It’s not only the daffodils turning their heads this spring, garden lovers are also looking inland to Central NSW.
From the sprawling 65-hectare Mayfield Garden, the largest privately owned cool-climate garden in the Southern Hemisphere, to Bathurst’s blossom-filled Machattie Park and the tranquil pathways of Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, the region offers one of Australia’s most colourful spring road trips.
Taking in four towns, spectacular gardens and a lively program of seasonal festivals, the trail is ideal for a long weekend getaway. Central NSW is approximately two hours’ drive from Sydney or three hours from Canberra, with interstate flight connections also available.
Mayfield Garden, Oberon: Explore 65 hectares of beautifully maintained private gardens, including the English-inspired Mayfield Maze and the full private estate, which opens to the public seasonally. Visitors can enjoy the Mayfield Garden Café, picnic hampers, rowboats on the lake and glamping accommodation.
New this year, glamping guests can enjoy free guided night-sky sessions during every school holiday. Led by a passionate astronomer and featuring telescopes, the sessions offer a magical, family-friendly addition to a night beneath the stars.
King’s Parade and Machattie Park, Bathurst: Bathurst’s town centre transforms into a sea of blossoms each spring, with the adjoining Victorian-era Machattie Park bursting into bloom. Entry is free, the park is within easy walking distance of the CBD, and the colourful display turns the heart of Bathurst into a spectacular pop-up garden.
While in town, visit Dejorja & Co, a boutique, café and florist under one roof. Pick up a bouquet from the on-site Florence Grace Floristry, browse the boutique and then settle in for lunch surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Cowra Japanese Garden, Cowra: Covering 12.5 acres, this peaceful oasis is the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere. It commemorates the Cowra Breakout during the Second World War and celebrates the enduring friendship between Australia and Japan. The garden hosts bonsai workshops, cultural events and seasonal festivals, and also features the Cowra Japanese Garden Café.
Nearby in Canowindra, visit Perennialle Plants, a renowned nursery, café and emporium housed in a beautifully restored historic building.
Orange Botanic Gardens, Orange: These 17 hectares of landscaped gardens offer a peaceful escape close to the centre of town. Entry is free, making the gardens an easy addition to a visit exploring Orange’s celebrated food and wine scene.
While in Orange, stop at Anything Grows, a nursery, café and gift store with a sunny courtyard tucked among the plants, trees and flowers.
Spring Garden Events
Cowra Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival – Saturday, September 26, 2026: A day-long celebration of spring at Cowra Japanese Garden, combining cherry blossom viewing with taiko drumming, sumo wrestling, tea ceremonies and market stalls. The festival celebrates the historic friendship between Cowra and Japan.
Mayfield Garden Spring Festival – September and October 2026: Mayfield Garden opens its full 65-hectare private estate, with rhododendrons, wisteria and water lilies reaching peak bloom. Visitors can also enjoy glamping and live music.
Orange Open Gardens – Sunday, October 25, 2026: Take a self-guided tour through a curated selection of private gardens in Orange, many surrounding beautiful historic homes.
Bathurst Spring Spectacular – Saturday, October 31, to Sunday, November 1, 2026: Around 10 of Bathurst’s finest gardens, ranging from grand heritage properties to intimate cottage gardens, open to the public. The weekend also features live music, market stalls, a bonsai display and a giant plant sale. Complementary events are held at Miss Traill’s House, Bathurst Farmers’ Market and Abercrombie House.
Millthorpe Garden Ramble – Saturday, October 31, to Sunday, November 1, 2026: Ten private gardens in the historic, high-altitude village of Millthorpe open their gates to visitors. The event showcases cool-climate plantings across village and rural properties, with local cellar doors offering wine tastings along the way.
Beyond its spectacular gardens, Central NSW offers food and wine trails, galleries, museums, markets and picturesque country lanes. The region includes Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.
Unearth your Central NSW experience at visitcentralnsw.com.au.
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