Lockhart

Picture-postcard Lockhart, in the beautiful Riverina region of southwestern NSW, is known as the Verandah Town. Stroll along its pretty streets, past lovingly restored buildings with ornate iron lacework verandahs and you’ll soon see why.

History and heritage

The National Trust-classified town is a great base for exploring the surrounding food and wine region’s local producers, tasty festivals and markets. The main street, Green Street, will charm you with its heritage streetscape and stylish boutique shops. Look out for the famous Lockhart Water Tower Mural.

Green’s Gunyah Museum houses an intriguing collection of artefacts, the wonderful Doris Golder Wool Art Gallery and the Lockhart Visitor Information Centre. Here, you’ll find helpful advice on the things to do and see in the area, from the natural attractions to the Lockhart Sculpture Trail.

Festivals and events

See more sculptures and artworks in the Spirit of the Land Lockhart Festival. Held in October, the annual festival displays internationally acclaimed sculptures made from recycled farm materials. Another popular attraction is the Lockhart Truck Show, a vintage festival with fun children’s activities held at the showground in March.

Natural wonders

Near Lockhart discover enchanting nature reserves, with walking tracks, lookouts, picnic areas and a thrilling rock face for climbing and abseiling. At Galore Hill Scenic Reserve you can follow a trail to the caves where the infamous colonial bushranger Daniel ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan reputedly hid.

The Towers is a northeast rock face for climbing and abseiling in The Rock Nature Reserve-Kengal Aboriginal Place. The rock formation rises 364 metres from the plain. Visit The Rock lookout for sweeping views of the region and Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, in the distance.

Getting there and where to stay

Lockhart is a 5hr 30min drive from Sydney, just over four hours from Melbourne and 3hr 30min from Canberra. You can also fly into Wagga Wagga Airport and hire a car for the 45min drive. A range of accommodation is available in and around Lockhart including motels, farmstays and campgrounds.