Destination Central West is continuing to work with industry, councils and government partners to support the region following the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass. During this period the Central West remains open and accessible via several alternative routes and businesses across the region continue to welcome visitors.
We will continue to monitor visitor economy impacts through industry feedback and survey data, provide clear messaging and communications resources, work with councils and regional partners to support coordinated messaging, and advocate to Destination NSW and the NSW Government on behalf of our region's visitor economy.
We encourage you to utilise the resources below, learn what actions you can take, and share amongst your networks.
Regular updates on the highway status can be found via Transport for NSW, with updates on conditions found via Live Traffic.
Central West Industry Messaging Toolkit
Resource to help businesses respond to visitor enquiries and provide consistent messaging. Includes suggested responses to visitor questions, clear messaging for social media and visitors, as well as travel tips and alternative route options.
Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper | March 2026
This Position Statement was submitted to Transport for NSW in February 2026, with an addendum added March 2026 regarding the Great Western Highway closure and impacts.
Business NSW (Western NSW) - Business Impact Survey
Business NSW (Western NSW) has launched a 5-min Business Impact Survey to better understand the closure's impacts on business. We encourage you to complete the survey to assist with their advocacy efforts.
DNCW Visitor Economy Pulse Survey Outcomes
To better understand the impacts on businesses, Destination Central West undertook a rapid Visitor Economy Pulse Survey across the region in mid-March 2026. In a short period, the survey received over 200 responses from tourism businesses, accommodation providers, hospitality venues, retailers, attractions and event organisers across the Central West. A snapshot of the findings is included below.
Thank you for your responses, this assists us to advocate on behalf the region and early results have been shared with key regional stakeholders.
