowa Mulwala Heart of Country region map

Introduction:

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:

Albury Albury
Regional city on Murray River and Lake Hume
Armidale Armidale
Cultural city with beautiful gardens and nearby waterfalls and gorges
Barooga Barooga
Small Murray River town within rich agricultural area
Bathurst Bathurst
City with grand heritage buildings and Mount Panorama raceway
Bowral Bowral
Historic highlands town with stunning gardens and Bradman Oval
Coonabarabran Coonabarabran
Country town in foothills of Warrumbungle Ranges
Corowa Corowa
Historic river front town with parks and forests
Deniliquin Deniliquin
Attractive town on Edward River famous for ute muster
Dubbo Dubbo
Large city on Macquarie River with Western Plains Zoo
Forbes Forbes
Historic Lachlan Valley town
Gilgandra Gilgandra
Relaxed country town with rural museum
Glen Innes Glen Innes
Country town with natural attractions and Celtic heritage
Goulburn Goulburn
Historic inland city famous for Big Merino
Griffith Griffith
Town with Italian heritage and many vineyards
Mittagong Mittagong
Historic town surrounded by bush and mountains
Moama Moama
Popular holiday destination across river from Port of Echuca
Moree Moree
Northern wheatbelt town with artesian hot spring spas
Mudgee Mudgee
Scenic town set within large wine region
Mulwala Mulwala
Holiday and recreational town on Lake Mulwala
Narrabri Narrabri
Vibrant town on Namoi River near Nandewar Ranges
Narrandera Narrandera
Agricultural town on Murrumbidgee River
Orange Orange
Bustling city noted for its gardens and local produce
Parkes Parkes
Thiving rural town home to dish radio telescope
Queanbeyan Queanbeyan
City surrounded by natural attractions, close to Canberra
Tamworth Tamworth
Country music capital of Australia
Tenterfield Tenterfield
Heritage town with mountain ranges and national parks
Tocumwal Tocumwal
Historic town with sandy Murray River beaches and redgum forests
Wagga Wagga Wagga Wagga
Regional city on Murrumbidgee River
West Wyalong West Wyalong
Historic gold town in cereal crop growing region
 

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


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