Don’t miss it ‘Mendooran Food Cycle’ 19-20 September CLICK HERE
If you find a great place to stay, terrific food or notable hospitality and you want to share the information, please let us know by email at info@centralwestcycletail.com.au or share on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/centralwestcyclingtrail
Also, when you book your first place of accommodation ask if you can park your car for the duration of your ride. Otherwise ask on Facebook for parking advice.
As an alternative approach you may prefer to stay for a few days in each town to allow time to explore and ride local loops. You can find a selection via the MAPS tab or follow the link: Local Loop Rides
Accommodation and Food
(for Camping see section below)
For each cornerstone town or village, we have provided accommodation and food outlet options in the order you are likely to encounter them when riding the trail anti-clockwise from Mudgee or Gulgong. The CWCT Committee continues to develop and expand these options, helping more people enjoy an outstanding cycling, food and cultural experiences.
As many of the places you will visit are small we will try to share some local knowledge about accommodation, meals and refreshments. Be mindful that accommodation can be scarce, especially in school holidays, so if you’re not a camper, book some accommodation and book early.
But firstly, check the local visitors centre for special events and accommodation. If you aren’t camping all the way, you should be able to get accommodation at Dubbo, Mudgee , Wellington, Dunedoo and Gulgong at short notice, but Ballimore, Wongarbon, Geurie, and Mendooran should be booked before you leave.
Mudgee and Gulgong
Offers a myriad of accommodation in hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfasts. Contact the Mudgee Visitors Information Centre at 90 Market St Mudgee (02 6372 1020) http://www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au.
Birriwa
There are no services at Birriwa but you can get refreshments and accommodation on the way. Don’t miss a lovely break on a farm for morning or afternoon tea, lunch, or just for fresh water and a farm tour, you can stop off at ‘Mayfield’ at 591 Bus Route South. It is just a few kilometres from Birriwa. Call Sue or Geoff in advance to make arrangements on 0447 752 772. Enquire about their farm cottage, which can accommodate 6 people. Campers are welcome too and given notice Sue can arrange dinner for you all.
Dunedoo
Caddy Shack 12 Tuckland St (Sharon 0428 859 509). It is just a short walk to the town pool, food outlets and main street. The Caddy Shack has a double and single bed, secure undercover parking and an E-Bike charging station and camping if needed. Riders are also welcome to store their car on departure, pending their return.
Dunedoo Caravan Park 209 Bolaro St (Linda 0448 992 372). Motel style single rooms, some cabins and lots of camp sites plus good facilities, but very popular with FIFOs. Book cabins well ahead if you can.
Hotel Dunedoo (“Top Pub”) 26 Bolaro Street (02 6375 1403 https://www.facebook.com/hoteldunedoo/ ) Bar, good bistro, accommodation, and large entertaining and dining area to cater for groups and functions.
Royal Hotel 78-80 Bolaro St (Catherine 0408 448 172) has accommodation with a continental breakfast and secure bike lockup and car parking at the rear.
Rose Cottage 1 Whitely St (Jacquie 0488061013). The three bedroom self contained cottage, sleeps up to 10 people.
Redbank Gums Accommodation 41 Wargundy St (Kaylee 0415 992 865). Three separate rooms from 2 to 4 person capacity.
Email: dunedoo.bookings@outlook.com) Web: www.redbankgums.net
Swan Motel 58 Bolaro St (Linda 02 63751112). Five comfortable rooms, from twin, queen, family to self contained unit. If no answer leave a message.
Sue Stoddart may also be able to accommodate a couple and/or campers at her place (0458524445).
White Rose Café 48 Bolaro St (02 6375 1017) Open 7 days, 7:00 to 2:30, Tania and her team welcome cyclists with great coffee, real cups and mugs, with plenty of alternative milks. Their famous Devonshire Teas, homemade cakes, pies and other treats include gluten-free options. A hearty cooked breakfast is also on the menu. Group bookings and takeaway food packs can be arranged with advance notice. Seating is available for 36, with more space if required. https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRoseCafeDunedoo/
Other food options in town include two bakeries and good dinners at the Dunedoo Hotel, the Dunedoo Bowling Club 39 Cobborah St (02 6375 1470 – only on Friday and Saturday nights) and the Dunedoo Sports Club 61 Wargundy St https://dunedoosportsclub.com/ for its succulent Chinese restaurant.
Cobbora
Cobbora Station 127 Cobbora Station via Cobbora Road, Dunedoo (Sally 0498542689) offers various formats of accommodation: a lovely 2 bedroom farm cottage (Airbnb1), 1 bedroom battery shed (studio style AirBnB2) or a rustic woolshed located on a neighbouring property “Ellismayne”. There are also camping options at “Ellismayne” (Hipcamp).
