It’s been a cracking start to winter in NSW — with ski season kicking off in style, and an abundance of snowy scenery around the state. The chilly season also brings out the best in small towns around NSW, with a magical dusting of fresh flakes, scenic mountain views, charming eateries by the fire, plenty of slopeside action, and quaint local markets. If you’re wondering where to make the most of the season, there’s one spot on everyone’s radar — the gorgeous cool-climate town of Oberon. This quintessential winter wonderland is the talk of the town, thanks to a generous dusting of snow from Oberon through to Orange, so now’s the time to rug up and head out. Here’s everything you need to see, eat, and do in the mountain town this winter.
Things to do in Oberon this winter
Oberon is particularly well-known for its reliable winter snowfalls, but even without the snow, it still offers a lovely winter escape and the perfect road trip from the city. Visitors can enjoy a mix of cosy indoor experiences, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure, with plenty of natural wonders and lush pine forests right on Oberon’s doorstep.
Make your way to the beautiful Mayfield Garden, a sprawling 64-hectare space that delights visitors in every season. Winter is an especially whimsical time to visit with far fewer crowds, a good chance of snowfall, and the rugged beauty of the garden on full display. As Australia’s largest cool climate garden, Mayfield is a true hidden gem in winter, and if it gets too chilly, just head into the cosy on-site cafe and warm up with a hot drink.
Other winter-specific activities include delicious truffle tastings at RedGround Truffle and the chance to try your hand at truffle hunting at Lowes Mount Truffiere, along with pleasant bushwalks and sweeping views at the nearby Kanangra-Boyd National Park, just a 20-minute drive from Oberon. If you’re keen to linger a little longer, the park has campgrounds like Dingo Dell and Boyd River. Just be sure to pack plenty of layers; the nights can get seriously cold.
Prefer to keep warm inside? Head to The Milbrey Kitchen and Store, which boasts an open fire on cold days, delicious baked goods, and excellent coffee in a charming historic building, or make a beeline for the Mayfield Garden Cafe and get toasty by an outdoor fire pit. Other locally recommended places to eat include Peter’s Cafe Oberon for quality shakes, and brunch classics, King of Kebabs for tasty pizzas, kebabs, and more, and Pick of the Bunch for light snacks, gelato, and more in a forest setting.
What else can you do?
Oberon happens to be just a short drive from the Jenolan Caves — Australia’s oldest and largest, and one of the most iconic spots in the region. While the caves are currently closed for road repairs, they’re definitely worth bookmarking for a future trip. If you’re really keen to explore some caves, the striking Abercrombie Caves and Wombeyan Caves are also just a stone’s throw from Oberon. The town is also known for its moody pine forests, which take on an almost cinematic beauty in the cooler months, perfect for a slow stroll on a wintry day.
If you’re in town on the first Saturday of the month, make sure to swing by the Oberon Community and Farmers Market at the Oberon Showgrounds. You’ll find everything from freshly-baked goods to local produce, handmade jewellery, arts and crafts, and plenty more, all with a lively town atmosphere to boot. Read more about Oberon and find accommodation options here, and if you’re keen to catch snowfall, keep an eye on the weather on the Bureau of Meteorology website before heading out.
Getting there
Oberon is just a 3-hour drive from Sydney and just around an hour if you’re travelling from the Blue Mountains. You can also catch a direct train from Central to Tarana, which would take about 3 hours and then jump on a connecting bus to Oberon — the whole trip would take roughly around 4 hours. Plan your travel on Transport for NSW.