NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to
Oberon
Top Town: population over 5,000 residents
09:00 Fri 28 April - till - 17:00 Fri 12 May.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
Spectacular scenery in rural NSW at the heart of the Tablelands Way.
With the most spectacular scenery in rural NSW and at the heart of the Tablelands Way experience, Oberon lies on Gundungurra and Wiradjuri country. The town of Oberon is ideally situated just 3 hours drive west of Sydney and north of Canberra. Reach the high country, breathe in our fresh mountain air, and know you are truly on top of the plateau with elevations from 300 to 1,360 metres above sea level. Enjoy the laid-back cool country lifestyle and four true seasons including intermittent snowfalls. From a town population of 200 in the 1880’s it has grown to 5,580, slowly increasing as the benefits of living in such a beautiful area are realised.
Oberon was named in 1863, inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Incredible vistas of the region as you enter from either direction give the feel of being in Shakespeare country and many local roads and buildings are aptly named, such as Titania Motel! Discover more rich history at Oberon’s Museum Precinct. Much of our district is covered by national park, pine forests and agricultural land, so our landscape lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities.
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Our heritage is predominantly agriculture and forestry, and these remain the key industries in our area. Fertile grazing produces the region's beef cattle and sheep; one family-run sheep station receiving the honour of the 2nd highest price ever recorded in Australia for a meat sheep. Be sure to taste quality local produce at monthly Farmers Artisan Markets or relax by an open fire at pubs to sample the local drop. Visit cafes and bespoke shopping outlets where you can meet friendly locals who enthusiastically share their own stories of life in Oberon. Don't forget our five museums.
Field to Forest Festival is an ideal time to visit, not just for our incredible Autumn colour and temperatures but you will be offered an array of activities, such as Wild Mushroom foraging tours, Winemakers, Distillers and Brewers Trail and The Producers Table dinner performance, highlighting many of our passionate talented regional producers. Seasonal events attract a following including Oberon’s Agricultural Show, Rodeo, Redfin Roundup, and Open Gardens.
Showcasing two internationally recognised tourist attractions; the world heritage listed majestic Jenolan Caves and the caves house precinct, oldest and most spectacular limestone formations in the world open 365 days and the magnificent creation Mayfield Garden, largest privately owned cool climate garden in the southern hemisphere open 363 days. Both a ‘must-see’ during your visit.
Oberon offers many opportunities to reconnect in nature and make lifetime memories. Gold was discovered in 1823 and the region is still well known for sapphire and zircon and sometimes gold which attract fossickers to our area, a fun activity for all. Nothing better than settling in by a quiet river panning for gold or sieving for gemstones to find a bit of treasure! Walk or cycle the sealed 6klm historic pioneer rail trail. Stretch your legs on local bushwalks and birdwatch or grab your camera, a picnic and drive out to our magnificent Kanangra-Boyd National Park and it's stunning scenery with accessible lookouts.
Take a rewarding paddle in your kayak on Lake Oberon, open to anglers all year round, free-camp, BBQ your catch, and sit back to watch sunsets over the lake. You can even park your caravan here at Reef Reserve and stay for a few free nights. Described by one visitor as having the most spectacular scenery anywhere in NSW, see for yourself and take a drive through our picturesque countryside to nearby surrounding historic villages, local vineyards, art galleries, delicious country pub lunches, or simply picnic by an idyllic riverbank and find solitude. Encounters with native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and the occasional elusive platypus are common, and the area is home to a vast population of bird species.
Oberon is the hidden gem of the Central Tablelands, and these are just some of the attractions to tempt you, so why not stay awhile, book guided tours or self-guide and take in all we have to offer; something to suit everyone. Whether it’s luxury bed and breakfasts, farm stays offering unique truffle hunts or simply parking your van under a blanket of stars in nature, luxurious to modest accommodation in Oberon has a common thread, traditional hospitality is guaranteed.
During your visit be sure to come into Oberon Visitor Information Centre, open daily 9.30am-5pm, where staff will gladly assist with all your enquiries. Whilst here, take the time to sit and look through a book ‘Living Treasures of Oberon’ a project by Rotary and Caricaturist Mick Joffe. Oberon is the only town in Australia to have done this; a celebration and record of their own words from our oldest generation who have built the district as we know it.
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Four days in Oberon
Surrounded by scenic national parks, pine plantations and agricultural land, Oberon has many outdoor activities for you to explore nature at its absolute best. This relaxed country town has more than you imagine and is the perfect place to make lifetime memories and discover top quality attractions.
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