One of the oldest towns west of the Blue Mountains, Wellington’s colonial heritage, peaceful gardens and beautiful lake make it ideal for adventure lovers and history buffs alike. Stroll around its spacious parks, have a drink in its historic hotel bars and soak up the atmosphere of small-town life.

Things to do

Explore the depths of the Wellington Caves, where two-million-year-old megafauna skeletons sit alongside a giant stalagmite called the Rock Altar and sparkling coral formations in Gaden Cave. Lake Burrendong is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Try your hand at catching redfin and Murray cod, do some sailing and water-skiing on the lake or have a barbecue dinner on the banks.

Looking for a tranquil escape? Burrendong Arboretum has one of the largest collections of native plants in Australia. Take a self-drive tour, have a leisurely picnic and purchase unique plants not available in most nurseries. Head to Osawano Japanese Gardens to see the manicured landscapes covered in cherry blossoms in spring and a riot of colour in autumn, while the series of reflective pools look beautiful year-round.

Oxley Museum is worth a stop for its fascinating displays on military and medical history and exhibitions of textiles and wedding gowns. For vibrant Outback art, check out the Eris Fleming Gallery or buy handcrafted work made from recycled timber at the Caves Wood Gallery.

Getting around

Wellington is a 4.5-hour drive from Sydney or you can fly into Dubbo Airport, 60 kilometres north of Wellington. The downtown area is compact and makes for a pleasant walk, while a local bus service covers most of the town and surrounding rural attractions.