Experience Trails

Goulburn - A City of Commerce

Goulburn is an attractive city with an eclectic collection of colonial architecture. It has a rich commercial and industrial history that helped shaped Australia as we know it today. Learn about the people who shaped Australia’s first inland city, such as the influential Jewish community, whose wool trading put Goulburn firmly on the map. Experience the oldest working industrial complex in Australia - Goulburn Brewery - and discover the story of the first railway venture in Australia.

Welcome to The Tablelands Way experience

Welcome to a world of ancient lands and stunning landscapes. A world of incredible natural diversity and accessible adventures. A world of fine wines, gourmet foods and heart warming hospitality. Welcome to a world enriched by the history of its pioneers and the towns and villages they leave behind. Welcome to The Tablelands Way experience

Adventures - Oberon

Adventure caving Jenolan

Francis Barrallier made three attempts to cross the Blue Mountains, more than 200 years ago. Bushwalking to the ruggedly beautiful Blue Breaks is just one way that you can experience this history. Thanks to the tireless work of Myles Dunphy large parts of the region around Oberon are protected as National Parks. However you choose to enjoy them, from fishing to caving, camping to canyoning, mountain biking or bushwalking, you will be doing so thanks to the extraordinary vision of one of the world’s great conservationists.
 

Adventures of The Tablelands Way experience

If you love adventure then The Tablelands Way experience is a dream come true. You can go canoeing at Dunns Swamp or canyoning in the Newnes State Forest area. You can visit the Glow Worm Tunnel near Lithgow and then mountain bike to the Wolgan Valley. You can experience the magnificent underground world of Jenolan Caves or revel in the beauty of nature while bushwalking in any of the region’s National Parks. Whatever your own personal adventure it is sure to live with you forever.

Bushrangers of The Tablelands Region

For many years the Tablelands region was terrorised by bushrangers. Some of these villains have gone down in history as romantic heroes, but all committed terrible crimes. Visit the towns and villages where infamous outlaws such as Ben Hall and Frank Gardiner lived their lives and discover how they earned their reputations.

Bushrangers of Upper Lachlan

The hills of Upper Lachlan Shire and the twists and turns of its roads made it the perfect location for bushrangers wishing to stage an ambush. For many years the area was terrorised by outlaws such as Ben Hall, John Dunn and Frank Gardiner. Visit the historic villages where they committed their crimes and get to know how these notorious criminals lived and died.

First Settlers - Taralga

Taralga is a village steeped in the past. Its well preserved nineteenth century architecture offers a glimpse of its early life. Learn about the settlers who made their homes here, from the aristocratic Macarthur family who owned Taralga in its early days, to the professionals who serviced the village, the tenant farmers and convicts that worked the land. Their stories are rich and varied, and their influences live on.

Food & Wine of The Tablelands Way

The Tablelands region is the perfect gourmet destination. From the exceptional wines of Mudgee, Canberra and Rylstone to the delicious olives and succulent berries that grow throughout the area, your tastebuds will be delighted at every turn. You can catch your own trout in many of the region’s waters or forage for wild mushrooms in Oberon. If that sounds like too much effort why not relax with a drink and discover a little history at Australia’s oldest brewery, in Goulburn?

Life in the 1800s along The Tablelands Way

The 1800s saw enormous change and development in the Tablelands region. The arrival of the railways caused towns such as Goulburn and Mudgee to boom. Industries such as wool, gold and oil shale supported the region’s growing prosperity. The Tablelands area is littered with remnants of this industrial success, from the Zig Zag railway, an engineering masterpiece of its time, to the Glow Worm Tunnel, a relic from the Newnes Oil Shale Works. At both these sites and more you can experience the region’s history while enjoying some of nature’s wonders.

Geological Wonders of The Tablelands Way experience

From the Capertee Valley, which is deeper and longer than the Grand Canyon, to the spectacular limestone underworld of Jenolan Caves, The Tablelands Way experience is awash with geological wonders. Each one is as beautiful as it is ancient, and most are accessible to the visitor. Explore this exhilarating landscape and discover how it was born.

Gold and Gems

The Tablelands Way experience is littered with towns and villages, built on the back of the discovery of gold and gems. Gold, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and more have been mined in the Tablelands area. Learn how these towns quickly boomed and enjoy well preserved nineteenth century architecture. You can even try fossicking for yourself. You never know what you might find.

Gulgong - The Gold Rush Town

Gulgong is one of the best preserved gold rush towns and is a wonderful place to get a flavour of the period. There is plenty of original period architecture and you can step inside a recreated gold rush home at the Pioneer Museum. You can see where gold was first discovered and discover how the town boomed as a result. You can learn how gold still played a part in the town after the end of the gold rush, and how it continues to do so today.

Jenolan

The Jenolan Caves complex is the oldest open cave system in the world and is home to some stunning natural rock formations. Its underground environment supports a surprising diversity of life, with many species endemic to Jenolan. Whether you enjoy crawling and squeezing your way through to less frequently visited parts of the cave system, or prefer to join one of many available show cave tours, this hauntingly beautiful underworld is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Mudgee Food and Wine

Sample some of Mudgee’s famous wines at more than 40 cellar doors. Visit the farmers market and meet the makers while you sample their produce. You’ll find everything from Salt bush lamb, to fresh fruit and vegetables and locally made cheeses and preserves. Or dine in one of Mudgee’s top class restaurants. However you choose to indulge your tastebuds there is an unforgettable experience waiting for you in Mudgee.

Nature Encounters Lithgow

The Lithgow area provides fantastic opportunities for nature encounters. The magnificent Capertee Valley, a wonder of nature in itself, is home to a huge variety of plants and animals. Countless varieties of eucalypt and plants such as orchids, lilies herbs and sedges support a huge diversity of birds. Species from Cockatoos to Lyrebirds, Kingfishers to Lorikeets and the endangered Regent Honeyeater are all found here, along with many others.

Nature Encounters of The Tablelands Way

The Tablelands Way experience is full of nature encounters. Discover its abundance of hidden treasures. From rare and endangered animals to fascinating plant communities you will find something new at every turn. Learn about the plants and animals that make the region their home and experience the simply staggering diversity of life.

Rivers of The Tablelands Way experience

The Tablelands region is brought to live by the numerous rivers that criss-cross the landscape. Enjoy their natural beauty and discover the vital role they play providing fresh water, not only for the region’s local residents, but for the people of Sydney too. See how they have shaped the landscape and experience the diverse plant and animal communities that they support.

The First Settlers of The Tablelands Region

Exploring the villages and homesteads of the Tablelands region reveals a rich and fascinating history. Learn about the first Europeans to settle there, and find out who made this possible with the extraordinary achievement of a road across the Blue Mountains. Visit historic villages, see their original nineteenth century buildings, and learn how each village developed.

The Riparian Environment of Abercrombie River

Experience one of nature’s most important environments, on the banks of the Abercrombie River. Learn how riparian environments play a vital role in sustaining wildlife and discover the huge diversity of life they support. You can swim in the river, explore it in a canoe, or bushwalk along its banks. However you choose to experience it you will discover an ecological oasis of rare beauty.