Mullion Range State Conservation Area, NSW

Mullion Range State Conservation Area is a magical spot to tackle a bushwalk, relax over a picnic, gaze up at glorious waterfalls, or indulge in a spot of fishing and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Summer Hill creek.

The park is alive with interesting plant and animal life. Among the creatures you might encounter are lots of woodland birds, including colourful native parrots and owls, not to mention gliders, possums, and even platypus along the creek if you're really lucky.

History buffs will enjoy checking out the remnants of the area's gold mining past; follow Historic Water Race walking track, made by the pioneering gold miners in the 1860s, to discover a small slice of Orange's gold mining heritage.

Or head out along Central Mines trail to The Falls for spectacular views and a splash in the rock waterholes at the bottom of the falls, followed by a delicious picnic.