Sydney to Bilpin
Our first stop was Bilpin Farm Fresh Fruit and Veges Orchard on the main road. We were keen to support our local apple farmers. On arrival, they offered us samples of each of their apple varieties. We cheekily asked which was their freshest apples and they gave us some samples of apples that they had picked early that morning. The stand out favourite was the new Kanzi apple and we bought a bag of these for the trip. DELICIOUS!!! Look for Bilpin honey with walnuts – we also bought jars of this. YUM!!
We then enjoyed a tasting paddle of apple ciders at Bilpin Cider. This is definitely worth a visit. It costs $20 a paddle. There were 6 of us sampling (our friends Louise and Renee joined us, as they lived nearby). We requested the smaller chilled glasses and each cider sample filled the 6 glasses.
There are beautiful gardens to walk around. Look for the friendly alpacas.
Grumpy Baker was our last stop in Bilpin (he didn’t seem that bad!!). This is a very popular bakery and we can recommend the gourmet pies, potato and rosemary scrolls, vegetarian sausage rolls and the date and walnut sourdough. DELISH !!! If you visit here on a Saturday morning, get there early as the queues are often down the street!
Bilpin to Lithgow – 51kms
I have been to Lithgow countless times on my way to visit family in Bathurst but have never visited the Small Arms Factory (guns, not miniature limbs 🙂 ). This was not quite my choice of activity but one of my road trip friends was keen. And as so often happens, I found this factory fascinating. So much Lithgow history that I did not know. Of particular note was the steam whistle which sounded 9 times a day and had regulated the life of Lithgow for 80 years. It could be heard as far as Hartley and would set most of the dogs off barking. The fashions of the women working in the factory were definitely interesting. I did not know that this factory also produced singer sewing machines and sunbeam appliances. Look out for the posters encouraging people to work in the factory when it was operational.
Lithgow to Bathurst – 63kms
Our time in Bathurst was spent visiting family. If you have the time, make sure you drive around the raceway circuit at Mount Panorama. Unfortunately you can only go 60kmph …..but it is still a great drive.
Bathurst to Orange – 57kms
Our accommodation in Orange was the Prince Street Cottage and I would definitely recommend. Highlights were the underfloor heating especially in the bedrooms, well- appointed kitchen and pantry staples provided, claw foot bath and beautiful antiques. Very cosy and warm and accommodated 2 couples perfectly.