A diverse landscape of growing towns and open spaces.Country NSW blends natural beauty with strong regional centres and liveable streets.

The Central West Region of New South Wales is emerging as one of the strongest regional performers for both lifestyle buyers and property investors. Stretching from the Blue Mountains to towns like Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Parkes, Cowra and Tamworth this region combines regional charm with solid economic fundamentals.

Here’s why it’s a smart area to consider:

Affordable Homes with Room to Grow

Compared to Sydney or even parts of the Blue Mountains, Central West towns offer excellent value for money:

• Larger family homes and acreage properties for less
• Solid rental yields in major hubs
• Great opportunity for first-home buyers, downsizers, and investors

Strong Regional Centres

The Central West is anchored by vibrant, well-established towns:

• Orange: Known for food, wine, health, and education. A major hotspot for tree-changers and investors.
• Bathurst: A university town with rich history, culture, and a growing population.
• Dubbo: A regional economic powerhouse with a strong rental market and diverse economy.
• Tamworth: Known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia,” Tamworth offers a vibrant cultural scene, quality schools, and a strong sense of community.

Each of these towns has a strong employment base, good schools, hospitals, and thriving retail sectors — making them attractive to both residents and renters.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

The region benefits from:

• Strong road and rail links to Sydney (e.g. Great Western Highway, train lines)
• Growing regional airports (e.g. Dubbo and Orange)
• Inland Rail Project and logistics hubs (especially around Parkes) — expected to boost the freight, agriculture, and transport sectors

These upgrades support economic growth and long-term demand for housing.

Diverse Economy & Job Opportunities

Unlike smaller rural areas, the Central West has a broad and stable economy, including:

• Agriculture and viticulture
• Health and education (especially in Orange and Bathurst)
• Mining and energy (particularly near Dubbo and Lithgow)
• Government, logistics, and manufacturing

This economic diversity reduces volatility and makes the area more resilient for property investment.

Lifestyle Appeal

Central West towns offer:

• A relaxed country lifestyle with city-level amenities
• Thriving food, wine, and art scenes (especially in Orange and Mudgee)
• Historic towns, beautiful landscapes, and seasonal charm (e.g. autumn colours, vineyards, snow in winter)
• Great schools, outdoor activities, and growing cultural events

It’s a region ideal for families, retirees, or professionals seeking lifestyle without isolation.

Investment Potential

• Many towns offer rental yields above the NSW average
• Low vacancy rates in regional hubs like Dubbo and Orange
• Continued population growth from Sydney tree-changers and regional relocators
• Opportunities for dual-income properties, holiday lets, or future development

Suburbs & Towns to Watch:

• Orange – High demand, low vacancy, growing food and wine tourism
• Bathurst – University town, family-friendly, consistent growth
• Dubbo – Strong rental demand, infrastructure investment
• Parkes – Boosted by Inland Rail and logistics sector
• Blayney & Canowindra – Affordable with increasing appeal