Near Orange, you’ll pass through Cabonne Country which offers a diverse range of wonderful attractions, some of the best food and wine in regional Australia, a rich history and heritage. Try panning for Gold at the Ophir Reserve, site of Australia’s first gold strike or take an early hot air balloon ride outside Canowindra which uses the 360 million old fish fossils found nearby. Plan a stopover at Dubbo: Situated in the centre of New South Wales, Dubbo has one of the world’s greatest open range zoos. Western Plains Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals of 100 species. See also the Old Dubbo Gaol, a pioneer-era homestead, observatory, riverboat cruises, military museum and boomerang making. Gilgandra is the southern gateway to the spectacular Warrumbungle Mountains. At the Gilgandra Coo-ee Heritage Centre you can learn about the great Coo-ee Recruitment March. Gulargambone: Approach Gulargambone from any direction and you will be greeted by giant corrugated iron Galahs! Take a break at the award winning visitor centre and tourist attraction, two eight two eight. The Castlereagh is a unique upside-down river, its waters run under the sand. If you can see water, then the river is actually in flood.