Australia’s country pubs are more than just watering holes—they’re the heartbeat of our rural communities, rich with history and charm. Luckily, you don’t need to trek deep into the outback to soak it all in. Nestled in the heart of New South Wales's Central West, the Tarana Hotel offers the perfect blend of country hospitality and authentic vibes, all just a short drive away.
Tarana is just over two hours drive west of Sydney and less than a 30-minute drive from Lithgow. The backroad through Sodwalls, is picturesque, an expedition of landscape that reflects the seasons, shifting from beige hues and cornflake crispiness to green, pillowly fields littered with specs of grazing cattle.
Wind down your window. Breathe in the fresh air, and for a moment escape the rat race
The road has seen its fair share of weathering, with floods and heavy downpours creating potholes, and washouts, turning the asphalt into something resembling that of a well-worn piece of Swiss cheese. Advice? Drive to the conditions and be prepared for the occasion bump or three in the road.
A certain calmness overtakes, as farmhouses become further and further apart and the population of sheep start to outnumber the townsfolk, tractors become part of the everyday peak-hour traffic and the sound of kookaburras and black cockatoos replace the scream of horns and airbrakes.
Tarana is a small town with ages of history from the railway and quarry days, now celebrated with its iconic pub, a cafe, and if you visit on the last Sunday of the month the Farmer’s Market which is well worth the trek out to explore.
Filled with fresh produce, handcrafted wares, and if you are lucky, you might even spy a day-old piglet ( as I was very lucky to have done on my visit), native trees and a cheeky wine tasting from a nearby artisan vineyard.
To truly experience Tarana, make a beeline for the heart and soul of the town, Tarana Hotel. Its heritage and character create an authentic ambience that can only be felt in a country pub. Take a stroll through the inside dining area, adorned with relics from the town’s transportation-rich past.
The courtyard offers the best seat in the house. Overlooking the historic Tarana Station and rolling green farm fields, soak up the tranquil ruralness with a comforting feed from the kitchen (my personal favourite is the steak with vegetables) and a cold one.
Out the back on a Sunday you can catch the tunes of local musicians playing, adding to the family-friendly vibe, as locals flock for a feed, sometimes the four-legged pals come along too.
A road trip is an experience, an adventure and something we should all try and get away to explore every once in a while. It’s refreshing to escape the ordinary and seek out new places and faces. If you’ve got a road trip bucket list on the go, add Tarana. Book a table at the pub, venture through the markets, wind down those windows and immerse yourself in the wild Central West.
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