“Bathurst, You’re a Bloody Legend: A Weekend in the Heart of NSW’s Central West”
If you think Bathurst is just about the Bathurst 1000 and is just a pit stop for motorsport fans, think again. Located smack bang in the heart of New South Wales’ Central West, this regional town has so much more to offer than just the roar of race cars. Whether it’s the rich history, the warmth of the locals, or the spectacular natural beauty, Bathurst is a place that will surprise and delight you with all that and more – especially in all the little things. After a weekend of exploration, food, laughs, and the most welcoming locals we’ve ever met, I can confidently say: Bathurst, you’re a bloody legend.
Checking In: The Victoria Hotel
We checked into this cracking boutique pub, and opted for a Queen Suite with private bathroom, and let me tell you, the room was spotless. Think pristine white sheets, carpets with not a single mark, (yes, I checked) and a big bold, yellow lounge perfect for kicking back with a drink. The Victoria Hotel nails that sweet spot between being relaxed and a little bit fancy.
The Vic, as the locals call it, stands on the corner of the historic site of the Tremain Brothers Pty Ltd Victoria Flour Mills of 1876 (yes, I had to Google that). The history’s cool, but it’s the art that really makes this place shine. Larissa Blake, a talented artist from nearby Orange, has her work scattered all over the hotel—her mural by the dining room fireplace is an absolute standout. And those stained-glass windows with Queen Victoria’s face on every panel? They’re like Bathurst’s own version of Andy Warhol’s pop art—quirky, iconic, and totally unforgettable.
Now, if you haven’t heard of Larissa, you should—because she’s not only an amazing artist in her own right, but her mum, Loretta (who also lives in Orange and is kicking up an artistic storm of her own), clearly passed on the creative gene. This family is a creative powerhouse, and you can see it all over Bathurst and Orange.
Wandering Bathurst: Streets Full of Colour
After dropping our bags, we walk Keppel and William Streets bursting with colour and charm. Everywhere you look, there’s a perfect splash of nature—white roses, yellow sunflowers, pink crepe myrtles, red snapdragons, and butterfly bushes. It’s like the town’s got a natural sense of style but it’s not just pretty, house frontages are a point of pride. Real pride.
The Bathurst Train Station
It’s like stepping back in time—especially when you see the old train loco outside, once driven by the famous Prime Minister, Ben Chifley. Apparently, before he was in politics, he worked on the railways since he was 17. I guess running the country was just his side gig.
There’s a fireplace in the station waiting room which was packed with people happily waiting for a delayed train. The place was buzzing with locals chatting away like they didn’t have a care in the world. But that fireplace? It was a reminder that Bathurst can get cold. The kind of cold right to the bone, especially at night when temperatures can drop below freezing. But as the locals put it, “If you’re cold, you’re wearing the wrong gear!” Gotta love that Bathurst spirit.
Food, Pubs, and More Food: Eat Like a Local
When it comes to food, Bathurst has some fantastic spots to check out, but the pub culture here? It’s legendary. First stop: Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub. We didn’t get the chance to try the famous Ma Duggan’s fare (the kitchen was undergoing renos—grrr), but we still got to soak in the pub vibe and have a yarn with the locals. Bathurst folks are some of the friendliest around—you’re having a drink, and the next thing you know, someone’s pulled up a chair, and you’re swapping stories.
Next, we made our way to the Tattersalls Hotel (dinner kicks off sharp at 6pm and no earlier) and they told us we’d be pleased with the revamped menu. This wasn’t your typical pub grub—far from it. The dishes were fresh, inventive, and way better than we’d expected. If you’re in Bathurst, this place is a must-visit.
Next evening, we dined at The Victoria Hotel itself, trying the classic fish and chips and chickpea curry, which didn’t disappoint. You’ll be tempted to crack up at the menu, which features a “Kids or Cheeky Adults Over 60,” quirky options, like “Don’t Know Chicken Nuggets” and the “I’m Hungry Cheese Pizza and Tomato Base.” And for dessert? The Posh Pav, of course, because nothing says “Bathurst” like finishing off with a classic Aussie pavlova.
Afterward, we couldn’t resist grabbing a couple of scoops of handmade ice cream at Annies Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour in George Street. The hard thing is deciding flavour but Annie’s ice cream hit the spot, big time.
Mount Panorama: 60 km/h and Still Freaking Out
So, you can’t come to Bathurst and not drive around Mount Panorama, right? We had to give it a go. We pushed the pedal to the metal at 60km/h (which, let’s face it, is the speed my nan would do on a Sunday drive—if she were in a race car). Even at that speed, the bends had us second-guessing how the hell the race car drivers handle this track at full throttle—especially when they’re hitting speeds of up to 300km/h. Cameras were on us the whole way around, but you could almost feel the buzz of Bathurst 1000 history in every corner. It’s no surprise that Bathurst is known as Australia’s Motor Racing Capital.
There’s something pretty magical about being on that track. We’re already planning our next trip back for the race—bring on the crowds, the engines, and the smell of burnt rubber.
The Gallery: Bathurst’s Thriving Arts Scene
Bathurst also offers something for art lovers. We visited the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and caught the new exhibition, The Signs Are Good: 20 Years of Painting the Future – Adam Norton’s work. If you haven’t heard of him, you’re in for a treat. Norton’s art grabs you from the first glance—bold, striking, and unapologetically full of life. The exhibition felt like a visual road trip—each piece taking you down a different, unexpected path. From abstract landscapes that make you question what’s real, to amazing portraits that come alive.
Friendly Locals: The Heart and Soul of Bathurst
What really made our Bathurst weekend so special were the locals. Everywhere we went, people greeted us with a friendly smile and were eager to chat. At Gunther’s Bakery, we struck up a conversation with welcoming staff, who were more than happy to share their stories about life in Bathurst. We even learned a thing or two about being a student at Charles Sturt University, just up the road. It’s these little interactions that make a place feel like home.
Bathurst’s true charm lies not just in its beauty and history but in its people. There’s something about this town that makes you feel instantly at ease, like you’re part of the community, even if it’s just for a weekend.
Conclusion: Long Live the Local
We packed a lot into our forty-eight hours—visiting nearby Millthorpe, Blayney, and Orange (including an ice-cold beer at The Canobolas and a delicious Racines pie), then enjoying a quiet, evening walk back in Machattie Park (and a cheeky splash in the fountain). There was so much more we could’ve explored, but we had to wrap it up.
What made this trip so memorable? We realized – Bathurst may be a small regional town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to charm, culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re here for the motorsport, the food, the art, or just a peaceful getaway, we truly believe Bathurst has a lot to offer. It’s a place that lingers in your mind long after you leave.
And we picked up a “Long Live The Local” tee shirt at The Victoria Hotel to remember our stay, we couldn’t agree more. Bathurst, you’ve captured our hearts. You’re a bloody legend!
