The complete Bathurst pubs and clubs guide

Jessica Humphries Jessica Humphries
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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 tap beer section at The George Hotel, Bathurst
Top-notch beers are always on tap at The George Hotel.

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 Backyard and Tremains Mill filled with people dining at The Victoria pub, Bathurst
The Victoria has a bustling beer garden. (Image: Trent Cash)

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.

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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 pub exterior of Family Hotel, Bathurst
Head to the Family Hotel for an awesome pub experience.

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.

a rustic pub interior at Jack Duggans Irish Pub, Bathurst
Nab a spot inside the rustic Jack Duggans Irish 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.

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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.

a man standing outside The Rockley Pub, Bathurst
The Rockley Pub is an iconic landmark. 

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.

the property exterior of Bathurst RSL
Bathurst RSL is a great place to relax.

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.

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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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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.