Discover Historic Bathurst and Surrounds
Nestled amid the rolling countryside of Central West NSW, Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland settlement, where history, contemporary culture, and natural beauty intertwine. Throughout Bathurst city are beautiful examples of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture. Stroll through Machattie Park and the town square with its historic laneways and majestic Courthouse building, completed in 1880. Just beyond Bathurst, discover scenic walks, award-winning breweries and distilleries, gourmet experiences, and charming historic villages.
Experience Bathurst’s vibrant arts and culture, with the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery showcasing exhibitions of Australian artists, and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum home to remarkable, rare fossils and geological treasures. The Bathurst Rail Museum, in the historic Railway Institute building, holds stories of locals connected to the Railways, both past and present. Set in a quiet residential street is Chifley House, the former home of Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth, that gives a glimpse into life in the 1940s.
Of course, Bathurst is synonymous with Australia’s car racing heritage, with the Bathurst 1000 held each year at Mount Panorama. Visit the National Motor Racing Museum, located at the foot of the mountain. Another major annual event is the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail, held over a weekend in April as part of the Autumn Colours Heritage Festival - a beautiful time of year to visit, with golden foliage, crisp air, and plentiful seasonal produce.
For nature lovers, there’s a wide range of scenic walks and trails. Five minutes from Bathurst’s CBD, Boundary Road Reserve has two gentle walking trails winding through 80 hectares of bushland. The Kath Knowles Pathway is a 10km fully paved walking and cycling track that follows the picturesque Macquarie River. For a more adventurous walk, head to Mount Gray walking track near Abercrombie Caves, that takes you past the relics of a historic mining site, then onto the magnificent waterfalls and views at Grove Creek Falls.
Eat & Drink
Bathurst boasts a thriving culinary scene. Bootleg Dining restaurant serves up modern Australian fare featuring locally-sourced ingredients, in a charming heritage building. Norma Joan has a focus on regional wines, cocktails and share plates, with a cosy wine bar and gorgeous courtyard. Housed in a heritage-listed old flour mill in historic Piper Street, you’ll find Reckless Brewing Co, Bathurst’s only local craft brewery. Relax in the beer garden with a craft beer, tapas-style plates, and bring the family.
The Bathurst Grange Distillery and The Grange homestead dates to 1823, and is one of the earliest surviving colonial farmhouses in Australia. Book a tour of the property, gardens and farmland, learn about distillation, and enjoy small-batch whisky and gin tastings. Just a short drive from Bathurst is historic Rockley, home to The Rockley Pub now owned by chef Matt Moran. Book in for lunch on the sunny verandah overlooking the town.
The popular Bathurst Farmers’ Market offers fresh regional produce and gourmet goods from local growers & makers. Nearby, in the tiny village of Tarana, Tarana’s Community Farmers’ Market is stocked with fresh produce and artisan products from the valley.
Day Trips from Bathurst
With plenty to see and do further afield, plan some day trips during your stay. An hour from Bathurst is Hill End, once a gold rush boom town. Stroll the town’s heritage-listed streetscapes and be transported back in time. A short drive from the Hill End is Bald Hill lookout, with spectacular views over the countryside - sunsets here are simply magic.
The historic village of Carcoar has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. A 40 minute drive from Bathurst, Carcoar is nestled in a small, peaceful valley beside the Belubula River. Wander Carcoar on foot and soak up the history. Stop in at Tomolly for beautiful homewares, and book in advance at Antica Australis for lunch on weekends.
From left, The Rockley Pub, Carcoar, Abercrombie House, and Mayfield Garden.
At 65 hectares, Mayfield Garden is one of largest cool climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Inspired by old European gardens, it’s stunning in every season, and features Australia’s largest box hedge maze, chapel, rose garden, lavender parterre, and sunken formal garden rooms. Upon your return to Bathurst, visit Abercrombie House, a castle-like mansion built in 1870 from sandstone and granite. Owned by the Morgan family since 1968, take a house tour, and visit their website for event information including high teas and Christmas in July.
Historic Boutique Bathurst Accommodation
Littlebourne House, 1830
Littlebourne House, a National Trust‑listed property, dates to 1830 with six luxurious hotel-style suites, and also offers accessible accommodation. Choose to book individual suites, or the entire homestead for up to 14 guests - ideal for small groups travelling together, or to celebrate a special occasion in a charming country setting. Surrounded by three hectares of established gardens and parkland, Littlebourne is fully self‑contained, with a gourmet kitchen and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas.
Lawson’s Estate on Macquarie Farm, 1824
Lawsons Estate on Macquarie Farm is first farm and oldest residence over the Blue Mountains, with the homestead and convict barracks dating to the early 1820s, both built with convict labour using bricks made on the property. Now a luxury heritage destination, Lawsons Estate offers exclusive accommodation together with a rich historical experience. The heritage-listed homestead sleeps up to 18 guests, with additional accommodation options on the estate to cater for groups of up to 30. Set in idyllic country surrounds, enjoy direct river access for fishing, picnicking, and scenic walks.
The Wool Store, 1875
The Wool Store was built in 1875, and is located in the heart of Bathurst’s heritage precinct. Initially a bulk-delivery store for selling grain and wool, it was cleverly transformed into fully self-contained apartment accommodation that features exposed brickwork, original ceiling beams and polished floors. Choose from the cosy studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, to the spectacular New York loft-style four bedroom penthouse. Families and children of all ages are welcome.
Yarras Homestead, 1823
Yarras Homestead is a quiet country retreat with two centuries of history, located just a few minutes outside Bathurst. Fully restored, the homestead has five bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests, all with stunning views from every window. Self-contained with a large kitchen and both informal and formal lounge & dining areas, Yarras Homestead is ideal for families or small groups seeking a tranquil escape.
The Shearer’s Hall at Wilga Station, 1947
The Shearer’s Hall at Wilga Station was built just following the Second World War. At the heart of a 260-acre working sheep farm, it’s been converted into a self-contained, luxurious five bedroom country retreat, capturing wide ranging views over the Fitzgeralds Valley. There’s also a kitchen forage garden for guests to access and harvest from during their stay.
