The Complete Bathurst Pubs And Clubs Guide

Step back in time and experience the soul of Aussie culture as you explore the rich tapestry of traditional and modern Bathurst pubs in this down-to-earth town.

For many Australians, a trip to the local pub is a quintessential part of our culture, where we come together to share stories and a few drinks with old friends and new. Nowhere is this truer than in the charming town of Bathurst, where you’ll find an abundance of traditional pubs that capture the Aussie spirit, as well as some funky, modern re-vamped watering holes that add a fresh twist to the mix.

The George Hotel

One of a handful of classic pubs with a modern flair in Bathurst, The George Hotel has been architecturally designed and recently renovated, giving it a boutique feel but maintaining the allures of a classic regional pub.

Top-notch beers are always on tap at The George Hotel.

The menu is a step above your average pub grub, with a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. There are plenty of options to choose from at the bar – with an abundant selection of local, national, and international beverages and an impressive wine list.

a plate of carrot cake at The George Hotel, Bathurst

Don’t miss out on their drool-worthy desserts.

There’s live music, trivia nights, a friendly atmosphere, and everything you love about a night out at the pub.

a glass of cocktail at The George Hotel, Bathurst

Sip citrusy cocktails at The George Hotel.

The Victoria

Nested away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, across from the railway station, The Victoria is a hidden gem in Bathurst, offering a fresh and funky twist on the traditional Aussie pub. The vibe is quirky, cool, and a little bit arty with modern decor and an eclectic art gallery.

The Victoria has a bustling beer garden. (Image: Trent Cash)

The bistro serves up mouth-watering goodness with plenty of options for everyone (including vegan and gluten-free), and there’s a big beer garden that’s perfect for lazy afternoons. The accommodation is a standout if you’re keen to be amongst it, and their stylish rooms have everything you need.

a dessert tasting platter at The Victoria pub, Bathurst

Indulge in a dessert-tasting platter at The Victoria pub. (Image: Gem Climpsam)

The Oxford Hotel

Right in the heart of town is The Oxford Hotel – a classic Aussie pub with everything you need for a fun, friendly feed or night out. There’s an impressive collection of sporting memorabilia adorning the public bar and a wide selection of beers on tap.

The beer garden invites you to take in the sights and sounds of Bathurst, and the vibe is down-to-earth and vibrant. The onsite restaurant, Dogwood BX, offers a massive menu of classic American-style BBQ dishes, as well as your favourite pub classics.

With a nightclub and big beer garden, The Ox gets pretty busy on the weekends, attracting an eclectic crowd as the night goes on.

The Knickerbocker Hotel

The Knickerbocker Hotel is the kind of Bathurst pub you might imagine yourself kicking back and whiling away the hours chatting with a long-time-local. The pub grub is simple, classic, and delicious, and the vibe is nostalgically nineties. If you’re lucky, you might even win a meat tray.

Family Hotel

If you’re looking for an authentic Bathurst pub experience, the Family Hotel will meet your expectations with its chilled-out atmosphere and nostalgic vibes. This classic, small-town Aussie pub is right in the heart of town.

Head to the Family Hotel for an awesome pub experience.

The menu is filled with pub classics, daily specials, burgers, and kids’ meals, making it a great option for a family feed. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained – from trivia to bingo and $14 cocktails during happy hour.

two people enjoying food and drinks at Family Hotel, Bathurst

The Family is perfect for a feed and some beers.

The Dudley Hotel

Another classic Bathurst pub, The Dudley Hotel is down-to-earth and popular with long-time locals. It’s clean, classic, and welcoming with a sunny beer garden that overlooks the kids’ playground – where they’ll be safely contained while you enjoy a beverage. The menu is standard, hearty pub fare with lots of specials, and kids eat for free on Mondays making it even more enticing for families with littlies.

Elephant & Castle Hotel

Elephant & Castle oozes man cave vibes and old-school-Aussie grunge. It’s not the classiest establishment in town, but it makes up for it in character.

You might find yourself watching footy on the big screen, indulging in a cheap cocktail on the weekend, entering into the pool comp or playing a round of musical bingo. And of course – the simple menu offers classic, mouth-watering comfort food including a much-loved chicken schnitty.

