The Complete Bathurst Pubs And Clubs Guide

Step back in time and experience the soul of Aussie culture as you explore the rich tapestry of traditional and modern Bathurst pubs in this down-to-earth town.

For many Australians, a trip to the local pub is a quintessential part of our culture, where we come together to share stories and a few drinks with old friends and new. Nowhere is this truer than in the charming town of Bathurst, where you’ll find an abundance of traditional pubs that capture the Aussie spirit, as well as some funky, modern re-vamped watering holes that add a fresh twist to the mix.

The George Hotel

One of a handful of classic pubs with a modern flair in Bathurst, The George Hotel has been architecturally designed and recently renovated, giving it a boutique feel but maintaining the allures of a classic regional pub.

The menu is a step above your average pub grub, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. There are plenty of options to choose from at the bar – with an abundant selection of local, national, and international beverages and an impressive wine list.

a plate of carrot cake at The George Hotel, Bathurst — Don’t miss out on their drool-worthy desserts.

There’s live music, trivia nights, a friendly atmosphere, and everything you love about a night out at the pub.

a glass of cocktail at The George Hotel, Bathurst — Sip citrusy cocktails at The George Hotel.

The Victoria

Nested away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, across from the railway station, The Victoria is a hidden gem in Bathurst, offering a fresh and funky twist on the traditional Aussie pub. The vibe is quirky, cool, and a little bit arty with modern decor and an eclectic art gallery.

The bistro serves up mouth-watering goodness with plenty of options for everyone (including vegan and gluten-free), and there’s a big beer garden that’s perfect for lazy afternoons. The accommodation is a standout if you’re keen to be amongst it, and their stylish rooms have everything you need.

a dessert tasting platter at The Victoria pub, Bathurst — Indulge in a dessert-tasting platter at The Victoria pub. (Image: Gem Climpsam)

The Oxford Hotel

Right in the heart of town is The Oxford Hotel – a classic Aussie pub with everything you need for a fun, friendly feed or night out. There’s an impressive collection of sporting memorabilia adorning the public bar and a wide selection of beers on tap.

The beer garden invites you to take in the sights and sounds of Bathurst, and the vibe is down-to-earth and vibrant. The onsite restaurant, Dogwood BX, offers a massive menu of classic American-style BBQ dishes, as well as your favourite pub classics.

With a nightclub and big beer garden, The Ox gets pretty busy on the weekends, attracting an eclectic crowd as the night goes on.

The Knickerbocker Hotel

The Knickerbocker Hotel is the kind of Bathurst pub you might imagine yourself kicking back and whiling away the hours chatting with a long-time-local. The pub grub is simple, classic, and delicious, and the vibe is nostalgically nineties. If you’re lucky, you might even win a meat tray.

Family Hotel

If you’re looking for an authentic Bathurst pub experience, the Family Hotel will meet your expectations with its chilled-out atmosphere and nostalgic vibes. This classic, small-town Aussie pub is right in the heart of town.

The menu is filled with pub classics, daily specials, burgers, and kids’ meals, making it a great option for a family feed. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained – from trivia to bingo and $14 cocktails during happy hour.

two people enjoying food and drinks at Family Hotel, Bathurst — The Family is perfect for a feed and some beers.

The Dudley Hotel

Another classic Bathurst pub, The Dudley Hotel is down-to-earth and popular with long-time locals. It’s clean, classic, and welcoming with a sunny beer garden that overlooks the kids’ playground – where they’ll be safely contained while you enjoy a beverage. The menu is standard, hearty pub fare with lots of specials, and kids eat for free on Mondays making it even more enticing for families with littlies.

Elephant & Castle Hotel

Elephant & Castle oozes man cave vibes and old-school-Aussie grunge. It’s not the classiest establishment in town, but it makes up for it in character.

You might find yourself watching footy on the big screen, indulging in a cheap cocktail on the weekend, entering into the pool comp or playing a round of musical bingo. And of course – the simple menu offers classic, mouth-watering comfort food including a much-loved chicken schnitty.

The 1880 Hotel

The 1880 Hotel exudes understated class with its warm ambiance, and simple, modern vintage decor. It’s recently undergone a renovation making it a highlight on the Bathurst pub scene. There’s even a cute little whisky bar to cosy up in with a glass of red or one of the many quality spirits on offer.

No one will feel left out with plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in, including the sports bar. The undercover outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some live music over a beautifully presented pub meal. Perfect for a low-key, relaxed evening with friends or a family outing (kids included!).

Jack Duggans Irish Pub

Recently revitalised by new owners, Jack Duggans Irish Pub is a down-to-earth, friendly, and charming Bathurst pub.

The menu offers all the classic pub meals with some added Irish favourites like curry chips and Guinness pie, and you can wash them down with a pint for only $8 during happy hour on weekdays. There’s also a fun smorgasbord of family-friendly weekly events from live music to trivia.

tap beer at Jack Duggans Irish Pub — There’s not much better than a fresh Guinness.

Kings Hotel

The Kings Hotel offers everything you’d expect from a humble, Aussie pub. Sports, trivia, live music, friendly vibes, and classic, well-done pub food right in the heart of Bathurst town.

The Rockley Pub

A half-hour drive from Bathurst, The Rockley Pub has recently been revamped by Australian food icon Matt Moran, who had a dream to reinvent this historical, small-town establishment – and it’s definitely worth a visit.

There’s an emphasis on pub food done really well with fresh, local produce, and a simple, drool-worthy food and beverage menu. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and a relaxed, buzzing vibe (everyone’s clearly a little bit excited about this place) nestled in a peaceful landscape in the middle of a charming, tiny country town.

burger and fries at The Rockley Pub — A classic burger done to perfection at The Rockley Pub. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Bathurst RSL

If you’re after a dependable and cosy RSL experience, the Bathurst RSL won’t disappoint. From the bright carpets reminiscent of the ‘80s to the lively lighting and classic bistro dishes, this regional RSL has all the expected trimmings.

There’s no shortage of entertainment with weekly bingo, indoor bowls, raffles, trivia, poker, and live music. It’s clean, comfortable, and an easy place for a family meal.

Bathurst RSL at night — Stop by Bathurst RSL for a night of entertainment.

Panthers Bathurst

If a good, old-fashioned leagues club is up your alley then you’ll love what’s on offer at Panthers Bathurst .

It’s bright and friendly with classic bistro fare and weekly events that make for a fun night out for sports fans and live entertainment enthusiasts. Fun for all ages – they even have a weekly lunchtime chair yoga class.

a plate of food at Panthers Bathurst — Get the best bang for your buck at Panthers Bathurst.

Hill End and Sofala

If you’re up for a drive, the historic towns of Hill End and Sofala offer some of the best classic Aussie pubs around, transporting you back to a simpler time.

the property exterior of the old, rustic, Aussie pub at Royal Hotel Sofala — Check out the vintage Royal Hotel Sofala.

Explore more of what Bathurst has to offer with the must-visit wineries and distillery doors, Bathurst’s charming cafes and all the best things to do.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

The complete Bathurst pubs and clubs guide