SEPT 2012 VOL 4 Millthorpe - The Garden Of Oz

Established in the pioneering era, Millthorpe has a streetscape that has remained largely unchanged since the early 1900’s. The entire village is classified by the National Trust and the village centre has cobbled, bluestone bordered streets. Population is currently approx. 700 people, although on my visit, a Tuesday, the town was very quiet as you can see. The locals assured me that the town "comes alive" on weekends.

Millthorpe is 3.5 hours from Sydney and Canberra, 30 minutes from Bathurst and 20 minutes from Orange – an ideal weekend getaway.
The village is well known for fine dining, arts and antiques, a museum, boutique shops, hotels, wine tasting and accommodation. Millthorpe is located in Central NSW in the heart of a cool climate wine region and is home to a vibrant community of local artists and has a diverse range of talented people living and working in the village.

Millthorpe is set in a rural landscape amongst gently rolling hills with Mount Canobolas in the distance a majestic backdrop. At 965m above sea level Millthorpe’s elevation ensures a distinct four seasons experience.

The Bank of New South Wales was built in 1902. Since it closed in 1981, it has been used as a private residence and B & B.

The Commercial Hotel, Milthorpe

The Public School

The School of Arts is a Victorian Free Classical Style Building, with an beautiful symmetrical facade. Built in 1897 to provide a library and meeting place.

During Millthorpe's heyday, The Great Western Lodge, built in 1897, was visited by those attending ploughing demonstrations and other competitions. A great example of an Edwardian Pub with its two storey brick construction, lace verandas, and leadlight windows.

Millthorpe Railay Station opened in 1886, becoming a vibrant food supply distribution centre to the country.

Carcoar looked like a movie set the day we visited. Not a soul to be seen. Heritage protected buildings line the streets, still carrying signs: City Bank" School of Arts" "Courthouse" etc...

Opposite the Carcoar Courthouse, stands the the Bridge Tea Rooms. Inside we were surprised to find an "Alice"serving tea and scones and pumpkin soup in this "Wonderland" of second-hand dresses, and pre-loved dolls and toys.

The Bridge Tea Room. Pre-loved items of every description.

"Coar".... Sweet Potato soup.

As we sat down at our table, our hostess, told us how Carcoar was named. "Two crows flew over in search of food. One said "Car" and the other said "Coar". (In fact, Carcoar is a Gundungura word meaning either frog or kookaburra).

Feeling a bit peckish ourselves, we ordered sweet potato soup and Tea and Scones.

The Carcoar Courthouse and Bridge Tea Rooms

The Carcoar Courthouse "This new courthouse was opened on November 10, 1882. Its Italianate design is indicative of the interest in revival style at that time"......

Carcoar is a town in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia, in Blayney Shire. In 2006, the town had a population of 218 people It is situated just off the Mid-Western Highway 258 km west of Sydney and 52 km south-west of Bathurst and is 720 m above sea-level. It is located in a small green valley, with the township and buildings on both banks of the Belubula River.