The 1880 Hotel

The 1880 Hotel exudes understated class with its warm ambiance, and simple, modern vintage decor. It’s recently undergone a renovation making it a highlight on the Bathurst pub scene. There’s even a cute little whisky bar to cosy up in with a glass of red or one of the many quality spirits on offer.

No one will feel left out with plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in, including the sports bar. The undercover outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy some live music over a beautifully presented pub meal. Perfect for a low-key, relaxed evening with friends or a family outing (kids included!).

Jack Duggans Irish Pub

Recently revitalised by new owners, Jack Duggans Irish Pub is a down-to-earth, friendly, and charming Bathurst pub.

Nab a spot inside the rustic Jack Duggans Irish Pub.

The menu offers all the classic pub meals with some added Irish favourites like curry chips and Guinness pie, and you can wash them down with a pint for only $8 during happy hour on weekdays. There’s also a fun smorgasbord of family-friendly weekly events from live music to trivia.

There’s not much better than a fresh Guinness.

Kings Hotel

The Kings Hotel offers everything you’d expect from a humble, Aussie pub. Sports, trivia, live music, friendly vibes, and classic, well-done pub food right in the heart of Bathurst town.

The Rockley Pub

A half-hour drive from Bathurst, The Rockley Pub has recently been revamped by Australian food icon Matt Moran, who had a dream to reinvent this historical, small-town establishment – and it’s definitely worth a visit.

The Rockley Pub is an iconic landmark.

There’s an emphasis on pub food done really well with fresh, local produce, and a simple, drool-worthy food and beverage menu. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and a relaxed, buzzing vibe (everyone’s clearly a little bit excited about this place) nestled in a peaceful landscape in the middle of a charming, tiny country town.

A classic burger done to perfection at The Rockley Pub. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Bathurst RSL

If you’re after a dependable and cosy RSL experience, the Bathurst RSL won’t disappoint. From the bright carpets reminiscent of the ‘80s to the lively lighting and classic bistro dishes, this regional RSL has all the expected trimmings.

Bathurst RSL is a great place to relax.

There’s no shortage of entertainment with weekly bingo, indoor bowls, raffles, trivia, poker, and live music. It’s clean, comfortable, and an easy place for a family meal.

Stop by Bathurst RSL for a night of entertainment.

Panthers Bathurst

If a good, old-fashioned leagues club is up your alley then you’ll love what’s on offer at Panthers Bathurst.

It’s bright and friendly with classic bistro fare and weekly events that make for a fun night out for sports fans and live entertainment enthusiasts. Fun for all ages – they even have a weekly lunchtime chair yoga class.

Get the best bang for your buck at Panthers Bathurst.

Hill End and Sofala

If you’re up for a drive, the historic towns of Hill End and Sofala offer some of the best classic Aussie pubs around, transporting you back to a simpler time.

the property exterior of the old, rustic, Aussie pub at Royal Hotel Sofala

Check out the vintage Royal Hotel Sofala.

Explore more of what Bathurst has to offer with the must-visit wineries and distillery doors, Bathurst’s charming cafes and all the best things to do.

Take the backroads on a road trip from Sydney to Bathurst and discover a slew of delights to savour.

Bathurst may be more synonymous with racing than with a weekend getaway, but the historic town and its surrounding backroads are full of surprises. This is ideal road trip territory, not only for the scenery, but because there’s so much to discover. While neighbouring towns Orange and Mudgee get the limelight, Bathurst and Oberon deliver on character and charm; they’re packed with pubs, wineries and eateries that make you want to stop, stretch your legs and fill your stomach.

Day one

But first, coffee at Fidelity Coffee

The scenic Blue Mountains is the perfect place to stop and caffeinate before you continue your road trip. (Image: Unsplash/ Nathan Dumlao)

The Blue Mountains are a handy midway stop from Sydney to Bathurst and a perfect place to caffeinate for the drive ahead. Fidelity Coffee in Katoomba opened in January; it’s the kind of sleek, minimal space that wouldn’t look out of place in inner Sydney. The food menu is a limited selection of pastries and sweets, but the coffee is excellent, there’s plenty of nearby parking and it’s easy to get back onto the road.

