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. 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 sitting in the centre and a bright white facade with its scalloped veranda and immaculate gardens, 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 designed by Hugh Main of Spirit Designs, who led their restoration and renewal.
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 an intimacy that only comes from 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 something local from the wine 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.
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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 unhurried, luxurious yet homely – a place that 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 quiet 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.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. 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 are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
