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THE BATHURST REGION: AN AUTHENTIC SEASONAL DELIGHT
Nestled in Wiradjuri Country, a leisurely three-hour journey over the Blue Mountains from Sydney or north from Canberra, Bathurst has a wealth of opportunities for visiting families to soak up the country atmosphere and experience an authentic regional getaway. Regardless of the season, there is always something new and exciting to do with a plethora of activities, festivals, and events, throughout the year.
In summer the days stretch longer, the waterways open up for recreation, and the outdoors come alive. Visiting in summer you can expect excellent walking trails, cherry picking, free riverside camping and the return of the Bathurst Sea of Sound where local musicians take up stages across the town in a celebration of local talent and summer vibes. If you are looking for adventure, then look no further than the recently re-opened Bridle Track which hosts 13 pristine free riverside camping reserves along a breathtakingly scenic four-wheel drive track.
As autumn eases in, the foliage of the Bathurst region becomes awash of vibrant red and gold with autumn colours lining the streets, highlighting the iconic red brick of heritage buildings. In this season Bathurst celebrates its heritage with a display of traditional crafts and skill across the weekend of the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail, where hundreds of local and regional artisans gather at the showgrounds to display their skills. With workshops, displays and expert knowledge children can engage with a time long past and experience the skills and trades that built the region. Autumn photography and gourmet mushroom foraging are some local favourite activities that anyone can experience during the season, with a guided tour from a local expert.
During Winter the CBD is transformed into a lively festival space for two magical weeks across the winter school holidays. With a Ferris wheel, outdoor ice-skating rink, nightly light displays, market stalls, live music and a busy program of school holiday activities, the Bathurst Winter Festival brings the warmth back into the season. After a busy day of exploring the region and enjoying the Bathurst Winter Festival, you can sit back and relax with a hot drink in a comfortable but affordable CBD motel or private country cottage only 15 minutes from town, but a world away in atmosphere. The night sky of the region is also a wonder to behold, with some of the darkest skys in Australia it is no wonder that there are two observatories in Bathurst. Look out for a guided tour of the Bathurst Observatory on weekends to inspire a lifelong interest in astronomy.
When spring comes around, the region springs back with it. The full bloom of wildflowers and garden festivals celebrate the new life of the season culminating with the Bathurst Spring Spectacular. The spring season also brings the biggest weekend of Australian Motorsport to the city as the Bathurst 1000 ignites the fires of competition and sparks the excitement of thousands who gather to watch the best in Australia race it out. There are parades and street fares and plenty to get involved in for those visiting during the races, as local businesses decorate their shopfronts in support of their favourite teams.
At any time of the year Bathurst hosts a range of memorable and engaging experiences. Explore the grounds of an 1870’s historic mansion at Abercrombie House, step back in time and learn all about the gold rush at History Hill Museum & Mine or try your hand panning for gold with Jhob’s Gold Panning Tours in Hill End. The Bathurst CBD also features four iconic museums where you can experience the only T-Rex skeleton outside of a capital city at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, marvel at the detail and intricacy of model trains at the Bathurst Rail Museum, soak in the challenge and glory of the races at the National Motor Racing Museum and learn about the life of Bathurst local and Australia’s 16th prime minister Ben Chifley at the Chifley Home and Education Centre.
Bathurst also has a wide range of dining options to choose from. Everything from the family friendly pub with playroom and toys to entertain the kids, to high end dining to celebrate a special night. A growing cellar door scene is a great chance to experience country hospitality, with local gin, whiskey, wines, and beer all on offer!
For your next family adventure, come over the Mountains, but not so far away to reconnect and make lasting family memories in the vibrant and thriving Bathurst region.
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EXCITE, DELIGHT AND RECONNECT WITH YOUR YOUNG PIONEERS IN THE BATHURST REGION.
This itinerary is designed for a family of 3 to 5 people with pre and primary school aged children.
Stay: Rydges Mount Panorama.
When: Any time of the year!
Day 1:
Morning - Arrive at Bathurst Visitor Information Centre. If you have an Electric Vehicle this is the perfect chance to recharge on one of our 6 superchargers.
Pop in and speak with the friendly team who know Bathurst like the palm of their hand. Pick up free maps, itinerary suggestions and handy tips from an experienced local.
You can also make bookings for several stops on your itinerary at the counter. There are locally made jams and honeys and souvenirs to purchase.
Harvest Café and Store shares the same location as Bathurst Visitor Information Centre. A great chance to enjoy a spot of morning tea while reading over the information you have picked up before checking into your accommodation. The café welcomes families, even your four legged friends, and looks over the enormous public recreation oval, Morse Park, so take the opportunity to stretch your legs after the drive.
Afternoon - Drive a lap or two of the iconic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, stopping at the Skyline Boardwalk for a few family snaps and to admire the views over Bathurst and the Central West. Race into the National Motor Racing Museum conveniently located on the circuit. Every motor enthusiast's dream, there is a massive collections of cars, bikes and motor racing memorabilia to explore. Savvy travellers can purchase a two week museums pass, which allows them to save on entry to Bathurst's other museums during their trip and 10% off in the gift shops.
Then check into Rydges Mount Panorama. An unbeatable location on Mount Panorama/ Wahluu, with generously spacious rooms overlooking the famous racing circuit and modern self contained apartments perfect for families to relax and feel at home. There is a pool and a tennis court, plus the Chicane Bar and Grill offering dine in and room service, plus an extensive buffet breakfast to fill tummies before your day's adventures. Book their competitive rates, with discounts for stays extending 2 nights or longer.
Evening - Head out for dinner and a show at The Victoria Bathurst. Championing the local music scene in Bathurst with two dedicated live music spaces, Little Alberts and The Backyard. Whether it's a loved local artist or a touring Aussie band, The Victoria knows how to host atmospheric performances. The pub is proudly pokie free and community focused, they offer a great value kids menu, and delicious options for the parents, too.
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FOUR DAYS IN BATHURST
Be surprised and delighted by the Bathurst region and some of its well loved, and hidden gems.
The Bathurst region, situated in Wiradjuri Country, is a fascinating blend of historic homes and buildings and amazing natural wonders. You will feel a world away, yet you are never far from the creature comforts of this thriving regional centre.
There is something for everyone to enjoy. The region is easily accessible from Australia’s major east coast cities, and the ACT. Most of the attractions can be accessed by people of any ability and can be done at any time of the year.
