Pn this fresh and sunny winter’s morning in the NSW Central West, I am so overjoyed to be visiting the gorgeous and historic village of Millthorpe. This feels like stepping onto the film set of a period drama or stepping back in time.
Millthorpe, it’s you. So pretty, so rooted in the past yet more cool and trendy than I’ve ever been. Can some rub off on me?
You are a place of tree change fantasies for very good reason.
Millthorpe is a tiny National Trust-listed village, just a short drive and 22km south of Orange. The village was established in the 1840s as agriculture developed in the local area, and had a burst of building around the 1890’s.
The buildings in Millthorpe have survived almost untouched, thanks to a recession after World War One.
The entire village seems hidden amongst the rolling hills, bypassed by the passing years. It’s absolutely charming.
Just over 1000 people live here, yet the village is chockfull of interesting little shops, groovy cafes and I hear of some great restaurants too, like Tonic on the corner of Pym and Victoria Street.
There are lovely gift shops, kitchen shops and toys shops, and a providore too. I am realising that one morning will not be enough at all, so today will just be about a couple of cafes.
The photo above shows the inside of the now-closed Billot De Boucher cafe, a riot of stripes and spots, and a fine place to settle in for a cup of tea. There’s also a shop selling French homewares.
This photo below is of the Old Mill Cafe & Bakery still very much open.
I hear it is very busy at weekends, but I am visiting on a sunny winter’s day in the late morning and it’s quiet.
More About Millthorpe
To read about Millthorpe walks, accommodation, museum, and cafes and restaurants, visit these websites:
Millthorpe – Heritage with Style
A website made by the Millthorpe Village Committee
The Millthorpe Markets
Held twice a year on the first Sunday of both April and December, these markets attract local producers and several thousand people. A great reason to visit Millthorpe and you help support the local publish school too.
So I’m wiping the crumbs off my chin, delighted to be spending so much time this year in this area, to be able to explore Millthorpe for a morning, well aware there will soon be an afternoon here, an evening, a few days stay.
What a treat. And I might just browse the real estate agent’s windows before I leave… this is the sort of secret village than encourages its lovers to steal away from their cities and escape to the country.
Here are a couple more photos, courtesy of Destination NSW.
Find more fun things to do in and around Orange here.
There’s nothing better than a bit of slow reconnoitring, is there?
No rsh, no agenda, just wandering and having a cuppa.
Heaven.
Happy exploring
ooooh, this could be interesting….great pics (very inviting!)
What a gorgeous little village. I feel terrible admitting that I’ve never been around the Orange area.
Thanks so much for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
It’s freezing cold here in winter, but very pretty and fresh and easy to get around. I’m here a lot but coming and going from Sydney (messy life at the moment) and now Sydney seems just too blooming busy.
I love country towns and this one looks gorgeous! Love the photo’s! 🙂
I’m seriously enjoying spending time here in the Central West and can feel a lifestyle change coming on.
This is just the type of village I like exploring! I will have to plan a trip there soon!
It’s so close to Orange, a good wee trip from there, or stay in Millthorpe and visit Orange from there.
That looks like a beautiful little town, I could spend hours exploring.
Me too, and hope to get back there again this week for another wee explore. Must get to the museum.
I’ve been there too, very early one morning on our way back to Sydney and it was very quiet then also! I would love to go back for some proper exploring – it’s like an untouched treasure, isn’t it?!
Yes, an absolute stunner Sammie, I felt as if I was being swept back in time. A real treat
Very tempting isn’t it to want to make the tree change..and then of course, SUMMER!! Oh so hot in the west as we found out when we lived all over remote NSW bush places in the 1970s. Maybe the odd getaway will help. Love the pics Seana xxx
Yes, I would miss the seaside, the beaches and the swimming if I ever lived inland full-time. I think we might do as you have an do a seachange to the countryside one day… space and more time is very appealling.
Oh how I wished my little country town looked as dreamy as this! We have about 500 people in my small town in the WA Wheatbelt region. I work in the Visitors Centre. The more and more I learn about what WA and Australia have to offer the more I’m wondering why go overseas when it’s all here!! Millthorpe is definitely on the list 🙂 #teamIBOT
How cool!!! Wonderful stuff Seana 🙂
Cheers
JoeTV
Hello Joe! Lovely to meet you this morning and I was over the moon to be back in stunning Millthorpe, and meeting writers and talks words – fantastic.
Looks stunning! I’ve never been but am planning a trip now ?
That question mark was an emoji – just letting you know so you don’t think my punctuation is rubbish….
I tree changed here 10 years ago. It’s an open, welcoming community of all colours and persuasions. Highly recommended. Thanks for your wonderful article.
Thanks Samantha, I am seriously having dreams about moving to Millthorpe and sending my ten year old twins to your beautiful, historic primary school. We will see how we go.