Sally also takes bookings for her famous morning teas, lunch or afternoon tea, book ahead – minimum booking is for 6.
If riding between Cobbora and Mendooran there is an alternative route which uses 3km of private road to avoid 11km of highway riding. Call David Allworth on 0408726038 or email djallworth@gmail.com or Mick Cooper on 0437 136 169 to organise permission and to obtain maps.
Mendooran
Anna’s Mendooran B&B 75 Bandulla St (Anna 02 68861044) Accommodation and breakfast in a charming renovated old hotel building, with 12 individual rooms. Fabulous verandah views.
Castlereagh Cottage 14 Yalcogran St (Lee 0429855096) Can sleep up to 8 guests in a self contained cottage, with more planned.
Little Farm Cabins 21 Domain Cl (Janelle 0427861319) 3 motel style stand alone rooms with individual ensuites. Janelle’s property is just off Forest Road about 1.5km from the Pub and almost directly opposite the Black Gate Distillery. The property also has a camp kitchen and firepit (when weather conditions allow).
Manusu House and Cabin 58 Bundulla St (Call 0428400010 or 02 68861147). Up to 6 in the self contained house plus 4 in the cabin. Recently repainted and refreshed.
Royal Hotel 15 Bandulla St (Call 02 6886 2043 or email:scott@theroyalmendooran.com.au ) for accommodation, dinner, lunch or a packed lunch. Also free caravan and camping inside the grounds with dedicated toilet and showers are available. They have both powered and unpowered sites, both of which are free, plus secure overnight storage for bikes.
Blue Sky Cheese Co-Op 94 Bundulla St (Call 0439394055) a fabulous range of local meats and seasonal produce, crafts, gelatos and delicious hand-made chocolate. https://blueskycheese.com.au/
Black Gate Distillery 72 Forrest Rd (Brian or Genise 02 68861123) website https://www.blackgatedistillery.com/home on the edge of Mendooran is a popular place to visit for tastings but call ahead to book.
Mendooran Cafe and Convenience 56 Bundulla St (Call 0489 213 511) serves good breakfasts, lunches, variety of snack bars, a limited range of grocery items and will make a packed lunch for you to eat along the way. Please order ahead. Open 6 – 6 Monday to Saturday and 8 – 4 Sunday. https://www.facebook.com/Mendoorancafe/
The Bee Farmer & Dark Sky Meadery 79 Frederick Rd (Adrian 0447 727 709) Pick up some locally made honey and mead and hear the story. Adrian may be able to provide a tour of his facility if you have a group. https://www.facebook.com/adrianthebeefarmer/ and https://thebeefarmer.com/
Ballimore
Hair of the Dog Inn (02 6886 5131) A classic country pub. Offers accommodation in separate rooms plus camping. The pub welcomes cyclists but sometimes doesn’t open until 4pm, check the hours. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063999400975
Dubbo
Has a myriad of accommodation in hotels, motels, camping and Bed & Breakfasts, and special camping at the Zoo (02 6884 1700). Contact the Dubbo Visitors Information Centre (02 6801 4450) https://dubboregion.com.au/
Wongarbon
Billy’O Bush Retreat 43L Barbigal Rd (0418 431334) has cabin and camping accommodation options, about 4.5km north east of the main village. https://www.billyobushretreat.com.au/
Peppercorn Cottage 2831 – 35 Boberah St (Suzie 0422615945) for accommodation in the village, offering a contemporary self-contained space great for couples or singles www.peppercorncottage2831.com.au
Gratton Gallery corner Gundong & Boberah Streets (Suzie or Tim 0422615945) When heading to Wongarbon, be sure to book in advance for morning tea or espresso coffee and refreshments with Suzie or Tim Gratton. Catering for all dietary needs. Extended catering can also be arranged so be sure to ask. Gratton Gallery Wongarbon www:timgratton.com
Ploughman’s Rest Tavern 36 Railway St (02 6887 8411) Meals are also available. Call ahead to check times. https://www.facebook.com/people/Ploughmans-rest-tavern/100057635611457/
Geurie
Mitchell Inn Hotel 51-53 Mitchell Hwy (02 68871311) Pub accommodation recently renovated. Dinner and lunches are available. https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Mitchell-Inn-Geurie-61570325177916/
Geurie General Store 47-49 Buckenbah St (02 6887 1301) From freshly baked pastries to locally roasted coffee and light lunches, they offer a variety of options to suit your tastes. The café is a relaxing spot for residents of Geurie and visitors from The Central West Cycle Trail alike, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to recharge or a friendly environment to catch up with friends. Customers love the cozy space and friendly service that makes every visit special.