Address: Shop 3/177-179 Katoomba St, Katoomba

Pub lunch at The Rockley Pub

Rockley Pub boasts timeless country charm. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Rather than take the direct route to Bathurst, via the Great Western Highway, turn right at Magpie Hollow Rd and go through O’Connell. This is a road trip after all, so take the one less travelled and enjoy the scenery on the way to lunch. Fine dining chef Matt Moran took over the Rockley Pub, built in 1872, in 2021. The eggs and Berkshire sausages on the menu come from his nearby farm, the burgers are done right – cooked medium, with beetroot and you can add bacon. The front bar used to be the district courthouse, it’s got a fire, there’s a pool room at the back and the bistro serves excellent food.

Matt Moran used his passion for local produce in reinventing the historical Rockley Pub.

General manager Stephen Manley, who used to work with Moran at Sydney fine diners Aria and Chiswick, says it’s still very much a locals’ pub as well as a popular pitstop for day trippers.

“It’s becoming a bit of a destination for people coming through this way, to Oberon and Orange. We can do up to 270 people in a day and we’re working on improving the infrastructure and adding accommodation,” he says.

Moran recently purchased another property in Bathurst, with plans to create a convenience market, bakery, sandwich shop and community co-op.

Address: 4 Budden St, Rockley

Tea time at Bake, Table & Tea 

Tea lovers will adore not just the space but also the homeware collections for sale.

This Bathurst teahouse, tucked behind a homewares shop, boasts over 50 loose-leaf teas on the menu. They are charmingly served in a glass teapot, which sits atop a warmer with a tealight candle.

Manager Erin Kneller said no one was specialising in premium tea at the time and it has carved out a niche. Their most popular blends include Paris, a sweet and fragrant vanilla Earl Grey, and Good Morning, a very strong English breakfast.

“All the food is made in-house, we offer gluten, egg and dairy-free options. It was a priority to offer them in Bathurst,” she says.

Address: 76 George St, Bathurst

A spot of shopping at The Barn  

Shop for farmhouse-inspired gifts at The Barn.

Deb North opened her country wares store in early 2025. There’s everything from cowhide chairs, leather satchels and metal flowers crafted from 44-gallon drums, made by a local artist.

“No one else was doing farmhouse rustic wares, I wanted to create a shop that celebrated where we live,” she says.

Address: 179 George St, Bathurst

Check in at Dunkley House

This restored heritage property comes with a working fireplace, pool table and loads of charm. It’s conveniently located a few blocks from the centre of town and is managed by BnB Made Easy.

Address: 251 Russell St, Bathurst

While away the evening at Norma Joan  wine bar

Share plates and cocktails at Norma Joans

Timeless charm meets modern dining at Norma Joans.

Everything on the menu is proudly local, from the drinks to the produce. Owner Michael Madden named the Norma Joan restaurant after his two grandmothers – Norma’s plates are used for dessert and Joan’s golden syrup dumplings are on the menu.

After working with Rockpool Group in Sydney, he came home and opened Norma Joan nearly a year ago. “Bathurst has always been home. I’ve always loved what’s in the area but we never had anywhere to celebrate it,” he says. “The idea is there’s so much good stuff around here that’s underrepresented. I ummed and ahhed about other wines, but there’s so much here and I want to champion it.”

The wines come from Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, Canowindra, Rylestone and Young. Beers are from Bathurst’s Cosmo Brewing and Reckless Brewing and spirits from Bathurst Grange Distillery and Stone Pine Distillery. Produce is also local.

“We get our beef from Curly Tree Farm; every six weeks, they kill a beast for us and we use the whole animal,” Madden says.

Address: 142 William St, Bathurst

Day two

It’s a big driving day, start with coffee  at The Hub Espresso Bar & Eatery

Find Fish River Roasters served at the Hub Espresso Bar & Eatery. (Image: Unsplash/ Tabitha Turner)

This popular spot has been keeping locals caffeinated for 17 years. There’s a focus on free range and local produce and it also has an exclusive coffee blend, made with the local Fish River Roasters.

Address: 52 Keppel St, Bathurst

Build a roadside snowman at Shooter’s Hill

If you’re travelling in winter, take the hour’s drive past Oberon to Shooter’s Hill and chances are you’ll see snow. At an elevation of 1,355 metres, it’s the fourth-highest point in the Central Tablelands. If you’re extra lucky, it’ll actually be snowing, but even if not, you’ll see mounds of the white stuff stacked onto the side of the road. There’s enough of it to build a small snowman and have a snowball fight before your fingers freeze and it’s time to jump back in the car.

