Bathurst family-friendly travel guide

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About Bathurst

Bathurst, situated in Wiradjuri Country, is just a 3-hour drive from Sydney but you will feel a world away. Discover fun family-friendly experiences, a delicious food and wine scene, an action-packed events calendar and boutique accommodation all wrapped up in unique history and graceful heritage buildings.

The great outdoors

Get grubby again in the outdoors with hands-on activities. Kids will love gold panning, farm visits at a real working hobby farm, picking loads of delicious cherries right from the orchard and spotting local wildlife along spectacular bush walks.

Cool off at Chifley Dam on the inflatable playground, Bathurst Aqua Park. Or take a dip at the Manning Aquatic Centre.
Catch some local live music while you dine at one of Bathurst’s family-friendly hotels for an early dinner feast. Then settle in for the night and enjoy the hospitality at your pick of unique rural accommodation offerings around town, or stay in style at a modern CBD motel.

Events

Time your trip to Bathurst with one of the adrenaline-inducing motor racing events. The V8 Supercars championship is held on the slopes of the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit during the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Drivers arriving in style for the Bathurst 1000 Street Parade. © Bathurst Regional Council

Other upcoming events include the Brett Whiteley Exhibition at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and the performance of Dance Makers’ Collective: Dads at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.

The Bathurst Farmer’s Markets are a must-visit, too. Pick up some fresh, regional produce from stalls around the grounds of the historic Bathurst Showground. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month. You can even bring your doggo, as long as they are on lead.

Indoor fun

Beat the midday heat indoors and check out the largest public HO model railway in the Southern Hemisphere at the Bathurst Rail Museum. Uncover underworld wonders at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Or admire the exclusive Brett Whiteley exhibition, Drawing is Everything, at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

Read: 28 things to do in Bathurst with kids

Bathurst facts

Population

42,000 (2018)

Official language(s)

English

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

3,820 km²

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD)

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

Jenolan Caves

Jenolan Caves are among the oldest and most impressive caves in the world. There are nine caves to explore, with amazing limestone formations and underground rivers. Tours include the popular ‘Legends, Mysteries and Ghosts,’ which takes you through the caves at night by lantern light! An experience the little ones will never forget.

History Hill

A glimpse into Bathurst’s gold mining roots, History Hill Museum is home to over 10,000 artefacts from the goldrush era of the 1800s. If you’re feeling adventurous and ready to get hands-on, the underground workings are open to be toured as well.

Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum houses Australia’s largest collection of fossils and Australia’s only complete T-Rex skeleton cast! It is also home to the internationally renowned Somerville Collection: rare fossils, plus gemstones and minerals in every colour of the rainbow (amethysts, diamonds, rubies, ancient insects frozen in amber) from around the world. Now that is sure to break up your Insta feed.

Bathurst Goldfields

This region of NSW is rich in gold history dating back to the 1800s and Bathurst was a key player. Bathurst Goldfields offer public tours during the school holidays at 1pm daily – a fun way to teach the kids about this part of our history.

Chifley Home

Ben Chifley, Australia’s postwar prime minister from 1945 to 1949, lived in Bathurst, and the modest Chifley Home is on display, housing a number of interesting exhibits.

Best time to go to Bathurst

New South Wales is blessed with beautiful weather most of the year, with beautiful warm days averaging a height of 26 degrees Celsius during the summer. Head over during school holiday periods and discover some of their fantastic school holiday programs.

Getting in and around for families

Take a country drive

Bathurst is about a three-hour drive from Sydney.

Take the train

Trains to Bathurst also run from Sydney. You can access the timetable here.

Food and drinks that kids will love

Try from a range of local dining. Vine and Tap offer a range of contemporary Italian share plates to enjoy alongside a range of specialty local and imported wines, beers and cocktails. Relax upstairs in their mezzanine level or dine alfresco in the courtyard.

The Bistro at the Bathurst RSL is also a local favourite, offering everything from coffee and light meals, to a warm and satisfying dinner. All meals are available for takeaway too, to enjoy a cheeky lazy meal back at HQ.

Shopping

A range of local produce markets showcase all the best the region has to offer, delivering mouthwatering fresh produce. The Bathurst Farmer’s Market is a treat, offering rows of pavilions all showcasing the finest local produce.

A convenient local shopping centre and a variety of retail outlets can also be found in the city centre.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

In warmer months, New South Wales can be very warm. Pack thongs, singlets, and swimmers! If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, Bathurst is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Most photographed places

Bald Hill Lookout

Just three kilometres from the Bathurst town centre, Bald Hill Lookout offers breathtaking views of Hill’s End countryside. Bring a picnic and watch the sunset from the seating on the summit.

Bathurst Railway Precinct

This isn’t your average railway station: the heritage-listed Bathurst Railway Precinct is a Victorian Tudor-style station with connections to rail travel in the Gold Rush days. Former Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, famously worked here! It’s a gorgeous building to explore and you are sure to get a few interesting angles for your photos.

Bathurst Courthouse

Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian public architecture, the courthouse is made of local brick, sandstone and has a remarkable octagonal dome designed by renowned colonial architect James Barnet.

National Motor Racing Museum

With a focus on the history of Mt Panorama and the Bathurst 1000, this museum celebrates the achievements of Australian motor racing and its heroes. There are plenty of touring cars, racing cars and motor bikes on display, so the little ones will no doubt have a ball seeing them up close. Make sure to get a picture of mini rev-heads enjoying the displays.