What we loved
We loved the peace and quiet and the unique historic streetscapes. Carcoar has earned it’s billing as “the town time forgot” with its remarkably complete collection of beautiful 19th Century buildings. The town is listed by the National Trust.
If you are looking for respite from the hubub of the daily grind, this small town just off the Mid Western Highway between Bathurst and Cowra is the perfect spot. The combination of cold frosty mornings and clear sunny days made our stay so refreshing. If you go in winter – be prepared for cold!
While Carcoar’s buildings might be frozen in time, its future is not, and there is a sense that the township is about to undergo a resurgence. We are told the Royal Hotel is likely to get a major refurbishment and has plans to up the food ante by bringing in some guest chefs.
The 1927 former general store on the corner of Icely and Belubula Streets is also being renovated for a new restaurant. Homewares guru Belinda Satterthwaite has moved her beautifully curated store Tomolly from nearby Millthorpe to Carcoar and it’s well worth a look. The Village Grocer was serving good coffee and light meals.
What we did
Photography
Carcoar has plenty of gorgeous and Instagramable photo ops. It’s quaint old buildings. Its stylish little shops. The morning sun as it hits the surrounding hills. The town bathed in golden light as it sets behind those same hills in the afternoon. We got out our cameras and went for a stroll.
History walk
This is a pleasant and interesting way to while away a few hours and get some exercise into the bargain. Download the village history walk map and you’re off. It provides details of dozens of beautiful buildings. The township is mostly flat with a couple of steepish hills – but very walkable.
Museum
Carcoar has a few museums, but the only one open on the weekend of our visit was Stoke Stable Museum. It’s a sort of self service affair where you leave a donation in the honesty box.
The structure was built by convict labour about 1849 and is throught to be the oldest building in Carcoar.
The former stable is run by the local Historical Society Museum and displays historical photos and memorabilia reflecting the residential, industrial and agricultural history of the area. The stone building retains the features of its earlier use.
The horse stalls and mangers are still visible, as are the building’s early roof shingles. The stable once serviced Stoke Hotel (right next door) which is now a private home. It’s open 10am to 4pm daily. You’ll find it in Naylor Street.
The Court House Museum, Hospital Museum and Toy Museum were all closed on the weekend we were there – we presume for the quiet winter period.
What we ate
At the current time, dining options in Carcoar are limited. For evening meals there’s the Royal Hotel which has a good solid selection of pub food. We enjoyed our meal there by the fire. Its in Belubula Street and open for lunch Saturday and Sunday 12-2pm and Dinner Thursday Friday and Saturday 6pm to 9pm.
The Village Grocer was good for tea and coffee and light meals. It opens Thursday to Sunday. Beyond that you can travel to Blayney (about ten minutes) or Milthorpe (about 20 minutes) where there are many more options to choose from.
Where we stayed
We booked a clean and tidy Airbnb called The Links. It was set among picturesque gardens. Given the very cold winter nights, the heating was not really up to the job, but otherwise it was self contained and close to everything.
Unfortunately any bits and pieces like bread and milk you may need have to be purchased at nearby Blayney (about ten minutes) as there is no supermarket in Carcoar. Other accommodation options include Stoke House Bed and Breakfast, or at The Royal Hotel. Again, if you want more options, Blayney and Milthorpe are not far away.
