Oberon Surrounding Villages

The villages radiate from Oberon. We suggest that a day drive would take in Black Springs, Burraga and Rockley, while another could be spent touring the O'Connell, Tarana and Hampton areas. Hartley is worth a visit en route to the Blue Mountains.

BLACK SPRINGS

24 kilometres from Oberon on the Abercrombie Road is the tidy village of Black Springs with good facilities. The tennis courts, recreation ground and community hall are located opposite the Forestry Reserve camping area, which has water, toilets and fireplaces. The historic, stone Avoca Catholic Church and Shrine is in a lovely setting south of the village with historic cemeteries nearby.  Fossicking is a popular activity at Sapphire Bend, off Riverview Road in Vulcan State Forest. Mushrooms can be found in season, in the forest and trout fishing is nearby.

BURRAGA

47 kilometres from Oberon, southwest of Black Springs. It is situated amongst farming and forests which supply the Pacific Forests processing works. Burraga Dam Reserve is a lovely picnic, camping and fishing spot just north of the village. The remains of the old Burraga copper mine can be seen from the outskirts of the village. It was one of the largest copper mines in the state and historical records and memorabilia can be seen at the Mill Museum in Rockley

ROCKLEY

53 kilometres from Oberon via Black Springs, is an historic village classified by the National Trust. It has a number of historic buildings still in use, including the Anglican and Catholic Churches, a hotel and the Mill Museum. This was originally a flour mill which still houses much original milling equipment. The museum has a collection of early village, shop and police record books and an extensive collection of early photographs and clothing. Behind the building is a large collection of early machinery. It is open on Sundays or by appointment. Works of art can be viewed at Tim Miller's Studio open on Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm or by appointment.  Contact Tim Miller on 6337 9276.

O'CONNELL & Tarana Valley

23 kilometres from Oberon on the O’Connell Road, O’Connell is also classified by the National Trust as a historic village.  The Anglican Church is still in use. The village has a long history, having been situated on the original road between Bathurst and Sydney. The present hotel was built in 1865 and today is a popular meeting place in pleasant surroundings. Near O’Connell on the Mutton Falls Road is the Flat Rock picnic and camping area. This is a popular spot for fishing and swimming in season.The nearby historic Catholic Church and Convent is a private residence. The O’Connell Avenue Café & Store offers award winning coffee, breakfast, lunch and a wide range of home baked treats in a relaxed friendly environment. Open Fridays, Saturday and Sundays 8.30am-4.30pm. Contact: 0424 831 801.

TARANA

21 kilometres from Oberon, Tarana is nestled beside the main western railway line, in a picturesque valley. Evans Crown Nature Reserve may be accessed by turning right into Honeysuckle Falls Road off the Sodwalls Road, a few kilometres east of Tarana. The beauty of the Crown and views in all directions will reward a 30-45 minute moderate uphill climb.

The Tarana Hotel is a welcome stop for visitors after a day’s activity.

There’s a breath of French air in Tarana when artist, Sandra Laroche, opens her delightful studio most weekends, 10am to 5.30ish, or by appointment, to exhibit her own & friends’ artwork including detailed watercolour & gouache paintings, fine-art prints, cards, decorative pieces, ceramics, textiles, original book illustrations & studies.

Sandra has illustrated over two dozen books for children including the Ethel Turner classic, Seven Little Australians. Member of the Australian Society of Marine Artists.

Take the Tarana Road west for a 7 kilometre drive through the lovely Fish River Valley to Ross Conifers, a specialist grower of a wide variety of conifers and cool climate plants which sells to the public.

HAMPTON

30 kilometres east of Oberon is on the main Jenolan Caves - Sydney road. Just before entering this road from Oberon, take a left hand turn into Tea Tree Road on the edge of the Millionth Acre picnic area. Follow this road to the top of Mount Bindo to enjoy extensive views in all directions. This road is unsuitable for 2WD vehicles in wet or snowy weather. Snacks, meals and refreshments are available in the village.

HARTLEY

Hartley is an historic site classified by the National Trust and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which provides guided tours of the village or you may take a self-guided tour. The National Parks Office is open every day from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. The Court House is a very interesting reminder of our past.

The villages radiate from Oberon. We suggest that a day drive would take in Black Springs, Burraga and Rockley, while another could be spent touring the O’Connell, Tarana and Hampton areas. Hartley is worth a visit en route to the Blue Mountains.