simple country pleasures canowindra molong cargo yeoval borenore eugowra manildra mullion creek cudal cumnock nashdale www.cabonnecountry.comCABONNE COUNTRY Cabonne Country, Australia’s Food Basket is a rich rural shire in Central NSW, covering the Villages of Borenore, Canowindra, Cargo, Cudal, Cumnock, Eugowra, Manildra, Molong, Mullion Creek and Yeoval. Situated a comfortable 3.5 hour drive from Sydney and Canberra, the villages of Cabonne offer a diverse range of wonderful attractions, some of the best food and wine in regional Australia, a rich history and heritage and a clean crisp environment where you can unwind, relax and refresh. Each of the villages in Cabonne has their own unique history and Australian charm, which draws many people to their pleasant and relaxing country lifestyle. The Villages of Cabonne is the place to experience real “Aussie bush” friendliness. The area is home to the site of Australia’s first gold rush and is famous for ballooning, food and wine, agriculture and mining. The food and wine you will find in Cabonne Country reflects Cabonne’s sunny days, robust soils and the many hands that join to create the finished product. Why not tuck into freshly baked bread, try prize-winning local sausages or pick a selection of locally produced products such as honey, olive oil or lavender hand cream to take home and savour. Roll along a country lane as the hills catch the last rays of a golden sunset. And at night, behold the glory of the everlasting stars. Borenore / Nashdale 4 Cargo 5 Canowindra 6 Cudal 8 Cumnock 9 Eugowra 10 Manildra 11 Molong 12 Mullion Creek 14 Yeoval 15 Lifestyle 16 Area Map 17 Events 18 Wine 20 Produce 22 Art Galleries 23 Food & Dining 24 Accommodation 26 Visitor Information Centres 28 4 Borenore, located just 14km out of Orange, is a small rural community surrounded by orchards, vineyards and agriculture farming. Borenore is home to the Australian National Field Days, which attracts over 50,000 people throughout the 3 days in October each year. Borenore Caves Reserve, approximately 15 mins out of Orange on the Escort Way, is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Wander over the well- developed walking tracks and explore the many wonders, including the Tunnel Cave, Arch Cave and the unique landscape fieldthat develops whendays water interacts with the soluble rock, limestone. Tables andcaves wood fired barbeques are provided at the picnic area of the reserve. Surrounding Borenorefruit why not & take theberries time to explore some of the tastes of the region. There are numerous wineries all producing wine of unique and distinct character,wineries a fig orchard and berry farm where you can pick your own berries, farm gates, three cafes, two restaurants, a function centre and a general store which boasts one of the largest collections of local wine in the region. Attractions | 02 6392 3200 Borenore Caves Escort Way towards Cudal www.environment.nsw.gov.au Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area Mt Canobolas Rd, Mt Canobolas www.environment.nsw.gov.au 5 Cargo, situated 35km south west of Orange is a small country hamlet with a population of approximately 250. The town has a unique history as gold mining in the late 1860’s led to the establishment of the township and in 1869 Cargo was proclaimed a goldfield. During the period of 1869-1899 the town swelled to a population of around 7,000 and boasted three hotels, a bank, several business houses, three churches, two schools, a flour mill, community hall, butter factory, gold crushing field days plant, a racecourse and sporting grounds for tennis, cricket and football. The village today offers visitors and residents a chance to relax with a slower pace of life, whilst still fruit & berries enjoying the services of a general store/post office, primary school, church and hotel. The facilities of nearby Orange are but a short drive away. lifestyle unique history relax 6 Canowindra is located at the southern end of the Cabonne Shire, 33km from Cowra and 63kms from Orange. Canowindra is well known for its warm climate wines with a number of boutique cellar doors, where you can meet the wine maker. Canowindra’s mainvineyards street presents a streetscape of outstanding historical significance. The street is a very unusual shape, following the crooked route of the old bullock track and is unaffected by time complete withart late nineteenthscene century architecture. Canowindra is also world famous for its 360 million year old fossil find, now housed in the Age of Fishes Museum. Here the original slabs, audio and visual displays make for an interactive tour for the whole family. Canowindra is home to a flourishing art scene, hosting a wide collection of art galleries showing works by local and visiting painters, potters and artisans. The main street boasts boutique retail stores and assorted shops that offer the friendly country service for which the