Lemon Tree Cafe 55 Buckenbah St lemontreecafe55@gmail.com A quaint cafe recently opened. https://www.facebook.com/p/Lemon-Tree-Cafe-Geurie-61583487642516/
Wellington
Offers a range of accommodation in hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfasts – search via the Wellington Information Centre Corner of Nanima Crescent, Warne Streets, Phone 1800 621 614. https://dubboregion.com.au/
Bridge Motel 5-13 Lee St (02 6845 2555) is of particular note as it is very trail friendly, including lock up bike storage and some mechanical repair gear, heaps of rooms and is an easy walk downtown.
Goolma
Budgalong 302 Budgalong Rd, Spicers Creek. (0437 866 285 or website Budgalong Spicers Creek ) Glamping at the mixed farming property. It is not immediately on the CWC trail, being 7km north of the route as it follows 12 Mile Rd out of Wellington, turning off at Gunnegalderie Rd and then along Budgalong Rd – great riding on private property over the old rail alignment.
Cottage at Goolma 1.5km off Gorries Lane, (on AirBnB) or by searching under Goolma, NSW or email Louise at mitchellpether@bigpond.com The cottage accommodates 6. Meals can be supplied by Jean as a cooked meal, or a hamper. This is a great place to start and finish the ride.
Goolma Hall 7 Gorries Lane, managed by the Goolma Amenities committee. Call Leslie Tink well in advance on 63740220 or mobile 0427 740 220. The black tank on Goolma hall has a tap and you can get rainwater there to fill any water bottles. You can also use the hall if you make prior arrangements for a donation of $20. The hall has a kettle and good tap water, a great place for a group to get out of the weather and have the comfort of table and chairs. Its also possible to camp at the Hall with prior permission, which has a kitchen and provides good shelter. Bring your own sleeping bag and mat.
Jean’s Farmhouse (Jean Ellis 0408 115 588) Jean may also be able to arrange morning tea or lunch for you, with some notice.
Camping
The following are notes on Camping come from CWCT cyclists who have been there. Check on Facebook if you have any specific questions and we will endeavour to update this list in more detail. Carry snack food and water always.
Gulgong
Showground (0484 532 520) is popular with good facilities.
Tourist Park (02 6374 1294) very clean showers but a bit noisy at night from the trucks on the highway. If you are staying in an unpowered site you are not supposed to use the camp kitchen but there is access to the BarBQ area.
Dunedoo
Caddy Shack (Sharon 0428 859 509) offers camping behind the cottage, with access to shower and toilet.
Caravan Park (0448 992372) nice and quiet, grassy spot with a great camp kitchen .
Cobbora
Ellismayne near Cobbora Station (Hipcamp). Or call Sally Dent on 0498542689.
Mendooran
Black Gate Distillery – Hipcamp – link Black Gate Distillery – Hipcamp
Mendooran free camp Opposite the Royal Hotel, beautiful grassy spot next to the river close to town but only cold showers.
Showground – Dalglish St (Deb Kiem 0448344027) good facilities including powered sites, a modern amenities block with hot showers, shady trees and undercover space either on the huge kitchen patio or in the sheep pavilion if the weather turns nasty. Cost $10 to $15 for a site.
Ballimore
Ballimore Hall Federation St. (Contact Anne on 0448 387 441 or anniemc525@hotmail.com) No need for a tent but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat, unless you like lying on floorboards. Spacious hall has good cooking facilities, undercover parking for bicycles and toilets. No showers at this point of time, this is work in progress.
Hair of the Dog Inn (02 6886 5131) – free camping across the road from the pub or pay a small fee to camp within a fenced area. It is a very friendly place, with everything you could wish for.
Wongarbon
Bill’O Bush Retreat on Barbigal Road about 4.5km north east of the village. Call 0418431334 and mention you are on the bike trail. Great service with cooked meals.
Geurie
Racecourse on Comobella Rd, about 1km NE of the town (Matt 0427 233 637 or Mick 0437 136 169) lovely grassy sites with lots of shade and hot showers.
Wellington
Riverside Tourist Park 1 Federal Street, Montefiores [North Wellington] (02 68451370) very clean, grassy site with large well equipped camp kitchen. They welcome cyclists and have on-site cabins and camp kitchen.
