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7 Gorgeous Spring Escapes to Plan Now in Central NSW
A little forward planning never looked so pretty — spring’s best regional escapes start here.
If winter’s got you down, there’s no better time to swap grey skies for golden fields and garden blooms. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney or Canberra, Central NSW is putting on a show — think rolling canola hills, cherry blossoms in full blush, vineyard picnics, and charming villages that come alive in the spring light.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a slow, scenic escape, this is your sign to pack a bag, hit the highway and make the most of the season. From flower festivals to open gardens and long lunches under the sun, these are seven blooming escapes to bookmark now.
Sip and Stroll Through the Orange Wine Festival
Wine lovers, mark your calendars. The Orange Wine Festival is a springtime celebration of the region’s cool-climate drops, with three weekends of tastings, long lunches, masterclasses, and cellar door fun. Expect paddock-to-plate dining, behind-the-scenes vineyard tours, and the chance to meet the makers behind some of NSW’s most exciting wines — all while soaking up the fresh country air and lush green surrounds.
17 October – 2 November
Orange
Wander the Golden Canola Fields
Every spring, the rolling farmland of Cowra and Weddin transforms into a painterly dreamscape of sun-bright canola fields. The golden blooms are spectacular from the roadside, but you can also up the ante with joy flights, crop-side picnics, twilight dinners and curated tours to the best viewpoints. It’s a photographer’s paradise — and one of the most iconic ways to experience rural NSW in bloom.
September–October
Cowra and Weddin
Art Trails and Tiny Churches in Newbridge
For a dose of culture with your countryside escape, the village of Newbridge is serving up art, history, and a serious helping of spring charm. The Newbridge Art Show takes over the town with exhibitions and workshops from local creatives, while the new Tiny Church Trail leads visitors through nearby villages and historic churches, complete with musical pop-ups and community events. It’s the kind of weekend that feels plucked from a storybook.
17–19 October
Newbridge
See the Cherry Blossoms at Cowra Japanese Garden
If sakura season in Japan is on your bucket list, this may be the next best thing. Cowra’s Japanese Garden bursts into bloom each spring, with the Sakura Matsuri festival bringing a full day of Japanese cultural magic — from taiko drumming and kabuki performances to bonsai workshops, tea ceremonies and even sumo wrestling. With market stalls, food, and hands-on activities for all ages, this is the kind of festival that leaves your camera roll full and your heart fuller.
27 September
Japanese Garden, Cowra
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Tulip Time Festival, Bowral
Spring in the Southern Highlands? It doesn’t get more photogenic than Tulip Time. Returning for its 65th year, this iconic floral fest transforms Bowral’s heritage-listed Corbett Gardens into a technicolour wonderland of 80,000 blooming tulips and spring annuals.
But it’s not just about the flowers — expect live music, artisan stalls, and home-baked CWA scones that give grandma’s recipe a run for its money. New this year? Extended Saturday hours until 6pm, so you can linger a little longer among the blooms (and maybe sneak in a vino and dinner in Bowral after). Whether you’re road-tripping with mates or bringing the whole fam, this is a spring escape that delivers serious bloom for your buck.
12 September – 6 October
Corbett Gardens, Bowral
Garden-Hopping in Millthorpe
Dust off your straw hat and get ready to ramble — the Millthorpe Garden Ramble invites you to explore this quaint village’s most beautiful private gardens, from leafy cottage plots to sprawling country estates. It’s a celebration of spring colour, community, and creativity, with local cafes and boutiques adding extra charm to your garden-hopping adventure.
1–2 November
Millthorpe Village
Birdwatching in the Capertee Valley
Home to more than 240 bird species, the Capertee Valley is one of Australia’s top birdwatching spots — and the Bird Watching Festival gives curious twitchers a front-row seat. Guided walks, expert talks and family-friendly events invite you to tune into nature and learn from local experts. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply love the great outdoors, this is a weekend full of wild wonders.
19–20 September
Capertee Valley
From wine-filled weekends to flower-filled photo ops, spring in Central NSW is nothing short of magical. With so many towns turning on the charm, now’s the time to plan a weekend getaway (or three). Pack your camera, prep the playlists, and hit the road — adventure is blooming just beyond the city.
If you loved this edit of the spring events happening in regional in NSW, be sure to check out our favourite walks on the south coast and central coast, too.
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