Things to do around Bathurst, NSW

Things to do around Bathurst, NSW: Food, Wine and Fun!

When you’ve had your thrills at Australia’s most iconic motorsport venue at Mount Panorama – watching the Bathurst 1000. you’ll be looking for other things to do around Bathurst, and you’ll find plenty! This town won’t disappoint. Bathurst has rich historic landmarks and a thriving local scene that will have you wanting more, and it’s small enough to experience a lot. From Bathurst outdoor adventures, and lovely pub culture, this town offers something for everyone and all ages.

If you’re a foodie, aka gourmet gobbler, then Bathurst’s food and wine scene is bulging with great spots and culinary flair. Everything turns tasty when using fresh, local farm produce and award winning beef and diary, olive oils and honey…and more. Take a stroll around the Bathurst Farmers’ Markets, shop at popular boutiques or meet the locals at the many pubs over fine tasty specials. Bathurst pub meals, restaurants and local vineyards make wine and cuisine seriously good. Fancy an excellent coffee? Follow the wafting aroma from Doppio and other growing coffee outlets.

There’s no doubt, Bathurst is charming. Streets are lined in pink and purple hues of crepe myrtle in Summer, with roses, butterfly bush and hydrangeas at their best. Bathurst Council looks after it’s parks and streets very well with generous Government funding we’re told, so things are impeccable along the main streets of Keppel and William and surrounds.

Bathurst is the kind of place where you can wander through the Regional Museum, the Library, see a movie at the Cinema and mingle at Bathurst Wine Tours – all within easy reach. Enjoy fun annual events like the Bathurst See and Sound Festival, heart stopping Liqui Moly and the New Years Eve Party in the Park. Like we said, there’s so many things to do. For something a little different, join one of the Indigenous-led tours to learn about the area’s deep cultural history.

Bathurst is a laid-back spot to relax, small enough to do a lot, while soaking up the the countryside and country hospitality. It’s a cruisy 2hrs 50min drive from Sydney or 3 hours 15 min from Canberra. It’s a great town for a day trip or a weekend or midweek getaway. If you ditch the car and go by rail, it’ll take 3hr 35min approx from Central Station, Sydney, and you’ll be tucking into an excellent meal and local wine in no time.

But there’s always more reasons to stay longer.

Wellness and Pampering Around Bathurst 

• Abercrombie Hair: A local favourite for haircuts and styling, They do restorative hair treatments. 37A Keppel St, Bathurst NSW
• Zenspa: A peaceful sanctuary for those needing a quiet space, no kids and plenty of pampering. 2/91 Rankin St, Bathurst NSW
• SHE Beauty Room: luxe beauty treatments, from rejuvenating facials to expert skincare. 94 William St, Bathurst NSW
• Pretty Healthy: offers wellness therapies and beauty treatments using clean, eco-friendly products. 63 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW
• Lily Lash Bar: Glamour queens unite with lash extensions, brows, and more. 3/38 William St, Bathurst NSW
• Macquarie Hair: Professional haircuts, colour treatments, and styling located at 4/49 William Street, Bathurst, NSW, Australia, NSW
• Shape for Hair :Personalised, high-quality hair services for over 40 years! 112 Keppel St Shop 6.Bathurst NSW
• Nailassie Bar: A nail sanctuary in Bathurst City Centre.
• Novia Massage: Relax those tense muscles with a massage at Novia Massage. Now open near Woolworths in the Bathurst City Centre.
• Breathe DMC Studio: Promoting body-mind health, fitness and wellbeing with Pilates Reformer, Pilates and more.98 Bentinck St, Bathurst
• Macquarie Medi Spa: Bathurst’s award winning skincare and wellness clinic with a brand new Beauty Lounge. Plus, they’re big time Breast Cancer Supporters (go Team Bx!)

• Simply Beautiful Beauty Therapy: Everything from facials to relaxation massages, Simply Beautiful Beauty Therapy promises a serene and indulgent experience. 240 William St, Bathurst
• The Courtyard Thai Massage and Spa: offer a wide range of massage services, including traditional Thai massage, deep tissue massage, foot reflexology massage, aromatherapy oil massage and more. 202 Howick St, Bathurst
• Bathurst Laser Skin Care: From microdermabrasion to laser hair removal, this clinic offers professional skin treatments that leave you glowing and confident.
• The Beauty Spot Bathurst: For facials, skin care, and professional makeup services, The Beauty Spot ensures you feel pampered and rejuvenated with their high-end beauty treatments. 2/29 George St, Bathurst NSW
• Yum Luxury Day Spa: Indulge in a variety of luxurious spa treatments, including body scrubs, facials, and relaxing massages at this high-end day spa designed to pamper. 90 William St, Bathurst NSW
• Lil Luxuries Beauty: This cosy beauty studio specialises in a wide range of treatments including waxing, facials, and manicures, perfect for a mini getaway in Bathurst. 94 Brilliant St, Bathurst.
• Bathurst Hair Genie: Known for providing excellent haircuts, colouring, and styling services. 11A/115 George St, Bathurst