Goolma
Community Hall 7 Gorries Lane, camping near the hall where there is fresh water in the tank and public toilets. No shower. (Call Leslie Tink well in advance on 63740220 or mobile 0427 740 220)
Jean’s country farm house Call Jean Ellis before the trip on 02 63740246. About 2 km from Goolma, very welcoming. Jean cooks a delicious meal with mainly homegrown food. Jean may also be able to accommodate two people in the house.
St Marks Church free camp, 2976 Goolma Rd, about 800m west of the the junction of Gorries Lane and Goolma Rd, just before the church turn north and head 100m into the bush along a gravel road. There is a large area of mostly bushland next to the old church with Goolma Creek nearby. Can be a bit noisy at night due to traffic. Its on the old railway alignment, a line that was never finished.
Dubbo and Mudgee
There are many options but two are notable. Billabong Camp at the Dubbo Zoo (ZooCamp) and Mudgee Riverside Caravan & Tourist Park (02 6372 2531). The Mudgee Tourist Park is right in the middle of town with direct access to great walks or rides along the Cudgegong River.
Tours, transfers and luggage
There are currently commercial operators offering a variety of tour support, luggage transfer and cycle breakdown support.
Cooper Cycle Tours: Mick Cooper (Dubbo) can be contacted on mjcooper56@hotmail.com , mobile 0437136169 or go to Cooper Tours Facebook. Services include fully supported Tours, Self guided tours, bike hire and trail support.
AllTrails Bicycle Tours operates a scheduled, fully supported, 8-night group tour of the full CWC. Accommodation, transfers, breakfasts, dinners, snacks & morning teas all provided. alltrails@alltrails.com.au. 03 9802 4465. Link to website Central West Cycling Trail Tour – AllTrails Bicycle Tours
Australian Cycle Tours: Australian Cycle Tours operates regular self-guided and supported tours of the Central West Cycle Trail, with itineraries ranging from 5-8 days. Call the team on 1300 114 966, email them on info@australiancycletours.com.au, or visit their website: https://www.australiancycletours.com.au.
Mudgee Riverside Caravan Park: Operates a fleet of modern E-bikes for local hire with a range of up to 140km per charge. A great way to explore the beautiful township and local wineries or even take a 30km ride to historic Gulgong and return. Numerous cycle trail loops surround Mudgee and the Cudgegong river valley. Contact Mudgee Riverside Caravan and Tourist Park for details and bookings https://mudgeeriverside.com.au/ Phone: 02 63722531
PedalVentures: PedalVentures Cycle Tours operates regular self-guided and supported group tours of the Central West Cycle Trail including CWCT hybrid tours, with itineraries ranging from 4-8 days. Call Shawn on 0434 946 930, email them on shawn@pedalventures.com.au, or visit their website: https://www.pedalventures.com.au.
Bike by Train / Coach
If you don’t have a car you may want to travel by train or bus to the CWCT. Options are:
XPT to Central West (Wellington, Geurie and Dubbo)
Catch the XPT from Central Station in Sydney towards Dubbo. You will need to box your bike and have it booked on as checked luggage. There are limited number spaces for bicycles – only 5 available. NOTE: There is a program to provide 2 roll-on bicycle spots on the XPT, timing not confirmed, watch this space.
At Dubbo Mick Cooper may be able to pick you up from the railway station, help put your bike together in their bike shed and leave the box there; when finished, re-box there and he can deliver you back to the station in Dubbo. Contact on mjcooper56@hotmail.com, mobile 0437136169 or go to Cooper Tours Facebook.
For the XPT your boxed bike should be less than 20kg with dimensions of 138cm x 75cm x 23cm. Dubbo carries 4 x boxes in stock, Central Station carries boxes. You will need to purchase a ticket for you and your bike (booking class BK and will cost $12.10 for your bike) and reserve a bike box beforehand. Be there at least 30 mins prior to departure for loading. Phone No. 13
Intercity train (Mariyung) to Lithgow then by coach to Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo and Mendooran
You can travel on the metropolitan trains from Central Station to Lithgow. According to TransportNSW “You can take your bicycle or a surfboard on a Sydney or Intercity train for free at any time. However converted e-bikes are banned on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, and Metro services.”
BUT you will need to box your bike for the next part of the trip.
There are NSW TrainLink buses to Mudgee-Gulgong-Dunedoo and Mendooran, and for this part of the journey your bike will need to be boxed. However, these buses are often only lightly used, 6-12 passengers and when the bus is fairly empty they could accommodate a bike – wrapped or bagged- but no guarantee. Dimension of coach luggage door just over 95cm high so box or bagged bike can stand up.