This town is famous for its fruit orchids of apples. To the south, lies Bago
state forest with 43,000 ha of soft and hardwood timbers. The timber mills
are are a mjor part of the towns history and charm.
The
town of Batlow, 30kms south of Tumut, is famous for its bountiful apple, cherry
and stonefruit orchards. Its history dates back to the heyday of the 19th century
goldrush, when prospectors converged on Reedy Creek in 1854, sparking a demand
for fresh produce. This led to the establishment of orchards and farms and subsequently,
the town of Batlow. Within a few years, fruit-growing became and major industry,
so much so that in 1923 the first cool stores in New South Wales were constructed
at Batlow.
During the picking season there are a number
of orchards where you can enjoy the experience of picking your own fresh fruit
from the trees.
The
area is famous for its large native and softwood forests. Try the interesting
walks and drives within Bago Forest. Hume and Hovell Lookout provides spectacular
views of Blowering Valley and Lake, while Pilot Hill Forest Park is an interesting
spot to wander around and discover 40 different species of conifers and hardwood
from all over the world.