Batlow

Things to do

Batlow is undeniably best known, and deservedly so, for its apples. The biggest apple of them all is not edible, it is one of Australia’s ‘big things’. The Big Apple sits in an orchard out of town, paying tribute to the fruit growers who have kept the economy going for well over a century. You can pick your own apples and other fresh produce at farm gates. Wilgro Orchards sells apples and cherries from a roadside stall during the picking season. You can also buy apples and cherries in season at the Mouat's Farm Shop, as well as free range eggs, homemade jams and local honey. For a different type of glimpse into farm life, visit Yesteryear Plantations to learn about growing and producing eucalyptus oil, and peruse the on-property shop.

Wilgro Orchard, Batlow

Learn about the area by visiting the Batlow Historical Society Museum. Discover stories of the pioneers, and learn about visionary orchardist Herbert Velvin Smith, who made Batlow famous for apples thanks to his cold-storage development and co-operative fruit marketing. Batlow also has some great walks and scenic drives in the Bago State Forest, which runs from Batlow to Blowering Dam.

Created by the team behind Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi, the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is a 150km permanent public collection of nearly 60 sculptures in 12 locations across the Snowy Valleys. Discover sculptures by artists from 14 countries in the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Talbingo. Tumbarumba and Tumut, as well as a number of vineyards and state forests.

Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, Tumut - Credit: Grant Hardwick/Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail

Festival fun

The small town hosts a number of festivals each year to celebrate its delicious produce, which includes cherries, pears and berries and cider. Batlow CiderFest is an annual community street party in May with market stalls, boutique ciders, gourmet food, live music and more. 

Batlow CiderFest, Batlow - Credit: Jack of Hearts Studio

Eat & drink

In a town that is all about apples, it’s little surprise that cider is a staple. Drop into Crafty Cider’s cellar door for a tasting, open on weekends from 11am to 4pm. Batlow Café does coffee and brunch, and Batlow Bakery serves baked classics like meat pies and sausage rolls. For pub fare, The Batlow Hotel has been recently renovated and has a fantastic beer garden, as well as regular live music.

Orchard in the Snowy Valleys

Getting there

Batlow is a delightful rural escape. It is a five-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne, and 2.5 hours from Canberra. You can fly into Wagga Wagga Airport, then it is an hour’s drive to Batlow. Albury Airport is two hours’ drive, and it is just over 2.5 hours' drive from the Snowy Mountains Airport near Cooma.