Littlebourne Guest House is reason enough to make a beeline for this underrated country city.
Bathurst might be known for supercars and gold mining, but there’s a gentler side to the regional city that makes it one of the most underrated destinations in New South Wales. I recently visited on a weekend away with my sister, and we were both pleasantly surprised by how lovely it was. Why aren’t more people talking about it? Bucolic rolling hills, fantastic produce and laidback charm make it an idyllic destination for a relaxing sojourn. And the place to stay? Undoubtedly, Littlebourne Guest House, located a five-minute drive from the city centre.
Bathurst is no stranger to historic buildings. But when we enter the circular driveway, I see a centaur sculpture by Nicole O’Regan and the home’s bright white facade with a scalloped veranda and I can’t wait to discover what lies within. The property was built in 1830 as a wedding gift for 17-year-old Mary-Jane Hawkins when she was married off to Lieutenant Thomas Evernden, who led Australia’s first Mounted Police unit. The house was extended using gold rush money in 1885, and again in the 1930s, before being majorly refurbished from 2020. Today, it stands as a high-end historic guesthouse with six suites sleeping up to 14 people. The gardens were restored and designed by Hugh Main of Spirit Designs.
The historic home features a wraparound veranda. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
A centaur Sculpture by Nicole O'Regan. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
Our host Annabelle greets us warmly before leading us through the property, sharing the history and design choices behind each room with a passion and understanding that reveals her years of dedication to its restoration. “Inspiration was drawn from the story of Mary Jane Hawkins – a pioneering young woman who hosted family and friends in a loving household while also entertaining some of the most influential dignitaries who visited the inland areas," she shares. “To me, Mary Jane was young and energetic, with a spirit of adventure and love of light and laughter. That is the soul of Littlebourne."
The accommodation is spread across the original 1830 house, the 1885 Webb wing, the 1930s rear additions, plus the new dining room and the contemporary Pavilion. It features soaring ceilings across a library, billiards room (with the largest pool table I have ever seen) and an open-plan kitchen and living area.
The home is filled with antique finds. (Credit: Rachael Thompson
The elegant reception room features painting by Margaret Hogan of Winburndale Rivulet. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
Annabelle worked with Source Architects in Orange and renowned Australian designer Sibella Court on the refurbishment. It’s all so perfectly curated with an eclectic mix of pieces from friends, family and “fossicking adventures" including sumptuous lounges, contemporary artworks evocative of the surrounding countryside (from local artists Gabrielle Hegyes, Steven Hogan and Margaret Hogan), antique candelabras and dark timber furniture. Each guestroom is unique, from the Darwin Suite – a nod to the naturalist and biologist who made a curious detour to Bathurst in 1836 – to the Mary Jane Suite – which is swathed in delicate pink and purple tones and overlooks a vegetable patch – to the charming Convict Cookhouse Suite – tucked into the former servant’s kitchen.
I’m staying in the stately Chifley Suite. This room pays homage to Ben Chifley, a Bathurst train driver who became Prime Minister from 1945 to 1949, and features a fireplace, writing desk with rose garden views and a freestanding bath (bath salts supplied).
The Webb Suite features a bath and fireplace. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
Suites are spacious and calming. (Credit: Ishita Moghex).
The Darwin Suite pays homage to the botanist and naturalist. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
We share a glass of local Rock Forest sauvignon blanc (I implore you to try this, especially if this isn’t your normal varietal of choice!) in the modern country-style kitchen, which opens onto a large living room with a fireplace – the perfect spot to curl up with one of the books from the library. The accommodation feels like your own home, a place to host friends and family, where you can cook feasts in the kitchen, fire up the pizza oven and spill out into the garden with a glass of local wine from the fridge. English garden beds full of roses and a diverse array of Australian natives fill the landscape, with an incredible 200-year-old rose bush stealing the show.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Guests can cook up a feast in the country-style kitchen. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
The dining room is an idyllic spot for breakfast. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
A farmhouse-style breakfast is served each morning with coffee, juice, eggs, fresh bread, yoghurt, homemade granola and berries. We enjoyed this sitting in the dining room, and I almost felt as though I was in a Jane Austen novel.
Littlebourne is luxurious yet homely and transports you back in time while catering to your modern sensibilities. You will walk away with an overall sense of calm and some guaranteed design inspiration. “Littlebourne is an adventure that unfolds. From the quiet country-style entrance, to the journey through soaring rooms and light-filled spaces. You are a friend visiting a country home, not a guest in a hotel, and all your friends are full of stories to share."
Details
The modern, sun-lit living area. (Credit: Ishita Moghex)
Best for: Family or friends getaways, romantic weekends away and those looking for a serene getaway.
Extras: This is a hosted stay and you will be offered ideas for the best things to do in the region. Special services, including catering, yoga, musicians, or micro weddings can be arranged onsite, so you don’t need to leave.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.
The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.
But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.
Soak in Moree’s artesian water
Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.
Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.
And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.
Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.
Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.
Moree’s best stays
Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.
Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.
The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.
While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.
Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.
Delving into nature around Moree
Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.
Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.
A taste of Moree
Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.
Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.
Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.
Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.
However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.
