As temperatures drop across NSW, many of the state’s coolest destinations come into their own, with foggy mornings, crispy country air and the chance of snowfall drawing visitors from around the state. A go-to destination this time of year is Oberon, a picturesque town on the Central Tablelands that offers a refreshing change of pace for travellers looking to truly lean into the season. Sitting well over a thousand metres above sea level, Oberon experiences a beautiful winter that sets it apart from typical weekend spots, with dense pine forests, beautiful gardens, country pubs, a hyper-local food scene and yes, the occasional snowfall. If you’re looking to plan a dreamy cold-weather escape, here are the best things to see, eat and do in Oberon this winter.
How to make the most of winter in Oberon
Autumn and winter are generally considered the best times to visit Oberon, with many of the region’s finest experiences available, or at their best, during the colder months. If you’re lucky, a cold snap may even bring a dusting of snow, transforming the town’s streets, surrounding farmland and towering pine forests into a striking winter landscape. While never guaranteed, it’s one of the few places in NSW where visitors have a realistic chance of seeing snow.
Winter is also truffle season, making this one of the town’s biggest drawcards. Oberon has earned a reputation as one of the state’s leading truffle-growing areas, with local farms such as RedGround offering seasonal truffle hunts led by specially trained dogs, along with tastings and farm experiences that showcase the prized ingredient at its freshest.
No visit is complete without spending time at Mayfield Garden, Australia’s largest cool-climate garden. Covering 64 hectares, the expansive destination takes on a completely different character during winter, when bare deciduous trees, rolling lawns, fireside eateries and misty mornings perfect for a long stroll. If you’re looking to venture a little further and enjoy the great outdoors, nearby Kanangra-Boyd National Park offers spectacular lookouts, bushwalking trails and camping surrounded by dramatic escarpments and ancient wilderness, making for another memorable way to experience the Central Tablelands during the cooler months.
Where to eat and shop
Winter is the time for wholesome comfort food, and there are plenty of cosy spots to warm up with a good meal around Oberon. For a long-running local staple, head into the front bar of the Royal Hotel Oberon. Originally established in 1881, you can grab a table right next to a roaring log fire and grab some classic pub-grub at the inviting spot.
For something more casual, Peter’s Cafe Oberon is a local favourite for hearty breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches and classic milkshakes, while Pick of the Bunch offers light meals, coffee and sweet treats. For freshly baked goods like pies, breads and sandwiches head to Oberon Pies and Pastries and further down the main street, The Milbrey Kitchen & Store is a chic local eatery inside a beautifully preserved historic storefront.
If you are hunting for regional specialties to take home, make time to browse the local storefronts around town. Places like Barker’s Butchery stock premium meats and frozen foods while Seasonal Threads offers women’s clothing, accessories and more. For more local shopping, coordinate your trip with the first Saturday of the month to catch the Oberon Community and Farmers Market, which brings together local growers, makers and artists offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts and homewares.
Read more about Oberon and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Oberon is around a 3-hour drive west of Sydney via the Blue Mountains. It’s also about an hour from Katoomba and just under an hour from Bathurst. If you’re travelling by public transport, catch a train from Sydney to Tarana, then connect to a coach service into Oberon. Visitors travelling via the Blue Mountains should also check the latest traffic conditions before setting off, as changes to the Great Western Highway may affect travel times. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
