Oberon

Garden of dreams

As far as cool-climate gardens go in Australia, they don’t get any more grander than Mayfield Garden. This glorious privately-owned estate is the largest of its kind in the country, inspired by the grand gardens of England. Following winding pathways through a Japanese-style water garden, with wooden bridges leading to hidden grottos, waterfalls and secret nooks; take a rowboat onto the lake; or admire the 13m obelisk, framed by an avenue of plane trees. The garden also hosts seasonal festivals and summer glamping, while a cafe utilises fresh produce grown on-site.

Mayfield Garden, Oberon

Outdoor adventure

While the timber industry is one of Oberon’s biggest employers, the pine forests that give the town its European ambience have also become a tourist attraction in their own right, with a network of trails providing opportunities for walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and 4WDs.  

Explore the wilderness on one of the many great drives. Beginning in Oberon, the historic 4WD Oberon Colong Historic Stock Route takes you through the southern part of Blue Mountains National Park and the historic mining ghost town of Yerranderie. Stop at the serene Oberon Dam on your way, a popular spot for trout fishing.  

Yerranderie Regional Park, Oberon

The open country of the Oberon district is ideal for horse riding, with breathtaking views and trails for riders of all abilities. High Country Trail Rides and Yarrabin Holiday Ranch are two long-established riding operations with great reputations. High Country Trail Rides also offers quad-bike tours through the mountains as well as farm tours and on-site cottages, if you can’t bear to leave. 

Only half an hour away by car, Jenolan Caves is a world-class wonderland, a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone caves sculpted by underground rivers. Both Abercrombie Caves and Wombeyan Caves are also nearby. 

River Cave system, Jenolan Caves

Local growers & produce

On the first Saturday of each month the Oberon Community and Farmers Market is held at Oberon Showgrounds, with freshly baked breads and pastries, locally grown fruits and vegetables, preserves, art and crafts, designer jewellery, plants and alpaca products.

In autumn, foragers descend upon the forests to hunt for mushrooms. Meanwhile, winter is truffle season. Join experts and trained truffle-hunting dogs for a tour, followed by a tasting, with RedGround Truffle Hunts. Or visit during the annual Field to Forest festival in April to celebrate the harvest. 

RedGround Truffle Hunts - Credit: Jill O'Grady | RedGround Australia

Where to stay 

Farmstays and rural retreats are a signature of the Oberon district. Commune with friendly farmyard animals at High Country Farm Stay or Avaleigh Elms Farmstay; or stay in a comfortable cabin at Melaleuca Mountain Retreat.  

Melaleuca Mountain Retreat, Duckmaloi - Credit: Melaleuca Resort Holdings Pty Ltd

Getting there  

Oberon is a three-hour drive from Sydney, or an hour from the Blue Mountains. You can also catch a train to Tarana, then catch a connecting coach service to Oberon. The whole journey takes around four hours.