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.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

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