Address: Shooter’s Hill Rd, Shooter’s Hill

Strike black gold at Red Ground Truffles

Red Ground offers visitors warm and relaxing views.

Oberon is one of the places in NSW where it’s cold enough to grow truffles. Jill O’Grady and her husband Neil planted four varieties in 2012, so that you could harvest them from December to October.

“We have 60 acres, the majority of the trees are French evergreen oak and we have Italian stone pine for the spring white truffle,” O’Grady says.

Experience the thrill of truffle-hunting.

“The truffle hunt is a three-to-four-hour immersive experience. We start with truffle soup and truffle baked brie, learn about how we train the truffle dogs and farm biosecurity, then go on the hunt. Everyone can dig one up. Then we have more truffle dishes and a truffle grading workshop.”

Address: 264 Titania Rd, Oberon

Sweet treats at The Milbrey Kitchen & Store

The Milbrey is beloved for its warm atmosphere and friendly service.

Stop for lunch or afternoon tea at Oberon. The Milbrey has a roaring fire, an excellent kids’ play area and some of the best baked goods going. We gorged on French canelé, Nutella-filled bomboloni, orange-scented cinnamon scrolls and oversized chocolate and macadamia muffins.

Chef Drew Bolton, who worked at Sydney fine diners Aria and Quay, opened the eatery late 2023.

“We like to consider ourselves a casual local restaurant. We do have a cafe-style menu and ramp it up at nighttime,” he says.

Local produce is highlighted in their fresh and tasty dishes.

“For me, it’s about cooking the best food that I can. That means baking everything fresh in the morning and using good seasonal local produce, what’s local.”

Address: 163 Oberon St, Oberon

Pub stop at The O’Connell Hotel

On the way back to Bathurst, stop for a drink at the family-owned The O’Connell Hotel. The yellow, roadside pub on the banks of the Fish River was built in 1865. It’s set on seven acres and in summer, you can also camp on the property.

Address: 2408 O’Connell Rd, O’Connell

Winery visit at Renzaglia Wines  

The winery overlooks the Wambuul Valley.

The region isn’t synonymous with wineries, which is why it’s a bonus when you find one. This family-operated winery is open by appointment only, except for one weekend a month.

Chances are you’ll be greeted by Ali the dog, who nudges you to throw a ball, before settling in with Mark for a tasting. “My son Sam wanted to do it, so we planted vines in 1997. We have chardonnay, cabernet, shiraz, tempranillo, sangiovese and grenache,” Renzaglia says. “Chardonnay and shiraz grapes grow well here, they’re adaptable to cooler climates. I’ve seen tempranillo and sangiovese do well.

“I like the challenge of trying to pioneer a new area.” The boutique winery produced two big vintages in the last two years, 40 tonnes, which is roughly 3000 cases of wine.

Their wine flavours range from underrated and subtle to bold and experimental.

“The Bella Luna chardonnay is our signature. It’s a little more experimental, uses wild yeast fermentation and is more like a pet-nat. The Murnang di Renzo, our entry-level range, is a vermentino with a bit of riesling and a little skin contact,” Renzaglia says.

“We are trying to look after the land, not use herbicides and make minimal intervention wine.”

Address: 38 Bosworth Falls Rd, O’Connell

Nip of whisky at Bathurst Grange Distillery   

Whisky aficionados are in for a treat.

Nick  Jones was inspired by the whisky revolution in Tasmania, so he started making it on his grandparents’ sheep farm in 2014. “We have everything you need to make great whisky, the climate, we grow our ingredients – barley, juniper and other botanicals for gin – and we have great water from the Blue Mountains,” he says.

“It’s paddock to bottle.” The distillery produces gin, whisky, vodka and a whiskey liqueur.

“Our bourbon cask single malt whisky won the double gold medal at the World Spirits Championship, it’s the Oscars of whisky,” he says.

“It’s finished in shiraz casks and because of the big fluctuations in temperature, -10C to 40C, the barrels expand and contract, which increases the surface area and interaction with the whisky, so as the barrel ages, it increases the flavours.”

Address: The Grange, 3249 O’Connell Rd, Brewongle

Day three

Pub breakfast at The Oxford Hotel 

The Oxford Hotel serves up hearty meals for families.

