Carcoar is hands-down the prettiest little historic village I’ve ever seen, and it’s the perfect stop on a NSW road trip – for a day or for a few nights. When you visit Carcoar you’ll find beautiful heritage buildings and boutiques, stunning landscape, pretty sunsets and some of the most fascinating NSW history from convicts to tramlines and bushrangers. The town is nestled in little valley on the Belubula River, a hidden gem just off the highway and so easy to get to if you’re on a trip around central western NSW (in fact I’ve even change my rate to make sure I made it here). We also loved visiting Cowra and Canowindra on our road trip in our Apollo Campervan.
Carcoar was settled in 1821, the displacement and treatment of local Aboriginies in the area contributed to the Bathurst Wars led by the Indigenous warrior Windradyne. Carcoar was also in the midst of bushranger and outlaw convict attacks, especially during the gold rush. In 1863 the infamous bushrangers Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert and John O’Meally held up its Commerical Bank in broad daylight and even though they got away with nothing, it was Australia’s first ever bank robbery! John Fagan – who was the coach driver during the infamous gold-escort robbery at Eugowra – and is thought to have possibly made his fortune from said robbery!
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Wiradjuri people, and pay respect to their Elders, past present and future.
We spent ages here roaming around and following the old abandoned railway tracks, eating, shopping and checking out the gorgeous historic buildings. Main Street has little cafes and divine homeware and the renowned Antica Australis Italian restaurant. The Royal Hotel Carcoar in the Main Street also does delicious meal – we stopped in for lunch and I had crumbed cutlets and Em had her usual, bangers and mash.
Where is Carcoar?
The town is nestled in a little valley along the Belubula River, about three and a half hours from Sydney, 40 minutes from Canowindra and 45 minutes from Orange. It’s a beautiful drive here and absolutely worth a visit.
Where to stay
If you have a van you can free camp at Carcoar Dam or make your way to the lovely caravan park just down the road at Blayney.
Carcoar also has some lovely AirBNBs.
Best things to do in Carcoar:
Wander the heritage streets
Just pop your feet on the ground and off you go – up Main Street, then back over the Belubula River and onward to the train station. You’ll stumble upon beautiful heritage buildings and hidden pockets in soft hues and beautifully battered paint. You can grab a heritage walking trail brochure from Enterprises Store (pictured below) or have a look at the town map at the general store. Grab a picnic and sit at the Belubula River and enjoy the serenity!
Shop at beautiful Tomolly Carcoar
We adore this store run by the beautiful Belinda, a Carcoar local who sources the most beautiful product for her store. Make sure to pop in and see Belinda and have a browse and a chat. Follow her Instagram at @Tomolly_Carcoar
Grab a meal at the pub or book into Antica
The Royal Hotel at Carcoar makes delicious meals and has a great wine list – it’s where I first tried the fabulous Swinging Bridge Shiraz – named after the Swinging Bridge in Canowindra! Had cutlets here and they were just like my nan used to make. Emmie had the bangers and mash. You can also take rooms here for $60 a room with shared bathroom.
Antica Australis in Carcoar is a renowned Italian slow food laconda and is booked out months ahead. Make sure to reserve your table well in advance.
The old station and train tracks
The heritage-listed railway station was built in 1886-87 and opened in 1888. It’s on the NSW Heritage Register for its Victorian architecture. The railway line closed in 2009 due to declining freight volumes, the cost to maintain it and increasing safety concerns.
Take a wander along the tracks to the left and follow them along to the old tunnel.
If you go in you’re braver than us!
Toy Museum
The Carcoar Toy Museum is in the Main Street in the old CBC Bank building. The five rooms of its first floor are full of more than 2000 toys – from vintage and war era toys all the way through to modern pieces.
Belubula River Bridge
Walk over it, gaze up at it and picnic right near it on the banks of the Belubula River. This beautiful heritage bridge was built in 1856 and was restored in 2013 using traditional materials and construction methods.
Convict Museum
Stokes Stable was built by convicts in 1849. There’s a small display inside but it wasn’t open when we were there so we had a look at the building and the equipment outside instead.
Visit or camp at Carcoar Dam
Carcoar Dam is not far from the town and has a lovely little free camp. You can swim, fish and relax here – it’s a beautiful spot.
Blayney Wind Farm
You can see Blaney Wind Farm from the Dam and camping area. There’s a viewing spot jut before you reach the camping area and you can just hear the whoosh whoosh whoosh of the blades as they turn.
For more info check out the Carcoar Village website.
And if you’re feeling nervous about travelling check out our comprehensive family travel safety guide HOLIDAY SAFE: The complete guide to staying safe when traveling with kids It has everything you need to know about traveling safely on our family holiday or extended trip.