Pack your appetite and an empty basket – Central NSW, just two and half hours drive from Sydney, is serving up seven delicious reasons to travel to the region this autumn. There are truffle tastings and wild mushroom foraging tours in Oberon’s enchanted pine forests to vibrant food festivals and crop swaps in Orange and Parkes.
As the landscape transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson, there’s no better time to venture inland, meet the passionate producers shaping the region’s food story, and celebrate the season’s spectacular harvest.
1. Truffle Indulgence at RedGround Australia, Oberon
Discover the ‘black diamond’ of Central NSW at RedGround Australia with their new intimate, cellar door–inspired truffle tasting. For $45pp, guests enjoy a curated selection of seasonal truffle canapés showcasing the aroma and flavour of RedGround’s year-round, alpine-grown aromatic truffle varieties, paired with local sparkling wine and sweeping views across the rolling truffière. Optional truffle champagne cocktail upgrades, gourmet truffle picnics and luxury guesthouse accommodation allow visitors to extend the experience. www.redground.com.au
2. Homegrown Parkes – Saturday March 21, 2026
Celebrate local flavour at this much-loved biannual event in Cooke Park. Browse more than 50 market stalls featuring fresh local produce and home baked treats alongside beautifully handcrafted wares, including clothing, jewellery, pottery and other artisan creations from Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and surrounding regions. There are also free, educational workshops and entertainment the popular Crop Swap, farmyard animals, live music and a relaxed, friendly vibe. from 9am-2pm. www.visitparkes.com.au
3. Field to Forest Festival, Oberon – March 1 to April 30, 2026
Forage, feast, and immerse yourself in this cool-climate haven’s natural larder. This year features a hugely expanded festival program with over 30 events including wild mushroom foraging expeditions through misty pine forests, secluded woodland lunches, wine trails, 4WD tag along tours and the signature ‘Producers Table Dinner’ at the historic Malachai Hall. There’s also the Mayfield Garden Autumn Festival with glamping and tasty produce markets at Tarana and Oberon. www.visitoberon.com
4. Orange Food Week – March 20-29, 2026
Nearly 100 events transform Orange into a food lover’s paradise in Autumn. Celebrate the region’s award-winning chefs, dedicated growers, and acclaimed winemakers through experiences like the legendary Sampson Street Lunch, the buzzing family-friendly Night Market, and hands-on ‘Meet the Producer’ workshops exploring the art of cheese-making and fermentation. www.orange360.com.au
5. Canowindra Balloon Challenge – April 11-19, 2026
Watch Australia’s largest hot air balloon festival paint the Autumn skies with colour. Drift above the landscape on sunrise balloon rides, wander through open gardens, indulge in high tea at elegant Montrose House, then join thousands for the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow on 18 April – a magical evening of music, lights, food stalls, and dozens of illuminated balloons glowing against the night sky. www.orange360.com.au
6. Sculptures by the Bush, Blayney – April 2-26, 2026
Art meets agriculture in this whimsical celebration of farming life. Discover creative installations, sculptural hay bales, and charming scarecrows dotting the pastoral landscape at this annual outdoor art trail. Base yourself in Blayney and enjoy country pubs, Orange’s acclaimed cool-climate wineries and feast on fresh regional produce at the Village Grocer in Carcoar. www.orange360.com.au
7. Autumn Colours Heritage Festival, Bathurst – March 12 to May 10, 2026
Experience Bathurst at its most enchanting time as heritage buildings glow against a backdrop of flame-red and golden trees. Immerse yourself in the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on 11 and 12 April, savour high tea at the stately Abercrombie House, browse seasonal produce markets, and uncover hidden stories on guided walking tours through this historic city. www.visitbathurst.com.au
Central NSW includes Oberon, Lithgow, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Orange, Parkes and Grenfell.
Unearth your Central NSW and plan your escape at www.visitcentralnsw.com.au
