Looking for an authentic Aussie weekend getaway for our overseas guests?

Question

Our friends from Europe want to experience the traditional Australian lifestyle. The outback, horses, sheep, gold panning, the bush etc.

Are there any places to do all of this a short drive from Sydney?

Answer 1

Chesleigh Homestead sounds like the place to go. It is in Sofala, near Bathurst, which is around 3 hours west of Sydney, over the Blue Mountains.



In the words of the Sydney Weekender website - They’ve got horseriding, goldpanning, bush poetry and more top tucker than you can poke your out-of-service mobile phone at!



It is an easy drive there and they can stop in the Blue Mountains on the way. Perhaps go on the Zig Zag Railway, see The Three Sisters, go on the cable car etc in Katoomba or check out the antiques in Leura, followed by a Devonshire Tea.

Bathurst is only an hour drive or so from Katoomba.

Answer 2

The problem here is in the .."a short drive from Sydney" requirement.



Your best bet is to head out to Katoomaba and the Blue Mountains. Ther are plenty of horseback riding and sheep shearing demos out there in places where you can rent a weekender. It will cost though.



six foot track link below sounds good. I havent done it but Jenolam caves is a must see for tourists and if you can stay nearby and get horse riding as well, I think all your prerequistites will be met.