10 of the most charming Bathurst accommodations

Jessica HumphriesBy Jessica Humphries
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From historic hotels to cosy farmstays, Bathurst offers a diverse smorgasbord of accommodation options to charm any traveller.

When it comes to finding the best Bathurst accommodation, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re a lover of luxury or you’re in search of the cheerful and cheap, there’s something to suit every traveller’s needs.

The town’s rich history, stunning natural beauty and salt-of-the-earth locals make it an inviting and memorable destination. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore some of the best Bathurst stays on offer.

1. Wilga Station

Price: $$$ – $$$$

Boasting a new kind of luxury, Wilga Station is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If a quaint countryside retreat tickles your fancy, there are two charming accommodation options on the working sheep farm: the Farmer’s Hut (sleeps two) and the Shearer’s Hall (sleeps 10).

Farmers Hut Wilga Station
Escape to the quaint countryside retreat at Wilga Station.

For those who prefer to stay close to the town centre, the Wool Shed boasts five apartments in Bathurst that combine country charm with New York chic (the owners lived in New York for five years before returning to the family farm – and you can tell).

the bed view at the Farmer’s Hut in Wilga Station
Sleep with a view in the Farmer’s Hut.

Your stay on the farm comes with a complimentary breakfast hamper made of seasonal ingredients to cook up a gourmet hot breakfast on the barbeque, ideal for a romantic or indulgent group getaway.

chic and rustic interior at Shearer's Shed in Wilga Station
Shearer’s Shed is a mix of country charm and New York chic.

2. Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel

Price: $$$$

Nestled in the heart of Bathurst, Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel  is a true gem. From the moment you step inside the historic hotel, its unique charm captivates and inspires. Each room is meticulously adorned with antique furnishings and luxurious bedding, creating a sense of elegant nostalgia.

an elegant bedroom at Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel, Bathurst
Elegant furnishings at Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel.

The beautifully landscaped garden is a local attraction in itself. The warmth extends beyond the accommodation, with the welcoming hosts going above and beyond with thoughtful indulgences like wine, chocolates and a decadent breakfast served in the dining room.

a vibrant and rustic dining setup at Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel
Bishop’s Court Estate Boutique Hotel is adorned with antique decors.

3. Lochinvar Luxury Cottages

Price: $$$

Located five minutes from town on the slopes of Mount Panorama, Lochinvar Luxury Cottages  are delightfully cosy, making you feel right at home the moment you step inside.

There are three self-contained cottages to choose from, and each come stocked with plentiful breakfast provisions, immaculate gardens and lovely views across Macquarie Valley. The cottages are nostalgically traditional in design and offer everything you need for a luxurious stay.

4. Rydges Mount Panorama

Price: $$

Perched on the summit of the famous car racing track, Rydges Mount Panorama is an ideal location to soak up the spirit of the region. With stunning views of the surrounding area and perfectly appointed rooms, the motel is modern and convenient.

There’s an onsite restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool, as well as a range of amenities and mod-cons in each room. Be sure to check out Mount Panorama – it’s known as one of the best things to do in Bathurst for a reason.

5. Avonview Cottage – Mount Panorama

Price: $$$ – $$$$

Another Mount Panorama beauty, Avonview Cottage is an Airbnb that boasts 180-degree, uninterrupted views over Bathurst and the surrounding mountains.

a modern living room with window at Avonview Cottage – Mount Panorama
Take in breathtaking sights from your window at Avonview Cottage.

The stylish space offers two king bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, plus an outdoor firepit to soak up the ambiance. It’s a lovely option for couples seeking privacy, picturesque views and five-star modern comfort and style.

the bedroom at Avonview Cottage – Mount Panorama, Bathurst
Wake up next to scenic views of Bathurst and the surrounding mountains.

6. The Convent, O’Connell

Price: $$$ – $$$$

The Convent O’Connell Circa 1867 is a four-bedroom Airbnb perfect for groups wanting to enjoy the romance of the surrounding area, away from bustling Bathurst. Located a 15-minute drive from the city, the cottage oozes country charm. With a rich history, the space has been lovingly restored to delight with the perfect combination of old and new.

a beautiful country estate cottage at The Convent, O’Connell
Check into the country estate cottage at The Convent, O’Connell.

Big, beautiful gardens surround the property, and it’s close to the popular Mayfield Garden and local cafe. It can also be pet-friendly by arrangement, making it ideal for those travelling with their fury friends.

the property exterior amidst lush greenery at The Convent, O’Connell
The beautiful cottage is surrounded by lush greenery.

7. Bathurst Heritage Motor Inn

Price: $$$

Conveniently located a short walk from Bathurst’s city centre, and even closer to the RSL, one of Bathurst’s best clubs, the Bathurst Heritage Motor Inn offers comfy and affordable accommodation. The motel provides spacious rooms with TVs, aircon and all the essentials, making it ideal for a short stay.

With plenty of rooms to choose from, friendly staff, continental breakfast and a simple but serene ambiance – it’s a great option for travellers who want to be close to town.

8. The Victoria Hotel

Price: $$

A great Bathurst accommodation option for travellers who want to be amongst it, The Victoria hotel is upstairs from one of Bathurst’s best local pubs, offering basic but stylish rooms with everything you need.

outside the Victoria Building in Bathurst
The Victoria Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Bathurst. (Image: Nicola Bailey)

The downstairs restaurant boasts a mouth-watering menu of modern cuisine and classic counter-meal favourites, and there’s often an array of vibrant events on the calendar – usually held in the big, bustling beer garden.

an ensuite accommodation at The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
The ensuite room at The Victoria Hotel is equipped with modern comforts. (Image: Trent Cash)

9. Bathurst Explorers Motel

Price: $

The Bathurst Explorers Motel is a perfect option for travellers who want cheap, cheerful and comfortable accommodation that’s just a half-hour stroll, or a short drive, to the centre of town. It’s especially loved by pet-owners as you can bring your dog along for the stay. This no-frills motel is basic but clean and cosy.

the property exterior of Bathurst Explorers Motel
Crash for the night at Bathurst Explorers Motel.

10. Rest at BoxGrove

Price: $$$$

Located on family-run cattle farm BoxGrove, Rest is the perfect off-grid retreat for solo travellers and couples looking for a romantic getaway. The stay is made up of six luxurious eco-studios, two of which are designed specifically for those with accessibility needs.

Rest at BoxGrove in Bathurst, NSW
Soak in the stand-alone tub with views across the paddock and plains.

Out here, it’s all about disconnecting to reconnect, whether that be with nature, your travel companion or your favourite hobby. Unwind with local wine on the deck or by your own fire pit with views of black Angus cows grazing in the paddock beyond your fence. Or opt for a dip in your private outdoor spa.

Rest | Private Escape in Bathurst, NSW
Sit by the fire pit or enjoy an outdoor spa.
If adventurous travel in the great outdoors is more your style, there are a handful of comfortable caravan parks and campgrounds in and around Bathurst to tickle your fancy.
Jessica Humphries
Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer, with a passion for slow travel, nature, and exploring the world mindfully. Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications, Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga, wellness and sustainable living. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel. She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too!
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .