CentralWest

Central West is a regional designation in New South Wales, Australia, describing a broad inland area located to the west of the Sydney metropolitan region and the Blue Mountains. It encompasses a mix of agricultural plains, undulating hills and viticulture districts, with the landscape transitioning from higher-rainfall valleys to drier inland zones. Notable population centers commonly associated with the Central West include Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee and Parkes, along with surrounding towns.

Geography and climate vary across the region. Eastern portions tend to have temperate climates with higher rainfall and frost in winter, while western areas are drier with greater temperature extremes. The region supports diverse farming, including grain, sheep and cattle, as well as dairy farming and horticulture. Viticulture is a prominent feature, with Orange and Mudgee among Australia’s well-known wine districts. The Central West also hosts rural heritage towns, national parks and historic sites.

Economy and infrastructure are closely tied to agriculture, regional services and tourism. In addition to farming, the area supports food processing, education and health services, and small to medium manufacturing. Tourism centers around wine experiences, rural heritage, and regional festivals, as well as attractions such as the Parkes Observatory near Parkes.

History and culture reflect Indigenous stewardship prior to European settlement, with the Wiradjuri and other groups shaping the region’s landscape and knowledge. European settlement intensified in the 19th century, producing regional towns, colonial architecture, and infrastructure that underpin contemporary local economies.

Transportation relies on a network of regional roads and highways, complemented by NSW rail services and regional airports in Bathurst, Orange and Parkes, facilitating movement and trade within the Central West and to major urban centers.