Written by Natalie Williams
The Orange campus is nestled in the heart of Central West NSW, which means that no matter which direction you head in for a day trip, you’re bound to stumble upon beautiful scenery, exciting adventures, or even your new favourite getaway spot.
After a year of studying on the Orange campus, I’ve done a fair bit of exploring in my free time. Here are my top three day trips:
Cowra Japanese Gardens
Cowra is a charming regional town located 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Orange. It might surprise you to find such a serene and breathtaking place tucked away here – the Japanese Garden. This peaceful retreat is perfect for recharging, grounding yourself, or simply unwinding.
The garden has an entry fee of $15 for students, and that gives you access to the stunning gardens, a gift shop, a cultural centre and a lovely café. Whether you’re settling in for a chill study session on the grass, grabbing a bite to eat, joining a bonsai workshop or soaking in the culture and history of the gardens, there’s something there for everyone.
Summer Hill Creek Falls
This one requires a bit of adventurous spirit, but it is definitely worth it in the end. These are beautiful falls that 20-30 minutes from the Orange campus, they are located where Summer Hill Creek intersects Ophir Road. You then can park on the left side of the road at Fourth Crossing picnic area. Then cross onto the right side of the road and you will come across a walking track, which takes you no longer than 15 minutes to the falls. The falls have pool where you can swim and chill out by, as well as wildlife and nature that you can observe.
Dubbo Zoo
Dubbo is another regional town that is located 1 hours and 45 minutes from Orange. It has the Taronga Western Plains zoo, which has animal encounters, tours and heaps more exciting activities. Entry for students is around $40 for general admission, but some activities may require an additional payment. The zoo also has a café or multiple picnic tables to enjoy some food during your day at the zoo.
The zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from over 350 different species, so no doubt you will have a cool adventure, learn something new and have a closeup encounter with animals whilst your there.
Whether you’re into nature, culture, or wildlife, these day trips offer something unique and memorable. Grab some mates, hit the road, and start exploring!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
