Get your food and cultural fix at a series of events and new experiences in country NSW this Autumn. Storybank Mandurama has opened to offer art and accommodation under one roof, forage at the Oberon Field to Forest Festival, indulge in a long brunch at Orange F.O.O.D Week, or visit the hot-air ballooning capital of Australia for the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge.

As beautiful golden leaves transform the landscape, the region's fresh produce, art, music, and history is celebrated from Bathurst and Blayney to Oberon and Orange. This is the most festive time to visit and soak up the relaxed country atmosphere in the food bowl of NSW.

Here are some of the best events and experiences for a long weekend:

New Storybank Mandurama offers art and accommodation

Nestled in the charismatic town of Mandurama in Blayney, the Storybank has opened to offer new accommodation and art experiences in a gorgeous historic building. The Storybank is all about bringing people together through art and culture with its Equine Art Gallery, workshops using unique mediums such as making mosaic lamps, homemade refreshments, a gift shop, and an upstairs guesthouse with four themed rooms. A building with a storied history, it started life in 1926 serving as a bank for 58 years, and now one of its concrete bank vaults is used as the art gallery. Rural and equine life is celebrated in the works of exhibiting artists who are painters, drawers, photographers and jewellers. www.storybankmandurama.com

Orange F.O.O.D Week, 1-10 April 2022

With around 100 events over 10 days Orange F.O.O.D Week is Australia's longest running regional food and wine festival from 1-10 April 2022. Uniting farmers, chefs, cooks, restaurateurs and caterers from across Orange, Cabonne and Blayney this year's line-up is tastier than ever. There's the Sampson Street Lunch, F.O.O.D Night Markets, Forage, Sunday Producer Markets and Brunch, producer workshops and for those travelling from Sydney the F.O.O.D Train package includes transport, accommodation and tickets to events. Get in quick. www.orangefoodweek.com.au

Canowindra International Balloon Challenge, 2-10 April 2022

The best time to visit the hot air ballooning capital of Australia is for the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge from 2-10 April 2022. One of the main events on 9 April is the Cabonne Community Glow, a magical evening featuring 15 hot air balloons which light up the night sky as their burners are synced to music. The series of events attracts around 5,000 people with daily hot-air balloon flights, a parade down the main street of historic Canowindra, food and wine stalls and camping. Tickets and more information www.canowindrachallenge.org.au

Oberon Field to Forest Festival, 1-30 April 2022

A month-long array of activities in and around the Oberon region explores the delicacies and rare finds that one can forage for in the forests and farms. Events include specialised forage tours for wild mushrooms, secluded forest lunches, a wine trail and workshops with experts recounting their skills and knowhow on foraging in the forest. This year will see a new and immersive chef's table style experience featuring local suppliers, specially designed menu, and performance at the Malachi Gilmore Hall.  www.visitoberon.com

Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail, 9-10 April 2022

Bathurst will celebrate over 200 years of its rich history, paying homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region, at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April 2022.  Rare and lost trades and crafts will be showcased over the weekend at Australia's oldest inland European settlement. Blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip cracking and making, glass artistry, lace making, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, cigar box guitar making and violin making are among many unique talents to be demonstrated by local and guest artisans. www.bathurstregion.com.au

Grenfell Picnic Races, 9 April 2022

Nothing beats the relaxed atmosphere of a country horse-racing event and Grenfell Picnic Races is one of the best. With children's rides, live music, food, wine, Fashions in the Field and just six highly contested races, it's a great day out for the whole family. Buses run from town to the racecourse, so explore the history and laneways of this vibrant town as the sun goes down. www.grenfellpicnics.org.au

Parkes Elvis Festival, 20-24 April 2022

Now in its 29th year, the Parkes Elvis Festival continues to grow with more than 200 events across five fabulous, fun-filled days. This year celebrates Elvis' musical film, Speedway, with special exhibits and movie screenings. Highlights include free Cooke Park Main Stage entertainment, look-a-like contests, Tribute to Elvis competitions, Street Parade, displays of Elvis artefacts at Greg Page's The Kings Castle Elvis Exhibit, the Gospel Service, the Cars of the Era show and unique Elvis-themed events. Forbes is also hosting two events, the Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast and Swingin' on the Speedway at the McFeeters Motor Museum. www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Central NSW includes Oberon, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Orange, Parkes and Weddin. Unearth your Central NSW at www.visitcentralnsw.com.au

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MEDIA CONTACT:

For media trips this Autumn to research stories and more information please get in touch;

Gabrielle Brewer Lifestyle & Tourism Public Relations

M: 0419 986 528 E: gabrielle@gabriellebrewer.com