A recent renovation has seen the Oxford Hotel transformed into a family-friendly venue. On a Sunday morning, it’s filled with prams, parents and little people making the most of the breakfast menu and epic playground. From 12pm, the lunch menu kicks in, and Brock’s serves up pizzas and Italian fare.

Address: 170 William St, Bathurst

A home with history and heart  at Abercrombie House

Abercrombie House is a 50-room Scottish baronial mansion open to the public.

What is a Scottish Baronial manor house doing in Bathurst? Lieutenant Colonel William Stuart, who was from the Scottish Highlands, built it in the 1870s after being granted a parcel of land. The 50-room mansion fell into disrepair for many years until Christopher Morgan’s parents brought it back to life in 1962. In 1969, they opened it to the public.

“This was the first privately owned historic house open to the public. As long as people are interested, we’ll share it,” Morgan says.

“It’s a living house and a working house; we host private functions such as high teas.”

Morgan sees himself as a custodian of the house. It’s open five days a week for people to wander the rabbit warren of rooms, many with working fireplaces, and explore the décor that spans collections of matchbox cars to leather-bound books.

Address: 311 Ophir Rd, Bathurst

A sprawling country brewery at Reckless Brewing  Co.

Reckless’ bold branding translates into its bold-flavoured beers.

Covid was good to Jarrod Moore, his fiancée Grace Fowler and best friend Alice Wilson. They started brewing in 2019, had moved to the area from Sydney and during a virtual Zoom tasting, someone mentioned there was an abandoned brewery in the middle of Bathurst. They visited the next day, the DAs were in place and they opened in September 2022.

The sprawling site is furnished from the local tip for that distinctive kitsch vibe city venues try so hard to emulate; there’s a children’s play area and a kitchen doing the kind of food that goes well with beer. “The town came on board and really supported us,” Moore says.

“We make 10,000 litres of beer a week. There are 10 beers in our core range and five to 10 seasonals. It’s mostly craft beer, but a lot of the people that come to the region like lagers so we created the BX lager and that makes up 50 per cent of what we brew.” He is incredibly proud of what the region produces.

“Bathurst has three wineries, two distilleries and two breweries and together we have won more awards than any other region,” he says. “We’re also the largest female-led brewery in the southern hemisphere.”

Address: 2a Piper St, Bathurst

For more of Bathurst to explore, read our pick of the best things to do.

Step back in time and experience the soul of Aussie culture as you explore the rich tapestry of traditional and modern Bathurst pubs in this down-to-earth town.

The George Hotel

The Victoria

The Oxford Hotel

The Knickerbocker Hotel

Family Hotel

The Dudley Hotel

Elephant & Castle Hotel

The 1880 Hotel

Jack Duggans Irish Pub

Kings Hotel

The Rockley Pub

Bathurst RSL

Panthers Bathurst

Hill End and Sofala

Explore more of what Bathurst has to offer with the must-visit wineries and distillery doors, Bathurst’s charming cafes and all the best things to do.

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Take the backroads on a road trip from Sydney to Bathurst and discover a slew of delights to savour.

Day one

But first, coffee at Fidelity Coffee

Pub lunch at The Rockley Pub

Tea time at Bake, Table & Tea

A spot of shopping at The Barn

Check in at Dunkley House

While away the evening at Norma Joan wine bar

Day two

It’s a big driving day, start with coffee at The Hub Espresso Bar & Eatery

Build a roadside snowman at Shooter’s Hill

Strike black gold at Red Ground Truffles

Sweet treats at The Milbrey Kitchen & Store

Pub stop at The O’Connell Hotel

Winery visit at Renzaglia Wines

Nip of whisky at Bathurst Grange Distillery

Day three

Pub breakfast at The Oxford Hotel

A home with history and heart at Abercrombie House

A sprawling country brewery at Reckless Brewing Co.

Tea time at Bake, Table & Tea 

A spot of shopping at The Barn  

While away the evening at Norma Joan  wine bar

It’s a big driving day, start with coffee  at The Hub Espresso Bar & Eatery

Sweet treats at The Milbrey Kitchen & Store

Winery visit at Renzaglia Wines  

Nip of whisky at Bathurst Grange Distillery   

Pub breakfast at The Oxford Hotel 

A home with history and heart  at Abercrombie House

A sprawling country brewery at Reckless Brewing  Co.