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.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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