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.
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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 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.
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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.
Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.
Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.
Where to stay
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.
Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.
Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.
Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.
Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.
The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.
Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.
Where to drink & dine
1. The Bar
Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.
The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.
On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.
Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce.
2. The Place
Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.
On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.
3. Local gelato
Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)
What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.
What to do/see
1. GPO Heritage Tour
Be awed by the building’s history.
Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.
From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.
2. Circular Quay
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)
An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)
Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.
It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.
4. Theatre Royal
Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)
Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).
