Tarana Valley

Tarana, a small rural town developed in the 1960s, is located in a picturesque valley located 30 minutes’ drive from Lithgow, nestled beside the main western railway line. Tarana, derived from the indigenous word meaning “large waterhole”, and what a fitting name to describe the town, housing the historical Tarana Hotel. Since opening in 1873, the Tarana Hotel has accumulated an impressive collection of mementos and photos of its patrons over the years. Relax and enjoy a quiet beer surrounded by breathtaking views and a friendly local atmosphere. Why not enjoy a delicious meal with Lunch served from 12 pm to 3pm and Dinner from 5:30pm to 8pm.

 

Located a few kilometers east of Tarana, lies the Evans Crown Nature reserve, the best place to appreciate the true beauty of the Crown, and the scenic landscape rewarding those who trek the 30–45-minute walk along a moderate uphill climb. The Evans Crown Reserve is accessible via a right-hand turn into Honeysuckle Falls Road just off the Sodwalls Road.

 

Flat Rock Picnic Area is a great location for a family picnic or a dip in the water if you are looking to cool off on a hot summer day. Located right along the Fish River, it is a beautiful place for camping or a picnic.

The Tarana Community Farmers Markets take place on the grounds of the Tarana Rural Fire Services on the 4th Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm. From humble beginnings in 2015, the market has grown into a thriving event with over 50 vendors who generously raise money for community projects and the Rural Fire Service.  There is a wide variety of products from farm meats, free range eggs, fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, cakes, breads, salami, local wines and livestock, including alpacas, with shady areas provided for you to sit, relax and sample the locally produced food and beverages.

Built during the construction of the railway in 1869, the Old Tarana School building stands as a historical monument of Tarana education history. It was designed to provide a place for the children of the railway workers to receive education in the thriving town. Located next door, the current Tarana Public School was constructed in 1913. In 2019 the Tarana community celebrated 150 years of education at Tarana School, which is a significant achievement for education in rural communities.

The Old Tarana School now houses the studio of the talented Sandra Laroche who has been a freelance artist since 1965 when she moved from Brisbane to Sydney. Sandra designed beautiful silk scarves for the Prestigeous French House of Hermès in Paris, France. She is well known for her warm, softened artwork characterized by her use of delicate watercolours above her strong line drawings.

 

She has illustrated more than two dozen children’s books including Snow Rose a collaboration with her husband Michel Laroche, and the Ethel Turner classic, Seven Little Australians. Most weekends, her studio is open from 10am to 5:30pm or by appointment during the week, showcasing beautiful works created by her friends and her own works including, detailed watercolour paintings, gouache paintings, fine-art prints, cards, decorative pieces, ceramics, textiles, and some book illustrations and studies.