Villages of Cabonne Country are known. There are also many quaint country pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to fossilappease your museumappetite. Accommodationballooning options are varied carrying the charm and friendliness of the town. Options range from lavish rooms on a vineyard, luxury stone cottages with breathtaking views overlooking the magnificent Lachlan valley and boutique B&Bs to a fully serviced caravan park, well appointed motel and a heritage listed guesthouse located in Canowindra’s historic main street. Don’t be surprised to come across some real secrets whilst exploring the many vineyards 7 located around Canowindra. There are over a dozen vineyards and wineries offering tastings of exceptional award winning wines, presented with pride and passion. Canowindra hosts many events celebrating local food and wine. Art exhibitions are held on a regular basis at any one of the town’s art galleries. Canowindra has various educational facilities including a high school, a primary school and a Catholic primary school as well as a preschool and playgroup. The village is home to 2 doctors, a visiting veterinary clinic and ambulance and fire services. Canowindra caters for the elderly with the Moyne Eventide Home. Attractions | 02 6344 1008 Age of Fishes Museum Cnr Gaskill & Ferguson Sts Open 7 days 10am–4pm www.ageoffishes.org.au Canowindra Historical Museum Gaskill St | 02 6344 1747 Open Sundays 2pm-4pm or by appt. 8 Cudal, a friendly country town 35km west of Orange, is surrounded by prime agricultural land offering spectacular scenery and is a sight to behold during cropping season when Canola spreads a yellow glow across the village. The wide main street compliments the relaxed lifestyle Cudal offers. Cudal has one primary school and bus services to Orange, Canowindra and Molong for high school students. The village boasts a new hospital, swimming pool and sports oval. The many proactive community groups such as the Progress Association, Lions and Pony Club ensures the town is always looking its best, managing many beautification projects around the village. Cudal’s dining experience includes cafes and pubs & clubs and there is even a small motel and caravan park to make your base while exploring the surrounding vineyards and attractions. Attractions | 02 6364 2038 Cabonne Food, Wine & Cultural Centre Main St, Cudal | 02 6364 2038 Fri-Sun, 10am-4pm agriculture relaxed lifestyle 9 Cumnock is a tranquil rural village located about 4 hours west of Sydney. Cumnock is centrally located between the wineries surrounding Orange, the Dubbo Zoo, Parkes Radio Telescope and the Wellington Caves, so “call in for a cuppa” or lunch from the Old Court House Café and enjoy the historical ambience of one of the smallest towns in the shire. Cumnock has a wide main street flanked by vibrantly painted telegraph poles, a large shady park with a BBQ and picnic tables, plus a children’s playground with a super-heroes mural. Cumnock is a keen sporting community where Wallaby legends like John White, Tim Gavinarchitecture and Ross Reynolds were born. Cumnock hostsstreetscapes many sporting facilities including a public swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green, golf course, squash court, bike tracks, cricket and football oval, showground and pony club. The Playgroup, preschool and Public School are well attended. Cumnock is reliant on the rural sector and much of the farming area is used for wool production, sheep and cattle, and grain growing. Small businesses include a well-stocked general store, cafe, bowling club, hotel, rural supplies and stock transportation. Cumnock has a dedicated and very strong community base, many volunteers work together to keep this rural town alive. Attractions | 02 6367 7552 The Happy Poles of Cumnock Obley St, Cumnock 10 Eugowra is located in the rich Lachlan River basin, between Orange and Forbes. The short drive from Canowindra to Eugowra is spectacular with hills and valleys, bush and farmland and old and new buildings to discover. The town is unique due to the imposing large granite boulders which lie between the houses and gardens. Granite used for the construction of the new Parliament House came from the hills around Eugowra, supplied by the local Granite Mill. Eugowra isbushrangers known for its history of bushrangers and explorers. The only gold escort robbery in New South Wales took place at Escort Rock, 3km east of Eugowra.explorers In 1862 Frank Gardiner’s bushranging gang, including the infamous Ben Hall, made off with the loot including 2,917 oz’s of gold and 3,700 pounds of sterling cash, but a portion of the total value of 14,000 pounds sterling was never recovered! There are many experiences to be had in and around Eugowra. Why not throw a line into the Lachlan River, explore Nangar National Park, visit Escort Rock or simply stroll through the main street and explore the gifts and craft stores.