13 Noteworthy Things to Do in Bathurst

Bathurst is known for motor racing, but if you’re looking for less adrenaline, here are the best things to do at your own speed.

Discover Bathurst’s surprising historic charm beyond its famous Mount Panorama and motor races. Explore the gold rush history and iconic scenery, tour museums, taste the region’s famous wine and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque city.

With endless options for history buffs, foodies and nature lovers, Bathurst is a treasure trove of hidden gems. Take a break from the race circuit and discover the best things to do in this down-to-earth town.

1. Bathurst Regional Art Gallery

With a permanent collection of more than 2000 works by Australian artists, the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) displays curated exhibitions plus a diverse range of touring exhibitions. The gallery’s collection was established in 1955 and is now run by the Regional Council, which welcomes 30,000 visitors each year.

BRAG stages a variety of annual exhibitions, including touring, specially curated and local artist exhibits, as well as exhibitions curated from the permanent collection and the work of Hill End artists produced as part of the gallery’s artist residency program.

Address: 70–78 Keppel St, Bathurst

a couple strolling around Bathurst Regional Art Gallery — Marvel at the curated displays inside Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Webb & Co Beverage Emporium

Tucked at the back of the Webb Chambers heritage building, Webb & Co Beverage Emporium is a great place for a pre-dinner cocktail, craft beer or local wine. Don’t let the small-scale fool you, this local haunt goes big on grandeur. Think classic cocktails, locally grown wines and craft beer, all in a historical setting.

Address: 175 George St, Bathurst

3. National Motor Racing Museum

Because you can’t come to Bathurst and ignore it! The National Motor Racing Museum displays some 50 cars and bikes, images and racing memorabilia, celebrating the history, personalities and achievements of Australian Motor Sports.

While the local Mount Panorama and Bathurst 1000 is at the heart of the displays, attention is paid to the history of speedway, solar, drag, open-wheeler, sports car, rallying and plenty more across the spectrum of Australian Motor Racing.

Address: 400 Panorama Ave, Bathurst

a display of motorcycles inside the National Motor Racing Museum, Bathurst — Find over 110 racing bikes and cars on display. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Abercrombie House

It’s hard to plan a trip to Bathurst without the mention of Abercrombie House . Put simply, this place is a national heritage treasure built in 1878, now open for public tours and special events – including regular high teas, night tours for the kids, Christmas in July and more.

Take a guided (or self-guided) tour through the 50-room Scottish-baronial mansion taking in the exhibitions, displays, collections, grounds and gardens, outbuildings and property walks throughout the 18 hectares.

Address: 311 Ophir Rd, Bathurst

External view of Abercrombie House in Bathurst — Abercrombie House is a grand heritage treasure in Bathurst. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Mayfield Garden

Located a 30-minute drive from Bathurst, Mayfield Garden is the perfect stopover for Sydneysiders on the way to/from town. This breathtaking 64-hectare property is one of the world’s largest privately owned cool-climate gardens and is inspired by an English country estate.

Beautiful in every season, Mayfield Garden is open 363 days. The extensive array of pathways are designed to be explored, with many nooks-and-crannies to discover and the mobility-friendly Camellia Walk. They also offer delicious, seasonal meals at the quaint onsite cafe – or you can order a picnic.

Address: 530 Mayfield Road, Oberon

Couple enjoying the spring blooms at Mayfield Garden near Bathurst — Wander around the grounds of Mayfield Garden for some truly spectacular sights. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Reckless Brewing

Owned by two friends with a passion for creating craft beers from natural ingredients, Reckless Brewing is a must-visit for beer lovers and foodies. The building is a heritage-listed ex-flour mill which gives the space rustic country vibes and a certain hillbilly charm. It’s fun and friendly, with plenty of mouth-watering street-style food and events to keep you entertained.

Address: 2A Piper St, Bathurst

the exterior of Reckless Brewing at Bathurst's historic Crago Mill site — Stop by Reckless Brewing for a top-notch meal.

7. Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is a great place to take the family and displays a range of historically significant and irreplaceable heritage items – including a T-Rex centrepiece that the kids will love!

Address: 224 Howick St, Bathurst

a dinosaur fossil display at Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum — Kids will go wild when they witness T-Rex on display. (Image: Destination NSW/Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum)

8. Bathurst Rail Museum

One of the best things to do in Bathurst with kids, the Bathurst Rail Museum is housed in the historic Railway Institute building and boasts a model railway the size of a tennis court. There’s also a dedicated kids’ space with plenty of engaging activities.

Address: 126 Havannah St, Bathurst

a train carriage at Bathurst Rail Museum in Bathurst — Bathurst Rail Museum is located next to the city’s train station. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Miss Traill’s House

History buffs, antique lovers and gardeners will all delight in the charming simplicity of Miss Traill’s House , a Victorian-era bungalow and garden that boasts old furniture, art collections and a beautiful heritage garden. Weekly tours are run on Sundays by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

Address: 321 Russell St, Bathurst

10. Japanese Bath House

Perfect for Sydney dwellers travelling to the region, the traditional Japanese Bath House is located at the edge of the Blue Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Bathurst – and totally worth it for health and wellness lovers. Nestled on 300 hectares of farmland and overlooking Lake Lyell, the bath house offers mineral-rich hot springs, a steam room and peaceful zen gardens.

Address: 259 Sir Thomas Mitchell Dr, Lithgow

11. The Rockley Pub

Well worth the half-hour drive from Bathurst, The Rockley Pub offers the perfect quintessential Aussie pub experience, making it a must-add to your list of things to do in the region.

Revamped by Australian food icon and owner Matt Moran, expect great pub grub with fresh, local produce, all your favourite boozy beverages and a buzzing vibe amidst the peaceful landscape of a country town.

Address: 2 Budden St, Rockley

food and wine at The Rockley Pub — Chill out at The Rockley Pub with a drink in hand. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Bathurst Winter Festival

If you’re looking for something to do during the cooler months, the Bathurst Winter Festival is a must. If you’ve been to the region during winter, you’ll know it gets really cold – making it the perfect destination for some wintery wonder.

For two weeks in July, Bathurst is transformed into a winter wonderland of art, markets, ice-skating, food, music and light installations that illuminate Bathurst’s beauty.

the annual Bathurst Winter Festival in 2016 — Time your visit with the annual Bathurst Winter Festival. (Image: David Roma)

13. Hill End Historic Town

If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, the historic town of Hill End is a scenic, one-hour drive from Bathurst and is an absolute delight for history buffs and lovers of Australian culture. Exploring the town’s iconic buildings and historic sites invites you to step back in time and glimpse Australia’s fascinating gold-rush history.

the Hill End Historic Town — Hill End is a heritage-listed gold rush boom town. (Image: David Ireland/Tourism Australia Copyright)

Megan Arkinstall contributed entries one to five of this article.

Read our Bathurst travel guide for more insider tips and travel secrets.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

13 things to do in Bathurst (other than the races)