Explore & Discover Bathurst: A Journey Through Nature, History & Adventure

Bathurst Outdoor Adventures:

• Get moving and hike or birdwatch (if that’s your thing) or just relax in the stunning Evans Crown Nature Reserve.
• Spot a roo in its natural habitat at Kangaroo Boundary Rd Reserve
• Calm your Chakras at Okhuma Japanese Garden. 3 Hereford St, Kelso
• Prepare to be blown away at Jenolan Caves – the world’s oldest and most stunning underground wonder, will leave you in awe!
• Grab your picnic basket and head to Machattie Gardens, a lovely spot that’s been around since 1890. Chill by the fountain, check out the Begonia House and let the kids go wild at the duck pond. Bonus: the begonias put on a show from March to April. Corner of William and Keppel Streets, Bathurst—perfect for a lazy afternoon!
• Take a spin from Griffins Bend to Forrest Elbow at Mount Panorama, and feel the rush—just like Aussie legends Craig Lowndes and Bathurst racing royalty. Speed limit is however 60km/hr!
• Get lost in a maze (where losing your way is half the fun) at Mayfield Garden.
• Explore Abercrombie Caves, where the 1830’s bushrangers once hid out. Here, you can also take a dip, and throw some snags on the BBQ. Who knew crime scenes could be this fun?”

  

Discover Heritage, Culture and Bathurst 1000

• Join the fun at the annual 16-day Bathurst Winter Festival – stunning light shows, boutique food events with local wines & craft beers, outdoor ice-skating rink, carnival rides, local live music & more.
• Cheer them on at Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit or drive the public road circuit yourself! Bathurst racing events are thrilling.

• Ash’s Speedway Museum: Celebrate Bathurst’s speedway history at this dedicated museum. It showcases a variety of memorabilia, including race cars, trophies, photos, and other artefacts related to speedway racing. at 222 William Street, Bathurst
• Enjoy the buzz of seeing the beautiful Beyer-Garratt 6029 steam train heading up the hill towards Wimbledon after departing Bathurst.
• Aboriginal Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich Indigenous heritage of Bathurst with guided tours, including the Wiradyuri Nurambang 4WD and Wahluu Cultural Tours.
• Fossil & Mineral Museum: See Australia’s largest collection of fossils and minerals, a fascinating stop for history lovers.
• Miss Traill’s House: Step back in time at this historic house, offering a glimpse into Bathurst’s early colonial life.
• Check out the thrilling world of motorsport at the Racing Museum dedicated to Bathurst’s racing history and the Bathurst 1000.
• Admire the new art exhibit at the Bathurst Regional Gallery.
• Indulge in a classic High Tea in the historic Abercrombie House (see website for Sunday openings) at 311 Oberon Rd, Bathurst NSW
• Walk  through Abercrombie’s gardens and grounds (tickets are needed) at 311 Oberon Rd, Bathurst NSW
• See the beautiful Cobb & Co Coach Restoration, a nod to Bathurst’s historic transport history. 1/85 George St, Bathurst NSW.
• Experience cutting-edge technology at Gunther’s Lane and explore the latest in digital innovation. 128 George St, Bathurst NSW
• Walk through the scenic Golden Gully and spot the famous Arch formation, a natural rock feature.
• Scan historical artefacts at the Bathurst Historical Museum, which features a great collection from Bathurst’s early settlement days. 2 Busby St, Bathurst, NSW.
• Attend a concert at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre or cinema in the park, Bathurst. 105 William St, Bathurst NSW
• See Australia’s largest collection of fossils at the Fossil & Mineral Museum
• Check out the fabulous Larissa Blake Art at The Victoria Hotel.

