So, you already know that Bathurst is the Aussie motor racing mecca, right? Well, buckle up because there’s more to this town than just the famous Mount Panorama circuit. They’ve got a goldfields history that still sparkles, limestone caves that rock, a garden that gives Europe a run for its money, and a whole bunch of charming villages that’ll take you back in time.
Here’s our top 10 things to do in Bathurst.
1. Experience a lap of the Mount Panorama racing circuit
Let’s kick off our top 10 things to do in Bathurst with a leisurely lap around Mount Panorama. Not at Formula 1 speeds though, we’re talking a cruise at 60km/h here – and even that feels too fast around some of the bends. When you’re done with that, check out the National Motor Racing Museum, it’s like Disneyland for car buffs. Well, sorta. Actually, it’s nothing like Disneyland, but it’s still really cool. You’ll find it at the entrance to the track.
2. Relive the Gold Rush era and pan for gold
Feeling a bit adventurous? How about a modern-day gold rush? Okay, it might not be exactly like it was in the 1870s, but there’s still gold waiting to be found around Sofala and Hill End. Grab a pan and try your luck or, for a foolproof plan, team up with a local pro. Gold Panning in Bathurst is one of those things to do that all ages can get excited about!
3. Tour the region’s historic villages
Now, if you’re into time travel (who isn’t?), visiting the historical villages is like having your very own Tardis. Add a visit to Rockley, Milthorpe, Carcoar, Tarana and Sofala – each with its own unique charm – to your Bathurst bucket list. It’s like stepping into a history book but without all the boring parts.
4. Visit the beloved home of Ben and Elizabeth Chifley
Did you know that one of Australia’s coolest Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley, lived a simple life in Bathurst? He was Australia’s 16th prime minister and was a railway engine driver in Bathurst. His home is now a museum, and trust me, it’s way more interesting than your average history lesson.
5. Explore a 150-year-old Scottish baronial mansion
For a touch of Downton Abbey, head to Abercrombie House, one of the real treasures of the Bathurst region and a very photographic thing to do. Peacocks roam freely on the property of this 50-room mansion, beautifully and lovingly restored by the Morgan family over five decades. You’ll feel like you’re part of an English period drama.
6. Wander through one of the world’s greatest cool-climate gardens
Just a short drive from Bathurst is Mayfield Garden, one of the most surprising of the region’s many gems. Privately owned, Mayfield has been utterly transformed into a garden to rival the greatest of Europe complete with a maze, ornate marble buildings and a water garden. Linger and enjoy the locally produced fare at the garden’s cafe. It’s like finding Narnia, but with better weather.
7. Take the road less travelled and drive the Bridle Track to Hill End
If you’re feeling a bit daring, leave the caravan behind in Bathurst for the day and experience one of the most iconic drives in NSW on the historic Bridle Track to Hill End. Follow the Macquarie and Turon Rivers on the path once taken by the earliest pastoralists and those headed to the gold fields. Closed for over a decade, the Bridle Track was reopened in 2023 and has become one of the most popular 4WD adventures in NSW.
8. Listen to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon in the heart of the Town Square
Returning home after the First World War, Bathurst’s diggers were adamant that they did not want the city to erect a standard monument to the conflict. They wanted something beautiful. The result was the construction of a ‘Singing Tower’, the 100-foot-tall Carillon with its 47 bells played to this day. Relax in the public space of King’s Parade and enjoy the sounds of one of only three carillons in all of Australia play.
9. Enjoy a local ale, wine, gin, or whiskey
Bathurst was one of the first grape-growing regions in Australia, and new generations are doing great things to ensure a splendid local tipple. Visit one of the cool climate wineries, enjoy an award-winning selection of local craft beers at Reckless Brewing or try local gins and whiskeys at The Grange Distillery. Another multi-award winner based at a 200-year-old property once visited by Charles Darwin!
10. Peruse one of the country’s finest geological collections at the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum
Oh, and before you go, finish off your things to do list in Bathurst by swinging by the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum – it’s like stepping into a Jurassic Park classroom, minus the running from dinosaurs. Face to face with a T-rex? Now that’s a selfie worth bragging about!
Now that we’ve shared out top 10 things to do in Bathurst, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to get there, where to hire an RV and where to stay.
More information on Bathurst
Where is Bathurst?
Find Bathurst 200 kilometres west-northwest of Sydney in New South Wales.
Hire an RV
Star RV
Star RV offers modern motorhomes designed with comfort and spaciousness in mind. They also claim an easy drop-and-go vehicle return at the end of your holiday and thoughtful extras, such as high-quality bed linen and towels.
Jucy Rentals
Known for their boldly coloured, affordable and compact campervans and motorhomes, Jucy Rentals are marketed towards a more adventurous audience. So, if the great outdoors is what you seek, a Jucy campervan hire might just be what the doctor ordered.
Bathurst caravan parks and free camping
The Bathurst Region website has a great resource on the caravan parks and free camping spots in the region. Check it out here. For more information on things to do in the Bathurst region, visit www.bathurstregion.com.au
Cheers to an unforgettable time in Bathurst!
