Art in the Vines
Nearby
Every fancied learning how to paint? Perhaps with a tipple to go along with it? Check out Stockman's Ridge Wines' Art in the Vines, where you can learn to paint iconic vineyard views ... with some bubbles. The instructor will impart some nifty painting techniques too. February 5, Boree Lane, Lidster, 0407307919
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Banjo Paterson
Coming up
Fancy yourself a poet? Can you recite? Love the works of poet Banjo Paterson? Then this festival is for you. It celebrates all things Banjo. There will be gigs, dinners, markets, barbecues and history in the making. February 13-21, Orange, Various.
Friday gigs
At home
After a tough year with few gigs Heifer Station Wines is doing their bit to keep the live music scene afloat with a series of intimate shows on a Friday night. The initial limit is 50 people (wet weather seating), with more allocations if the skies stay fine. Acts are Gabe Music (Feb 5), James Thomson (Feb 12) and The O'Donnells (Feb19). There will be a mystery pop up food vendor for your snacks and part of the proceed go back to the artist. All ages, no BYO food or drink, seated event, 1034 The Escort Way, Orange.
Wild swimming
At home + Road trip
Thinking about a day out for a picnic and dip? Lake Canobolas has plenty to entertain (including flking foxes for the kids) as well as water to muck around in. Pack a bike and try out the 3km circuit around the lake or the mountain bike trails nearby. If you're in Dubbo take yourself down to the Macquarie Rive for a swim, a paddle (thinking kayaking/canoeing here) or to just sit in the shade under a tree and throw a fishing line in. Further afield try Flat Rock (near O'Connell, off Mutton Falls Road at the Fish River) or Clarence Dam (or Dam Cliffs) - a free swimming hole that is both deep and cool (Chifley Road, east of Lithgow). Grove Creek, a hour's drive south of Bathurst, is worth the drive after recent rain, but make sure you swim away from Grove Creek Falls. Wallaby Rocks on the Turon River west of the village of Sofala is lovely, but doesn't have facilities so you'll need to pack for that.
The Long Road
Home + Road Trip
Thinking of hitting the road for a camping holiday this year? A lot of people are and there are some great locations in the Central West and (way) beyond. You can start in Dubbo with visits to the Farmers Markets, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and the city's historic streets. Then hit the road heading west. Visit Silverton, Wilcannia and Walgett (try the thermal artesian bore baths), look at fish traps in Brewarrina and paddle boat in Bourke. The entire trail is 930km following the Darling River. Should take six days or so (depending on how much you linger longer). Don't forget to back the mosquito repellent and the sunscreen. Check out https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/drives-and-road-trips/central-to-outback-nsw
Orange F.O.O.D
Plan Ahead
Orange's F.O.O.D (Food of Orange District) week will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year (COVID willing). Australia's longest running regional food festival is a 10-day community event celebrating Orange's food and wine - from farmers to chefs and restaurants. Among this year's signature events are Shining the Light on Local Producers, the Sampson Street Lunch, a 30th anniversary dinner, Taste Local on the Lawn and a Sunday producers market and brunch. A decision on whether Forage will be held will be made on January 31, pending COVID conditions. Orange F.O.O.D, April 9-18. Various venues. Tickets available at orangefoodweek.com.au.
Berry picking
Nearby
Tis the season for yummy berries. And what better way to enjoy the bounty of early summer than to pick your own at Huntley Berry Farm. Grab a bucket and wander around some of their 11 berry varieties, including strawberries and raspberries. 1024 Huntley Rd, Huntley, open Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm. Entry: gold coin donation.
200 years on
Road trip + Last Chance
How much have we as a nation changed in the past 200 years? That's a good question. Ronnie Grammatica explores this in his latest portraiture works, inspired by the 1818 Macquarie River expedition of British explorer John Oxley. Ronnie's journey, from outsider to being part of the community, was a lens through which he looked at cultural identity and individual stories. He was born in Italy and migrated to Australia seven years ago. While you're there, swing by Concrete: art design architecture, which looks at the ways concrete is being used by artists, designers and architects. Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo. Ends February 7.
Inherit exhibit
Nearby
Big events, big personalities, lives lived and experiences shared are all part of Orange Regional Museum's newest long-term exhibition. Inherit: Old and New Histories takes a look at the region using more than 100 objects with stories that have shaped the area's history. 151 Byng St, Orange. Runs until September 5, 2021.
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