The Lachlan Valley Way & Mid-Western Highway

A road trip through Cowra, Grenfell and Forbes

This Central NSW Road trip weaves through rich colonial history, Australian literature attractions and gold rush bushranging, with vibrant public art and changing agricultural scenery along the way.


Japanese Gardens – Cowra

Cowra will captivate you with its powerful WWII prisoner-of-war history, alongside the breathtaking Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and a moving symbol of peace and reconciliation stretching across five unforgettable hectares.


Iandra Castle near Grenfell

Grenfell is steeped in history as the birthplace of writer Henry Lawson and bushranger Ben Hall’s Weddin Mountains hideout. The Weddin Mountains National Park is ideal for scenic views, bushwalking, wildlife viewings and camping.


Sculpture Down The Lachlan. ‘Varanus’ (Gugaa – Goanna) by Glen Star (2020). Image by Monique Lovick Photography, Forbes Arts Society

Forbes delivers a gold rush finale with its magnificent heritage buildings, the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, pretty Lake Forbes and a fascinating museum featuring bushranger Ben Hall. This is unforgettable country NSW at its finest.


Forbes Lake Recreation Area