We Uncovered a Multi-Day Hiking Holiday Just Hours From Sydney and Canberra

Combining exclusive walking trails, hearty home-cooked meals, and wide open skies for stargazing, a Rove Numby weekend will wine you and dine you, but most importantly, unwind you.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

What is Rove Numby?

Nestled on Wiradjuri Country on the banks of the Lachlan River – the fourth longest in Australia – awaits a rural long weekend that’ll hark you back to yesteryear and have you putting Country NSW on the map.

The sprawling 6000ha property of Numby Station can be found just a few hours from Canberra and Sydney, along an unfrequented country drive between Yass and Orange.

On weekends, this historic sheep and cattle station, with its five converging creeks and abundance of native wildlife, becomes Rove Numby. The property plays host to Explorers from all corners who come to soak in the rustic country lifestyle it oozes.

Out here, the hills simply roll on, one after the other, while sunsets singe themselves into your mind – and thanks to Rove Numby’s private group walking holiday offering, there mightn’t be anyone around but you and your mates for a country mile.

For an all inclusive weekend, the Walk Stay Feast option won’t let you down.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Hike

Walking holidays at Rove Numby give you and a handful of pals exclusive access to bushland and far-reaching vistas only witnessed at the property, with your knowledgeable guide, Lou, leading the way and sharing history and local yarns.

The weekend starts early here, with a 5km warm-up stroll on Friday afternoon along the Engagement Valley walk before the big day on Saturday.

With an 8:30am start at the trailhead, settle in for a solid day of walking along the 15km Creek Country and Mountain Top Loop, a 7-8 hour mostly off-track journey, complete with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea creekside.

Wander through grasslands and up and over undulating hills before summiting the highest peak of the day, at your own pace – there’s no rush here (except for the wind moving through the grass). Descend the mountain and land by the river flats of Memundy Creek, which you’ll stick close to and crisscross between the banks. Freshwater dips are encouraged!

Delve into the area’s history at Hogans Hut and wander by Lachlan River camp, before walking upstream alongside Mulgowrie Creek, through Bullock Forest, and landing back at the 100-year-old Rosewood Cottage, your home for the night.

Sunday sees you stretch out those well-used legs again for a final 7km gallivant around the property before bidding adieu.

Eat

While you hike up a hunger, your basecamp host and cook, Heidi, is busy preparing homemade delights.

With a penchant for premium quality ingredients and local, preferably homegrown, produce, Heidi has your replenishment needs at heart.

She’ll quench your thirst with a cool glass of her signature, sparkling lemon verbena and rosemary cordial, before filling your belly with the likes of house-made focaccia, Wagyu osso bucco with local seasonal greens, and top it off with a to-die-for combination of flourless chocolate cake, spiced plums, and vanilla bean ice cream.

And that’s just night one!

Between a piping hot breakfast with house-baked bread, fresh cakes, salads, and biscuits for the trail, and three-course meals fit for kings eaten around the table of the 100-year-old stone cottage ‘basecamp’ that oozes a cosy ambience. There isn’t a chance your tummy will be grumbling after this weekend. In fact, you’ll be asking for the secret recipes.

Sleep

One of the best parts of a Rove Numby holiday is sleeping under the stars without having to carry a heavy pack to get your tent there. The property’s luxurious and iconic bell tents sleep two people each, giving you ample space to relax and unwind.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a weekend off-grid without a roaring campfire and a few yarns thrown around. Add in the immense night sky pock-marked with stars and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation and rest.

Pull on Your Boots at Rove Numby Station

From the moment you step boot on the station, the raw and rustic nature of Numby will get under your skin. Embrace the beauty, indulge in the nourishing home cooking, and soak in the country hospitality, just don’t forget the friends to enjoy it with!

And if you book a trip during 2025, you can get $100 off by using the discount code ‘WAE100’ at check out!

Photos by Clancy Paine