COVID-19 restrictions easing with NSW holidays back on the agenda | Photos, pictures

While NSW borders remain open, Queensland's are firmly shut with holidaymakers urged to travel locally and explore the sights and sounds in their own region.

No matter whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family adventure or a trip with your best mates, the Central West is filled to the brim with incredible accommodation options with all budgets in mind.

Here's a few ideas to get you started:

Even before restrictions were officially lifted, Sienna Escape in Mudgee was "swamped" with bookings.

"On the day that the [NSW] premier [Gladys Berejiklian] said restrictions would lift on June 1 we got hit with phone calls," owner Cameron D'Arcy said.

"From June 1 until late August we're already fully booked, and the weekends are fully booked until October/November.

"We got 25 bookings in one day. On a good day we might get three or four, but to get 25 is unprecedented."

Mr D'Arcy said while some bookings were returning customers, many have been new clients.

"I think a lot of people are itching to get outside and get into nature," he said.

While you're in Mudgee, the region's wineries are now welcoming up to 50 people for tastings.

Also reopen are libraries in Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos, along with a number of other businesses.

Bishop's Court Estate Boutique Hotel is all about luxury, personal touches and a passion for seeing guests love their stay, owner Christine Le Fevre says.

The hotel, located just outside the Bathurst CBD, may have lost all of its bookings when the coronavirus pandemic hit, but things are now looking good.

"We're now seen a huge resurgence in our regular clients," Ms Le Fevre said.

"It's certainly not a great big deluge and rush which is nice because we've got to look after everyone's safety.

"We're not going to fill the property every night so we can give people more space."

Since travel restrictions were lifted, Ms Le Fevre has taken bookings from people in Sydney, Canberra, Southern Highlands and the Orana/Dubbo region.

"They're really after that short trip that's not too far from where they live," she said.

"They're staying not just for one night, but two or three nights."

Ms Le Fevre said Bathurst is becoming known as a "foodie destination" and many of her customers are combining that with visiting friends and relatives.

"It makes people realise what's really important to them is to spend time with family and friends," she said.

While you're in Bathurst, don't forget to pack your walking shoes for a lap of the famous Mount Panorama circuit, it's 6.213 kilometres long and its highest point is 862 metres above sea level.

A number of arts and cultural centres have been reopened, including: National Motor Racing Museum, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum (reopens June 4), Bathurst Rail Museum (reopens June 5). On June 9 Bathurst Library and Bathurst Regional Art Gallery will also reopen.

The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre has also reopened.

A visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo and a stay in award winning CBD apartments is a fantastic combination.

Manera Heights Apartments has won a number of awards during the past few years and owner Trevor Kratzmann said now that the zoo has reopened bookings have spiked.

"We've received a lot of internet bookings, it started at the end of last week and they're booking for the long weekend," he said.

"As soon as they announced the zoo was going to open, that's when we started to get bookings.

"So far I'm not seeing anything for the June/July school holidays yet, I think they're leaving it a little later [to book]."

While you're in Dubbo there's lots to do and see with many tourist attractions already welcoming back visitors, including Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The Western Plains Cultural Centre, Old Dubbo Gaol, visitor information centres and customer experience centres are also open.

Wellington Caves is also open, however people will not be able to go underground.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience reopens June 4.

Dubbo Regional Council has also opened some of its sporting facilities, check out the full list.

Keen for some wide open spaces after being locked indoors for so long, then check out the Marrangaroo Log Cabin farm stay near Lithgow.

Set on 25 acres, the Airbnb host Deb says this property is great for families and couples.

"I raise pigs and a variety of poultry, there is sheep and a calf that is bottle fed twice a day," the property's listing states.

"There is a chestnut and walnut grove that I harvest each year. Kangaroos and other wild life roam the property.

"There is a fire pit and wood so you can sit around and relax and do some star gazing."

While you're in Lithgow, council is reopening the following facilities for public use: campgrounds, parks, reserves, skate parks, public barbecues and sports grounds.

Other areas are already open, they include: golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, fitness equipment and dog parks.

Leisure bookings are picking up at the Central Caleula Motor Lodge which is located right in the heart of the Orange CBD.

"People are starting to come back and the corporates are starting to get back on track," owner Jackie Longman said.

"We're very busy but we're not booked out, but things are on the up and up."

Ms Longman said while some travellers are still wary, others are embracing the opportunity to get out travelling following the COVID-19 lockdowns.

"I think we've turned the corner and people are excited about it," she said.

Wine lovers can also rejoice with wineries right across Orange now open to 50 people from June 1.

Orange Region Vignerons Association president Nicole Samodol said it was welcome news.

"Speaking to colleagues and members we're getting a lot of enquiries and bookings," she said.

Orange's library, gallery, museum and visitor information centre have also been cleared to reopen.

Newcrest Mining and Orange360 have partnered in a tourism initiative to give locals $1500 to spend in the regional economy on accommodation, restaurants and retail across Orange, with 80 of the prize packs to be handed out from June.

If you need more space this stunning, modern Airbnb just outside Canowindra could fit the bill.

Pop's Hill is located just three kilometres from town and has huge 360 degree views over vineyards, Mount Canobolas, Nangar and Canowindra, host Melinda says.

The home is just four years old, can sleep up to 10 people and is suitable for couples, families, groups or friends.

While you're in town take a stroll along Canowindra's quaint streets.

Also, nearby Cowra has launched its 'Welcome Home' tourism campaign to encourage visitors back to the region.

Stay in style at this historic Airbnb property located within walking distance from Cowra's CBD.

This magnificent old home can sleep 10 people in its five bedrooms.

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is also welcoming back visitors, however they are operating on reduced opening hours.

Why not pack the family up and head to Parkes for a few days to stay in a comfortable cottage just a hop, skip and a jump from town.

This gorgeous home can sleep six guests and it's located a four minute stroll from the Parkes CBD.

The house is family-friendly, has off-street parking and free Wi-Fi and Netflix.

While you're in town, make sure you wander the Parkes CBD to check out the Public Art Trail, and also take a look at Parkes Visitor Information Centre and Henry Parkes Museum. Read more.

The King's Castle Elvis Exhibit and Parkes Motor Museum will be open on weekdays only, while as of June 2, the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile the theme for next year's Parkes Elvis Festival has been announced, with bookings now open for home hosting for this hugely-popular event.

Need some wide open spaces after being stuck indoors for so long? Pack the kids and the car and head to Oberon.

Birch Rest is a picturesque cottage is located on Collies Run, a 23 acre property that's located five kilometres from Oberon.

It overlooks Lake Oberon and is located 1145 metres above sea level, so if you're planning an escape soon make sure to pack your winter woolies.

This adult-only property has reverse-cycle air conditioning and a slow combustion wood heater.

While you're there, make sure you head into Oberon to walk the main street and then venture out a little further to visit the stunning Mayfield Garden where the cafe has a brand new menu.