You’ve heard us bang on about the gorgeous towns of both Carcoar and Millthorpe, but the five-hour drive out that way can quite the turn-off for a lot of us. But don't worry, us being the travellers that we are have listed all the best pit stops to check out along the way. From stretching your legs at a national park, filling up with a bite to eat or doing a bit of local shopping; you can make the trip a little less daunting a whole lot more fun.

Rollers Bakehouse 

If you’re a little peckish after getting through the most of Sydney traffic, make the stop into Rollers Bakehouse in Manly. We’re calling it, these are the best baked goods in Manly – the crew specialise in croissants and everything is rolled and baked in-house. Pastry lovers are mad to not stop in here.

Where: 19 Rialto Lane, Manly
Website: click here 

Lyttleton Stores

Located just off the Great Western Highway, Lyttleton Stores is the perfect easy drop in to explore some local produce and products. The store is a collective of people with a combination of homegrown food and artisan made craft ware.

“Our mission is to connect customers, makers, and growers, encouraging conscious, ethical, local economies as well as transitioning to a no-waste, lower energy future.”

The space has a retail store and gallery, grocery store, workshop space for gardening, cookery and craft, a commercial kitchen, and expansive gardens.

Where: ½ Badgery Crescent, Lawson
Website: click here 

Leura Cascades Picnic Area

By the time you hit the Blue Mountains, you’ll be yearning for some fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs. There’s plenty of open spaces in the area to choose from, but our favourite would have to be Leura Cascades picnic area. The scenic waterfalls and views make the area a perfect family-friendly picnic spot.

Where: Chelmsford Drive, Leura
More Info: click here 

The Lolly Bug

You won’t have any trouble finding this one as it’s sitting pretty on the side of the Great Western Highway just calling for you to come and get your sweet fix!

The confectionary store has over 1500 varieties of sweets from all around the world. Setting you up for the next part of the drive to Carcoar.

Where: 2297 Great Western Highway, Little Hartley
Website: click here 

Doppio

You’ve got to head somewhere in Bathurst just to make the most of the road trip out west. Whilst it might be widely known as the home of motorsports in Australia, it has so much more going for it. Filled with abundant natural beauty, rich history and gold rush heritage and heaps of foodie spots to explore!

It was hard to pick just one, but with the sun shining we decided to call into Doppio, the converted shipping container café is known for good coffee, bites to eat and plenty of outdoor seating. 

Where: 11 Keppel St, Bathurst

The Beekeeper’s Inn 

You’re almost there, but there’s one more place you should try and get to before you get to your final destination. The Beekeeper’s Inn based in Vittoria, just 30 minutes out from Carcoar is housed in an old Cobb & Co Inn built back in 1859, and is now home to a licensed café, restaurant, farm shop and antiques.

Where: 2319 Mitchell Highway, Vittoria
Website: click here