Bonus Highlights around Bathurst:

• Have a cold Guinness at Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub
• Visit any number of good watering holes – The Tattersalls Hotel, The Victoria Hotel, The Oxley, The George Hotel, The Duke of Wellington,  Irish Pub, The Berkley Bar and much more. Take your pick of Happy Hours, best drinks and best pub grub around.
• Plan B: Save the drink driving if you’re staying out of town and use Simmo’s, Bathurst Tours or Detour Adventures
• Get a taste of the area’s rich cultural history with the Aboriginal Cultural Tours—check out the Wiradyuri Nurambang 4WD Tour or the Wahluu Cultural Tour.
• Discover Bathurst’s rich wine culture with Bathurst wine tours. Taste test a local wine at Renzaglia, Winburndale, Rock Forest, Three Views Vineyard, Bellbrook Friends Wines.
• Take in a production at the Orange Theatre Co. 135 Byng St, Orange NSW
• Take a drive to the old 19th-century village of Millthorpe for good food, cellar doors, boutiques and vintage shops with quirky finds!
• Experience the thrill of a Flying Fox at the Adventure Playground, perfect for the whole family. 
• Bet on a winner at Bathurst Horse Racing club & Tyer’s Park
• Try the ‘Air Experience Flight‘ for a birds eye view of Bathurst.
• Try your hand at gold panning at the History Hill Museum
• Have fun at the Bathurst Sheep & Cattle Show (check for times)
• Watch a Flick at Metro cinemas.

Bathurst Annual Seasonal Festivals:

Summer Festivals in Bathurst – 

• Sea and Sound Festival: Enjoy exceptional local music and national musicians and artists. Starts with an early morning choir welcoming in the dawn! January
• Liqui- Moly Bathurst: Explore the thrilling world of motorsport at the Bathurst 12 Hour – Australia’s premier endurance race. January/February
• New Years Party in the Park: BYO picnic and live musiv, firwaorks and fun. December/January

Autumn Festivals and Carnivals in Bathurst –

• Gold Crown Carnival: Speed, excitement, fashion and family friendly celebration. This festival is a feature of the harness racing calendar – held in late March. It features five race meetings & many social events such as Ladies Night Marquee, Calcutta, Ambrose Golf Day & Honouree Dinner. The 3yo Finals have a prize money worth $100,000 and the 2 year old finals on the last Saturday night of March each offer $150,000 in prize-money. March.
• Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail: Watch demos of the rare trades of yesteryear, from traditional Aboriginal tool and weapon making to blacksmithing, embroidery and dry stone walling. Ride the cobb and Co Coach too. March/April
• Royal Bathurst Show: Showcasing the best agricultural products, horticulture and pastoral traditions with lots of exhibitions and prizes, carnival rides, games and food. April/May

Winter Festivals and Events in Bathurst –

• Bathurst Winter Festival: See stunning light illuminations, go ice skating, jump on the show rides and join in all the family fun. July.
• Queens Birthday High Tea: Bathurst own version of Downton Abbey! Abercrombie House: June

Spring Festivals and Events in Bathurst –

• Bathurst Spring Spectacular: See the region’s most beautiful gardens and all proceeds are donated to local charities.
• The Repco Bathurst 1000: Known as The Great Race where the biggest names in motor racing descend on Bathurst for one weekend each October, attracting people across the globe.
• Panorama Punish: Run One Hot Lap! It’s a lap of Mount Panorama at 6.2km and with an uphill section that surely rivals the infamous Heartbreak Hill runners in Sydney.
• Rockley Gardens and Art Show: Celebrate Spring at Rockley and end up at Matt Moran’s, The Rockley Pub.  November.

Good Eats Around Bathurst 

• The Crows Nest Cafe: Delicious baked treats and fresh coffee. 37 Keppel St Bathurst.
• DogwoodBX: A fun, laid-back spot serving American-style dining, from juicy burgers to crispy fries and hearty sides. family friendly. 87 Keppel St, Bathurst
• Gunthers Lane Cafe: This is a great community space with welcoming cafe to all. Line up for a wicked muffin with full bacon rasher, egg and cheese, or delicious wraps and other bites plus hot and cold drinks. It’s so inexpensive and the bonus is that it’s open from 5;30am – 2pm Mon to Fri and 7am -2pm Saturdays. Expect fast service and all round big smiles! Located Ground Floor, Reliance Bank Building, 203/209 Russell St, Bathurst NSW

