SEVEN BLOOMING SPRING EVENTS TO PLAN A TRIP AROUND IN CENTRAL NSW

A riot of colour, cool-climate wine, cherry blossoms and golden canola fields await this spring.

If you're looking for a sign to plan a spring escape, this is it. Central NSW will be putting on one of its most photogenic shows of the year, with a suite of blooming good events to tempt city dwellers off the couch and into the countryside.

With a burst of colour — from the yellow glow of canola to the pink blush of cherry blossoms — spring in Central NSW is a visual feast. And the events calendar is just as enticing.

From Cowra to Orange, and Millthorpe to Oberon, the region is packed with festivals and experiences ideal for foodies, families, and nature lovers alike.

The Central NSW Joint Organisation has released its seven must-do events for spring, each one worth the drive (just 2.5 hours from Sydney or Canberra). Here's what not to miss:

1. Canola Season in Cowra and Weddin

September and October 2025, Golden hour takes on a new meaning as rolling canola fields turn the region into a sea of sunshine. Visitors can book joy flights, crop tours and even twilight dinners among the flowers. It’s a seasonal highlight that runs from August to October, depending on conditions.

More: visitcowra.com.au and visitweddin.com.au

2. Capertee Valley Bird Watching Festival

19–20 September 2025. With over 240 bird species and sweeping sandstone escarpments, the Capertee Valley is one of the world’s top birding destinations.

The festival includes guided walks, expert talks and immersive nature experiences suitable for beginners, families and hardcore twitchers alike.

More: caperteevalleybirdfestival.com.au

3. Sakura Matsuri at Cowra Japanese Garden

27 September 2025: Celebrate the cherry blossom season with a full day of Japanese cultural experiences.

“Enjoy kabuki performances, a kimono show, bonsai workshops, taiko drumming, sumo wrestling, Japanese archery, origami, martial arts, dancers, choir performances, kintsugi, ikebana, tea ceremonies, and more.” It's one of the year’s most beloved family-friendly festivals.

More: cowragarden.com.au

4. Orange Wine Festival

17 October to 2 November 2025: The Orange region’s flagship wine event returns with over 40 events across three weekends, showcasing the best of its cool-climate varietals. “From intimate tastings and masterclasses to long lunches in spectacular vineyard settings,” there’s something for every palate.

More: orange360.com.au

5. Spring into Art at Newbridge

17–19 October 2025: Held in the Blayney Shire village of Newbridge, this art celebration features exhibitions, workshops and a new ‘Tiny Church Trail’ through historic buildings in nearby villages. Expect live music, local talent and a dose of old-school charm. More: newbridgensw.com.au

6. Millthorpe Garden Ramble

1–2 November 2025: For green thumbs and garden snoopers, this is your dream weekend. Gardeners across the picturesque village of Millthorpe open their gates, offering visitors a peek into private gardens rich with spring colour and country hospitality. More: millthorpegardenramble.com.au

7. Oberon Outdoor Festival

Throughout November 2025: A full month of nature-based fun, from 4WD tours and fossicking to the RedFin Roundup fishing comp. There’s even a concert series for those who prefer their gumboots clean and their entertainment seated. More: visitoberon.com

Central NSW spans a broad sweep of iconic country towns including Bathurst, Orange, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and Lithgow. For travel ideas, visit centralnsw.com.au.