The Central West region of NSW offers a unique range of attractions from historic villages to wineries, fine food outlets, indigenous culture, and impressive natural features such as Mount Canobolas.
Now, the Orange Bicycle User Group has created a prospectus to highlight these attractions and boost tourism for the local region by creating cycling and walking trails.
Orange Regional Trails
In the prospectus, various point-to-point trails connecting the villages of Spring Hill,
Lucknow, Millthorpe, Carcoar and Huntley to Orange and Blayney by building upon existing networks of road, cycling and business infrastructure.
It will offer year-round cycling/walking experiences for tourists of all abilities, as well as the opportunity to host national and regional cycling and walking events.
Tourists won’t be the only ones to benefit from these trails but it will also facilitate active travel for locals plus increase the opportunity for commuting to work and provide access to the hospital, airport, and amenities. Overall, the trails hope to foster an improved quality of life for residents, health benefits, access to businesses, and economic advantages.
Next Steps For Orange
Currently, the prospectus is being circulated to government, business, tourism and community stakeholders seeking feedback and support for detailed development and funding.
Many connection points linking existing bike paths have already been identified by Councils. Some are linked to road funding with shoulder expansions on busy roads.
“Our proposal for ‘Orange Regional Trails’ aims to capitalise on the boom of domestic tourism and champion the unique features of food and wine in our region. We are looking to capture the high value ‘wallets on wheels’ visitors who are proven to stay longer and spend more in our region.” says Carolynne James, Orange BUG Executive Secretary.
“We are scoping off-road trails to relieve the congestion on our roads but also to function as
multipurpose walking trails that are safer for families and those with accessibility
challenges. Trails may pass through reserves and council easements and directly take tourists to cellar doors and other businesses.”
Find out more about the prospectus and how you can support Orange BUG here.
