Chi. Explores
Some of the best places aren't the ones you'll find at the top of a Google search.
Chi. Explores is where we share the cafés, restaurants, walks, shops, experiences and hidden gems worth knowing about across the Central West – recommended by the women who know the region best.
The places you'd tell a friend about.
Moubar Vintage, Bathurst
Moubar Vintage is Bathurst’s courtyard hole‑in‑the‑wall coffee spot in the vine‑covered Brooke Moore Centre courtyard.
Lost City Walking Track, Lithgow
A short return walk in the Gardens of Stone, just outside Lithgow. It’s close to town, easy to reach, clearly marked, and doesn’t require much planning beyond comfortable shoes and a drink bottle.
The Beekeepers Inn, Vittoria
Love the location – the live bee display, free honey tasting, the shop, antiques, and genuinely great food and coffee. And of course, the geese!
Ironbark Espresso Bar, Blayney
Ironbark is Blayney’s steady espresso spot – simple, welcoming, and built around great coffee and standout pastries.
The Black Crow, Bathurst
The Black Crow is the kind of spot that feels like having a coffee in your own living room.
ImmerCity VR, Orange
ImmerCity VR in Orange is one of those places that flips your expectations the second you step inside.
Ly Café, Bathurst
A small café with a mighty presence – Ly Café brings warmth, kindness and community into one heartfelt space.
Norma Joan, Bathurst
Norma Joan is a cosy Bathurst favourite built around great food, great wine and proper local pride.
John Cousins Walking Track, Bathurst
Good for kids, good for beginners, good for dogs, and very good for a Tuesday morning!
Reckless Brewing, Bathurst
With that unmistakable Bathurst buzz – lively, warm, and instantly welcoming.
Slow Wine Co, Millthorpe
A Millthorpe favourite – intimate, warm, and made for slowing down.
Monty's Mobile Bar, Bathurst
A premium BYO mobile bar service that brings beautiful, stress‑free beverage service to any event.
Firewater, Bathurst
The kind of place you slip into for a drink and end up staying because the atmosphere is just that good.
Golden Poplars, Meadow Flat
Tall, elegant trees, deep amber light, and the kind of scene that makes you pull over and just stand there for a moment.
Know somewhere we should explore?
A café that gets the coffee right. A restaurant you keep returning to. A local favourite that's somehow stayed under the radar.
Tell us about it. We’d love to explore it.