20 Things To Do In Bathurst, Australia

1. Check out the amazing racing cars at National Motor Racing Museum

Check out National Motor Racing Museum, which serves as a repository for items relating to Australia’s motor racing history. This museum, located next to Mount Panorama, honors the accomplishments of Australian motor racing. Modern racing cars, classic race cars, and motorcycles, as well as information banners about racing legends and other memorabilia, are on display. One can even find a room that allows you to hear and see the thrill and excitement of a race.

The automobiles and the exhibits are well preserved and offer a magnificent overview of Australian motorsport. Outside the museum, a memorial to Peter Brock, a nine-time winner of the Mount Panorama race, is displayed.

National Motor Racing Museum

Address: 400 Panorama Ave, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: National Motor Racing Museum

Opening hours: Sun - Mon, Wed - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue)

2. Feel classy while walking around Abercrombie House

Visit Abercrombie House for a laidback trip. This Victorian Tudor-style home is a private residence of the Morgan family and one of Bathurst’s heritage properties. In 1969, the Morgan family decided to open the home to the public for heritage tours, which has continued to this day. It is open for guided tours and self-guided tours several days of the year.

The 50-room complex features exhibitions, galleries, gardens, outbuildings, and walking paths spread across 18 hectares (44.5 acres). It gives a glimpse of high-end life in Australia during the late 19th century. Throughout the year, various activities, such as concerts, and themed days, are organized. Guests can also participate in tea parties in the house’s ballroom during certain times of the year.

Abercrombie House

Address: 311 Ophir Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Abercrombie House

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm; Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 5 AUD (3.68 USD) - 35 AUD (25.77 USD)

3. Drive on Mount Panorama Circuit

What makes race car competitions on Mount Panorama Circuit unique and exciting is its intrinsic unpredictability, blind corners, and abrupt gradient changes. Additionally, it is a route that offers spectacular views of Bathurst and places to stop and snap photographs.

When there is no competition, it is completely free to drive around the Bathurst racetrack as it is a public road. You get to experience firsthand how challenging this circuit would be for racing events and get an excellent viewing position from the top of Mount Panorama.

Mount Panorama Circuit

Address: Mountain Straight, Mount Panorama NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Mount Panorama Circuit

Price: Free

4. Explore Abercrombie Caves

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Explore these magnificent limestone caves located in a natural reserve along Bathurst-Goulburn Road in Trunkey Creek. Its most renowned feature is its archway. Many people come here to tour inside the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest natural limestone tunnel. Other must-visit sites, such as Bushrangers’ Cave, and Grove Cave, can be experienced through guided tours. It is good to note that you should bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the caves.

Additionally, it’s a fantastic place for a family picnic because the reserves where the caves are located have a nice picnic area with barbecues. You can even go camping on the campsite.

Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve

Address: Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia

Website: Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve

Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

5. Find interesting items at King's Antiques & Collectables

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Whatever your budget or taste, you can find something you like at Kings Antiques & Collectables. The store sells an array of English antiques, vintage products, unique collectibles, décor items, and gifts. You can head here whenever you want. No appointment is necessary, and they are more than pleased to answer any questions you may have, whether you are an experienced antique collector or are new to the field and simply want to learn more about their interesting products.

King's Antiques & Collectables

Address: 139 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: King’s Antiques & Collectables

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

6. Admire the works of local artists at Tablelands Artists Co-operative Gallery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tablelands Artists’ Co-operative Gallery, commonly known as T.Arts Gallery, is a member-run art gallery located in the heart of Bathurst’s downtown. It promotes the artistic abilities of its members who live in the Tablelands region. Additionally, the gallery hosts frequent exhibitions featuring diverse works of various known and new artists.

The gallery features various forms of artwork, including pottery, photography, textiles, oils, etchings, watercolors, acrylics, jewelry, and accessories. You can also buy paintings, prints, and gifts here.

Tablelands Artists Co-operative Gallery

Address: 80 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Tablelands Artists Co-operative Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

7. Listen to live music while enjoying a few drinks at Webb & Co

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This one-of-a-kind pub is the perfect place if you need to unwind with your friends. It is located in Webb Chambers and across the street from the lovely Machattie Park. Mouthwatering tapas, tasty wines, delightful cocktails, and beers are among the most popular beverages at this establishment. You will enjoy its tasteful design, welcoming environment, and live music at this place. Additionally, the venue is set in an intriguing and rustic space that will make you feel like you went back in time.

Webb & Co Bar

Address: 175 George St, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia

Website: Webb & Co Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)

8. Watch a movie at Metro Cinemas

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Metro Cinemas Bathurst offers a wonderful variety of the latest blockbusters and family films, making it perfect for audiences of all ages. Boasting a total of five screens, it also features a few indie films. The theatres are equipped with up-to-date sound equipment, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the movie. There are also large screens and high-back chairs that offer a comfortable experience. The entry price is reasonable, and you will get the best chocolate chip cookies and popcorn for snacks. Best of all, all five theaters feature wheelchair access and hearing aid.

Metro Cinemas

Address: 144 Piper St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Metro Cinemas

Opening hours: Tue: 9:30am - 7pm; Wed - Thu: 9:30am - 3:15pm; Fri - Sat: 9:45am - 7:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

9. Have a fun game with friends at Bathurst Tenpin Bowling Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tenpin Bowling Centre in Bathurst offers a variety of activities suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Guests can head to the gaming area, which comes with arcade games, air hockey, and pool tables, and the cafe, where you can spend quality time with your family and friends. Of course, don’t forget to play a game of bowling.

