the Central West

Day 1 | Saturday 9 May
Sydney to Mudgee
The Blue Mountains have long attracted artists drawn to their dramatic escarpments, shifting light and distinctive Australian flora. Since the late 19th century, the region has fostered a creative community shaped by its natural environment, with figures such as Norman Lindsay contributing significantly to Australia’s artistic identity through painting, illustration and printmaking. Meeting at Sydney’s Central Station in the morning, we depart by coach into the Blue Mountains, arriving at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge. Set within the artist’s former home and gardens, the site preserves his studios and provides insight into his prolific career across multiple disciplines. Continuing to Medlow Bath, we enjoy High Tea at the historic Hydro Majestic, established in the early 20th century and renowned for its sweeping valley views. We then continue north via Lithgow and the Central West, arriving in Mudgee in the early evening. A welcome dinner is enjoyed at a local restaurant. Overnight Mudgee (HT, D)

Day 2 | Sunday 10 May
Gulgong and the Central West
The Central West’s gold rush settlements preserve a vivid record of 19th-century Australia, when the discovery of gold reshaped the region. Gulgong, once a thriving centre during the 1870s, remains one of the most intact gold rush towns in New South Wales. Venturing out of Mudgee this morning, we first travel to the rural property of Guntawang for a private visit, where layers of colonial history intersect with the landscape of the goldfields. Continuing to Gulgong, we visit the Holtermann Museum. Its remarkable collection of photographs – created to document the goldfields for international exhibition – offers an unparalleled visual account of life during the gold rush and is recognised as a UNESCO World-Heritage listed archive. Following our visit we return to the Mudgee region for a long lunch at Zin House, where a seasonal menu highlights the produce and culinary traditions of the district. The remainder of the day is at leisure on return to our hotel. Overnight Mudgee (B, L)

Day 3 | Monday 11 May
Hill End & Sofala
Originally a major goldfields settlement of the 19th century, Hill End later became a centre for artists who, from the mid-20th century, began settling in the town and its surrounding countryside. Drawn by its isolation, distinctive light and largely intact colonial landscape, painters, printmakers and photographers established studios in former miners’ cottages and abandoned buildings, forming a small but influential artistic community. Their presence not only preserved much of Hill End’s historic fabric but also redefined the town as a place of creative practice, where the legacy of the goldfields became inseparable from its interpretation in Australian art. Departing Mudgee today, we travel to Hill End via Hargreaves, pausing at Golden Gully – a site long associated with the visual language of Australian landscape painting. On arrival in Hill End, we first visit the studio of Susan Baird. Our visit offers an opportunity to engage directly with her process and to consider how Hill End’s environment continues to shape her artistic response to place. We then continue to La Paloma Pottery – established by Mexican potter Lino Alvarez with his partner Kim Deacon – for a visit and talk, exploring both the working studio and original miner’s cottage. A picnic-style lunch is enjoyed in the village before taking a guided walk through Hill End, tracing its dual legacy of gold mining and artistic practice. In the late afternoon, we follow the Turon River to Sofala for a private visit to the home of painter Amanda Penrose Hart, where dinner is served in her studio. Amanda is the recipient of several major Australian art awards, including the Clayton Utz Art Prize, the Calleen Art Prize and the Gallipoli Art Prize. We return to our hotel in Mudgee in the evening. Overnight Mudgee (B, D)

Day 4 | Tuesday 12 May
Bathurst
Bathurst holds a significant place in the history of inland Australia. Established in 1815 following the crossing of the Blue Mountains, it expanded rapidly during the gold rush of the mid-19th century. Today, its historic fabric supports a growing cultural life, with artists and institutions continuing to shape its identity as a regional centre for the arts. Departing Mudgee, we first travel south to Kelso on the outskirts of Bathurst, where we visit Rosemont, the heritage-listed home and studio of potter Peter Wilson. Built in the 1840s, the property provides a fitting setting to engage with Wilson’s practice, which draws on both historical techniques and contemporary forms. During our visit, we are introduced to his work through a demonstration and discussion, accompanied by morning tea. Continuing into Bathurst, there is time for a break for lunch along Keppel Street before an afternoon visit to the award-winning Central Tablelands Collections Facility. Here, a private viewing offers insight into the conservation and management of regional collections, including works associated with the Hill End artistic community. We then continue to our hotel, followed by dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight Bathurst (B, D)

Day 5 | Wednesday 13 May
Orange
The Central Tablelands around Orange have long supported both agricultural production and creative practice, with artists drawn to the region’s fertile landscapes. In recent decades, Orange has developed into a cultural centre for the region, supported by galleries and museums. Departing Bathurst, we first travel to the rural property of Colleen Southwell. A paper sculpture artist and garden designer, Southwell’s work reflects close observation of her surrounding garden. During our visit, we explore the relationship between her artistic process and the landscape in which it is embedded. Continuing to Orange, we visit the Orange Regional Gallery, whose collection includes significant works by leading Australian artists. After a break for lunch nearby, we continue to the Orange Regional Museum. Later, we transfer to our hotel, with the evening at leisure. Overnight Orange (B)

Day 6 | Thursday 14 May
Millthorpe
One of the most intact 19th-century villages in the Central Tablelands, Millthorpe’s streetscape reflects the prosperity of the gold rush era and the agricultural economy that followed. Classified as a heritage conservation area, the town still retains a cohesive collection of bluestone and timber buildings. After a relaxed morning in Orange, we travel to Millthorpe and visit the local museum, where displays provide insight into the town’s early industries and community life. A guided walk follows, tracing the architectural character of the village and its evolution over time. There is then time to explore the town’s small galleries and shops, including the local antiques store. In the afternoon, we visit Angullong Wines for a tasting, learning how the region’s volcanic soils and cool climate shape its distinctive wine styles. Returning to Orange, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we gather for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Orange (B, WT, D)

Day 7 | Friday 15 May
Sydney via Lithgow
The western slopes of the Blue Mountains mark a transition between coastal New South Wales and the inland regions of the Central West, a landscape that has supported both industry and, more recently, a growing contemporary arts presence. Lithgow, historically associated with mining and manufacturing, is now home to emerging cultural initiatives that reflect this shift. Departing Orange, we travel east to Lithgow to visit the Gang Gang Gallery, a contemporary art space housed within the former Theatre Royal building. During our visit, we are introduced to the gallery’s program and its role in fostering artistic activity in the region, followed by time to explore the current exhibitions. A long lunch is then enjoyed within the gallery, drawing on local produce and offering a final opportunity to reflect on the themes explored throughout the tour. In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Sydney, arriving at Central Station in the early evening. (B, L)