• Chapter 9.2: Modern Australian dishes in a sophisticated 1877 Heritage building with an intimate (with fireplace) and a courtyard. 153a Havannah St, Bathurst
• The Hen and Bow Espresso Bar: Uses local produce, good healthy home-made food and coffee. Shop 4 Shop 4, Gilmour Street. Trinity Heights, Bathurst
• Bootleg Bakery: delicious artisan bread, pastries, and tasty baked goods. 142 William St, Bathurst
• Doppio: A small but mighty cafe serving very good coffee and delicious breafast. 13 Keppel St, Bathurst.
• Bake, Table & Tea: freshly baked goods, light meals, and a wide selection of teas plus homewares and takeaways. 76 George St, Bathurst NSW
• Maalouf’s Restaurant: Authentic Lebanese entrees, dips, main courses and delicious sweet desserts. 52 George St, Bathurst
• Porters Cafe: A friendly, local cafe serving hearty breakfast and lunch options, along with great coffee. 76 William St, Bathurst.
• B Town BBQ: Texas BBQ and Southern Style dining from pulled pork to ribs and burgers. 170 William St, Bathurst
• Ma Duggan’s Kitchen: Comforting Irish dishes inside Jack Duggan’s Pub.135 George St, Bathurst.
• The Victoria Hotel:  Long Live The Local. A classic local pub with classic pub grub and live music. 3 Keppel St, Bathurst

• The George Hotel: pub setting with all the classic pub meals you love.
• Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub: Hearty Irish dishes and a lively pub setting. Best pint of Guinness! 135 George St, Bathurst.
• Kings Table Restaurant: Family-friendly pub meals with great service. 60 George St, Bathurst NSW.
• Gunthers Lane Cafe: Great coffee, sweet treats and light bites.  Drop in there early if you want as they are open around 5.30am on week days. Located in the Reliance Bank Building, 203/209 Russell St, Bathurst NSW
• Good Catch Cafe: Fresh seafood and light meals.1/85 George St, Bathurst.
• Harvest Cafe & Store: Locally sourced, farm-to-table meals in a rustic setting. 1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst.
• Church Block Espresso Bar & Small Eats: Specialty coffee and small bites.1/27 Alexander St, Eglinton
• Lo’s Rose Cafe: Simple, wholesome meals and great coffee. 12/82 Church St & George St, Bathurst.
• Panorama Takeaway: Classic takeaway, from fish and chips to burgers.292 Havannah St, Bathurst.
• The Hub Cafe: Breakfast and a modern Australian menu, plus kids’ meals, in a casual cafe with a leafy courtyard. 52 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW
• The Terrace Thai: Authentic Thai food with fresh flavours.263 Durham St, West Bathurst.
• FoodBuds: Healthy bowls, smoothies, and a Noodle Bar/burgers with natural ingredients. 125 Bentinck St., Bathurst, NSW
• The Kitchen Cafe @ Mayfield Garden Oberon (30 mins from Bathurst). Seasonal meals in a beautiful garden setting.
• Vanilla Bean: Thai dishes and casual bistro fare in a laid-back dining room with a covered terrace. Caters to a Vegan diet.

Foodie Delights Around Bathurst: Gourmet Foods / Markets and Providores

• Kings Table Restaurant @ Kings Hotel. Award winning restaurant serving delicious meals and freshly made desserts. Family friendly. 60 George St, Bathurst
• Annie’s Ice Cream: Delicious handmade ice cream on the premises with many creative flavours.. It’s a must try! 82/86 George St, Bathurst.

• Al Dente Gourmet & Go: 88b Keppel St, Bathurst NSW
• Little Acres Small Goods (butchers):  252 Stewart St, Bathurst
• Yarralee Orchard: 279 Marsden Lane, Bathurst
• Health Foods: George St, Bathurst
• Country Fruit: 1/165 George St
• Bathurst Farmers’ Market
• Moubar Vintage: coffee
• Pear Tree Wholefoods
• Piccolo Deli & Cafe
• Wholefood Co Op

Retail Escapes Around Bathurst  

• BRAG shop
• Eve Creation
• Dejorja and Co: Clothing and beautiful homewares. 37 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW
• Florence Grace Floristry: beautiful blooms.
• Books Plus
• Bake, Table & Tea
• Gorgeousness Home: A beautiful eclectic range of homewares, furniture and gifts 120 William St, Bathurst NSW
• Sassy My Style
• Bathurst Info Centre: jams, relishes, olive oil and more.1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst NSW
• Drayshed and Riverside Nurseries. 183 Morrisset St, Bathurst NSW
• T.Arts Gallery
• Sheer Indulgence
• Country Brewer
• The Home Patch: A little bit quirky, a whole lot of whimsy. Quilt patterns, fabrics and more. Unit 6/145 Bentinck St, Bathurst NSW
• Rankin Cottage Craft: contains locally handmade items, including arts and crafts, baby items, jams, chutneys and cakes.117-119 Rankin St, Bathurst
• Compleat Angler

If you think Bathurst sounds like an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.