100 Towns

Dubbo is a busy inland city, the centre of administration for a very big chunk of New South Wales.  With a population of 40,000 it's much bigger than most of the places we've visited. It services the rural community, with plenty of shops and government departments.  And there is much for a tourist to enjoy whether it be the farmers market, the Dubbo jail or the Western Plains Zoo. Unlike most of the towns we have visited it has a daily train service with the XPT from Sydney going to and from once each day.

1. Lithgow City Welcome Sign 2. Blast Furnace Park 3. Workers cottages 4. Hassans Walls lookout 4. State Mine Heritage Park 5. The big miners lamp Lithgow is a small city (population 21,000) built on an industrial  base.  The city of proud of its tradition which is brought to life at Blast Furnace Park (site if an old steel mill), the State Mine Heritage Park (old coal mine) and the Small Arms Museum.  Today, there is still plenty of industry with coal mines and large power stations in the area. Located in a very scenic location at the edge of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow is a modern and house proud city -- Australia's Tidiest Town in 2011. Lithgow is fascinating and attractive place to visit which may surprise, given its industrial backdrop. The intercity trains visit many times each day so give yourself a treat and come out for the ride.

1. Municipal gardens - Autumn  2. Municipal gardens - Autumn  3. Roadside parkland - Autumn  4. Apple harvest - Autumn  5. Royal Hotel - Winter  6. Roadside parkland - Spring  7. Mount Conobolas snow gums - Summer mist Orange is a vibrant modern city of 38,000 people.  It's history started back in the 1820's and it is also close to the gold fields of Ophir where the first payable gold was found.  The city is replete with elegant buildings from colonial times, wide tree lined streets and beautiful parks and gardens. The Royal Hotel, modernised in the 1930s, was the passenger pick-up point for Cobb and Co coaches. Beyond the city, orchards and vineyards abound.  Almost half of the NSW apple crop comes from this region. Mount Canobolas and Lake Canobolas are also lovely spots to visit. This is a very attractive city and well worth spending some time here and in the surrounding region.

1. Bathurst Court House 2. Spring garden display near the War Memorial 3. Bathurst city street 4. Attractive old housing 5. St Stephen's Church 6. Mount Panorama race circuit 7. The Royal Agricultural Show 8. Historic Abercrombie House 9. Charles Sturt University Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland settlement, a modern city with an historic past.  With a population of 34,000 today it is a busy regional centre serving the rural community. It also has a strong manufacturing base, government departments and a university. The 1850s gold rush started in this area. Substantial historic buildings built with the wealth from that time are visible throughout the city. It is a popular tourist destination with the famous Mount Panorama race track is easily spotted by the name emblazoned on the mountain. There is an old Royal Hotel (now renamed) which I am still to locate  and photograph. It is an attractive, accessible city and a great base for exploring the countrysid...