Exploring Country Charm in The Oaks
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Turning off the Camden Bypass and following the curves of Burragorang Road, you’ll soon arrive in the cosy village of The Oaks. Coined by English botanist George Caley for the she-oaks in the area, it is one of the oldest settled areas in the Macarthur region, established in the 1820s. Located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal and Gundungurra people, The Oaks is a suburb where you will find heritage and country charm in abundance.
The drive itself is inspiring, with green plains evolving into sloping hills, peppered with ridges of bushy trees and horse farms along the way. Starting at Conscious Coffee on Merlin St, you’re in for a real treat. Your welcoming host Tony brews his specialty single origin beans in-house, and has a roastery in the Blue Mountains create his house blend, so quality and taste are in every sip. Pair it with his buttery home-made Florentines and you have the perfect combo. This is a local gem, ready for you to discover.
Nearby on Edward Street, is The Wollondilly Heritage Centre & Museum, one of the most inspiring local museums to visit. Staffed by volunteers with a wealth of historical knowledge, it offers a fascinating glimpse into local history across seven heritage buildings, sharing the stories of people, places and moments in time from the Wollondilly area. Thanks to the specialised displays and personalised tour, it makes for a captivating experience. Open on weekends, this is a WEST must-visit.
For more local history, St Matthew’s Anglican Church, built in late 1838, is a lovely stop, as well as The Oaks Airfield, used as a backup military airstrip during World War II. Today it’s still active for flight training and recreational flights, which would be a spectacular way to see The Oaks from above.
Next, wander along John Street, the main thoroughfare of the village, a place buzzing with activity. There’s a very fun splash park for kids and some great local shops to explore, as well as buildings unique to the local area. The Oaks Barber shop with its old-school frontage and spinning barber pole is a great example.
When it comes to eateries, one of the most popular is Glen’s Bakery Café, known for their freshly made goodies including custard tarts. It’s the perfect place to sit inside for a cosy country vibe. The Oaks Butchery is a top spot for quality house-made pies, and the constant line up for Royal Char-Grill Chicken tells you it’s popular.
A visit to The Oaks wouldn’t be complete without including The Oaks Hotel. Originally built in 1863 as a weight-station for travellers, it’s become a community staple, bringing locals, families and visitors together for great vibes and a hearty meal. WEST enjoyed a juicy steak dish, and loved seeing unexpected items on the menu, including lobster rolls and braised garlic mussels. With live music playing, it feels like the ideal local experience.
The Oaks is a wonderful place to explore, where you can connect with local businesses, uncover fascinating history, and enjoy some of the most beautiful green landscapes in the region. It’s a great place to stop, explore and visit – you may even want to add in a visit to Burragorang Lookout afterwards to view the mighty Warragamba Dam – it’s just up the road. A great day exploring.
Explore with WEST.
Comments