The New Lock Up

Ideal for a romantic interlude, escape the city or just for a peaceful and relaxing country stay in a very comfortable, beautifully decorated, private and cosy studio in the beautiful O'Connell Valley, a 2 1/2 hour drive from Sydney. Easy access to many places of interest including Jenolan Caves, Mayfield Gardens and many other historical villages. Description Spacious, private, clean and comfortable modern self contained studio (The New Lock Up) is a separate dwelling located on the site of the Old O'Connell Police Station (Circa 1865). Enjoy breakfast overlooking the garden with sunlight streaming in or just sit and enjoy the peaceful surrounds while watching a variety of beautiful birds in the garden. The studio is perfect for couples to curl up on a sofa with a glass of local wine or a cuppa. When you aren't out visiting the many interesting places you can relax and watch a movie, play a game of cards, trivial pursuit or just read a good book etc. Facilities The kitchenette has a fridge, kettle, toaster and a convection microwave. There is no hotplate however there is a Weber BBQ and microwave for cooking. Coffee, sugar and a variety of tea is supplied. There is also an iron, small ironing board, hair dryer. large screen television, DVD player, dvds, books, magazines and board games. Extremely comfortable queen bed with quality bedlinen and electric blanket for those cool nights. There is a reverse cycle air con to provide year round comfort (warm in winter and cool in summer). Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, brunch or lunch with a mug of local Fish River Roasters coffee at the Avenue Cafe, O'Connell which is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Walk/run or drive to the Historic O'Connell Pub for a cool drink and a great lunch or dinner. The oldest inland town of Bathurst is a 10 minute drive where you'll find a variety of restaurants, shops and many interesting and historical places to visit. The picturesque town of Oberon (snows in winter) is a short drive and a visit to Mayfield gardens or Jenolan Caves are a must? Please note the kitchen does not have hotplates however a Weber BBQ is available for cooking along with the convection microwave. Privacy The studio is set back from the main house, (old police station) however use the same driveway. You would have complete privacy and be left to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the new lock up! I like to meet my guests on arrival and am available if guests require any information etc. Things to see and do O'Connell - the gateway to the central west region of NSW is recognised as having the greatest number of earth buildings in Australia - the surviving buildings located in the picturesque O'Connell Valley are rare remnants of Colonial days in a farming community some dating back to the 1820s. O'Connell is located on the route established by Willam Cox stretching from the Nepean River at Penrith to the Macquarie River at Bathurst. The route was the first incursion into Wiradjuri country and was the first constructed road out of Sydney and was built by 30 convicts in six months linking Sydney to Bathurst , the first Inland European settlement. O'Connell and surrounds has many places of interest including historical villages and towns in close proximity. Enjoy some gold panning, golfing, cycling, bushwalking, trout fishing, local wine tasting or tour of The Grange Gin and Whiskey Distillery. (need to pre organise) Just a few minutes drive to the largest cold climate privately owned gardens in the World is "Mayfield Gardens". Spot the playful platypus swimming in the Blue Lake while you explore the underground rivers and crystal formations of the Award winning Jenolan Caves- Australia's most outstanding cave system. Enjoy a bush walk in the majestic Kanangra Walls National Park or nearby Evans Crown at Tarana. For a local Aboriginal experience "Blackfellow Hands Cave" is located just outside of Lithgow. Hassans Wall is also a 4 klm drive from Lithgow. For amazing views and a spot of fishing and/or swimming you can drive for 30 minutes to Lake Lyell. In just a little over an hour you can be in Katoomba to discover the many attractions including the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Scenic Skyway and Scenic Railway just to name a few. An abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wombats, possums, echidnas and a variety of beautiful native birds can be seen around the beautiful O'Connell Valley. The historical town of Bathurst is just a 10 -15 minute drive away with lots to see and do including the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, National Motor Racing Museum, Abercrombie House, Bathurst Art Gallery, Miss Traills House Bathurst Goldfields and the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst 1000 and other events at Mount Panorama. The Goldfields Beekeeper's Inn just a little over half an hour drive West is a worthwhile visit, then continue onto Millthorpe, a beautiful heritage listed village with fine dining which is also famous for its truffle production. Other places of interest include Oberon, Jenolan Caves, Abercrombie Caves, Hill End, Sofala and Orange. Transport Parking is available. You will need to have own car to get around. Car hire is available from Bathurst if you wish to fly or catch the train. Where to eat The O'Connell Avenue Cafe opens Thursdays, Frdays, Saturdays, Sundays and some Mondays on Public Holidays. Friendly and warm staff, relaxed atmosphete with a great view of the countryside awaits you. Awesome Fish River Roaster coffee served with a wide variety of food for breakfast and lunch. If you only want to drop in for a quick cuppa and a bite to eat there is a large variety of delicious home made cakes/slices to choose from. I highly recommend the lemon meringue pie, brownies, caramel slice and the vanilla slice. Yummee. The Mayfield Cafe Gardens open 363 days of the Year only closed 25 & 26 December. You can enjoy food made from locally grown and locally sourced produce. The menu changes with the seasons therefore offering a diverse range of meals to suit all palates. The Cafe is set within The-Historic O'Connell pub offers lunch and dinner seven days a week as does the historic Tarana pub which is an enjoyable scenic 15 minute drive from O'Connell. For people wishing for a larger and diverse range of eateries there are numerouss places in Bathurst to eat from top rated restaurants for special occasions to cafes, family restaurants, numerous hotels, clubs and of course many fast food places. If you wish to venture a little further afield you can drive 20 minutes to Oberon where you'll find a few restaurants, the RSL Club and a few hotels and cafes that serve a variety of food and drink.