Additionally, this bowling center hosts and caters to a variety of social occasions. There are bowling leagues and tournaments organized here to keep a consistent presence in the community.

Bathurst Tenpin Bowling Centre

Address: Mitre St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Bathurst Tenpin Bowling Centre

Opening hours: Sun - Mon, Wed - Thu: 10am - 9:30pm; Tue: 9am - 9:30pm; Fri: 9am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm

Price: 5 AUD (3.68 USD) - 21 AUD (15.49 USD) per person

10. Check out dinosaur fossils at Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

See the Tyrannosaurus Rex’s 4.5-meter (14.8 feet) skeleton and other world-famous fossils at Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. This fascinating museum was originally a public school. Now it has over 5,000 collections of mineral crystals and fossils. Here, you will find rare specimens from Professor Warren Somerville AM’s collection. The fossils and minerals are divided into two galleries. The Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton can be found in the Fossil Gallery. The museum even has a shop with educational toys, perfect for kids.

Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

Address: 224 Howick St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

Opening hours: Sun - Tue, Thu -Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Wed)

11. Shop at Bathurst City Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bathurst City Centre is a convenient shopping destination for residents and tourists, and it comes with ample on-site parking. Bathurst City Centre has everything you need, with a variety of shops selling art, clothes, and accessories, you are sure to bring home something. It also offers gardening supplies and beauty products. Whether you are looking for a souvenir or just something you need at home, you will find it here.

Bathurst City Centre

Address: 210 Howick St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Bathurst City Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm

12. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Annie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Craving for something sweet? Then head to Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour. It is a 1950’s-style milk bar where you can dine in or take out around 30 flavors of ice cream. Enjoy a homemade, preservative-free ice cream that is made on site. Aside from ice cream, it provides a full cafe menu, which includes a large selection of gluten-free snacks and meals. This place is one you shouldn’t miss while in Bathurst.

Annie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour

Address: 82/86 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 9am - 5:30pm; Thu - Fri: 9am -9pm; Sat; 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 5:30pm

13. Stroll through the Mount Gray walking track

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Learn a thing or two about the miners in the past on the Mount Gray walking track. It is a bushwalk near Abercrombie Caves that leads on to Grove Creek Falls, which features spectacular cascades and gorgeous views. The walk is 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) long, and a 4-hour stay is enough for you to explore everything in the area. After visiting the historic mining site, you can see Grove Creek’s waterfalls cascading over a steep cliff and into the valley 70 meters (230 feet) below.

Mount Gray walking track

Address: Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, Bathurst, NSW, Australia.

Website: Mount Gray walking track

14. Feed the ducks at Machattie Park

Machattie Park is a well-kept 8-acre (3.2 hectares) park located in the heart of Bathurst that’s been around since 1890. It is a lovely place to stroll around because it has an abundance of old trees and greenery, a pond with ducks, and a fernery. The duck pond, also known as Lake Spencer, is extremely popular, especially since both children and adults love to feed the ducks with bread. The other features of the park include a cottage and a couple of fountains.

Machattie Park

Address: William St & Keppel St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Machattie Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Visit Miss Traill's House

Enjoy a stroll through the garden of Miss Traill’s House, a heritage house museum that was built in 1845. It is listed under New South Wales Heritage Register and owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). The National Trust received Miss Ida Traill’s house, gardens, and paddock when she passed away. Miss Ida Traill’s ancestors were some of the early settlers in the region, which means one can find lots of history here.

Miss Traill’s House features historical furniture, ceramics, horse-racing memorabilia, and art, the bulk of which was bequeathed to her by her ancestors and is on display at the museum. Additionally, the garden is a great location for weddings, luncheons, and other gatherings.

Miss Traill's House

Address: 321 Russell St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Miss Traill’s House

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 3:30pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

Price: 8 AUD (5.90 USD) - 26 AUD (19.18); entrance is free for children below 5 years

16. Take the kids to Bathurst Miniature Railway Society

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have a fantastic family day out by taking your kids on a mini train ride. Bathurst Miniature Railway Society is run by a club that manages and operates almost 600 meters (1968.5 feet) of trail tracks. The club has been around since 1977 and the members themselves maintain the site. There is a barbecue area set up for families, making it a great attraction.

Bathurst Miniature Railway Society

Address: 215 Durham St, Bathurst NSW, Australia

Website: Bathurst Miniature Railway Society Inc

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 2 AUD (1.47 USD)

17. Have a picnic at Macquarie River Bicentennial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Macquarie River Bicentennial Park was built along the banks of the river as part of Bathurst’s Bicentennial Celebrations in 1988. The park is located at the crossroads of William and Stanley streets. It features a playground for children, picnic spots, and a peace garden. It is an excellent social area for adults and children alike. Toilets and parking make for a pleasant walk for both humans and their pets. What’s more, Ohkuma Japanese Garden is an excellent location for weddings.

Macquarie River Bicentennial Park

Address: Cnr William St and, Stanley St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Macquarie River Bicentennial Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

18. Watch the kids play at Bathurst Adventure Playground

Children of all ages will definitely enjoy Bathurst Adventure Playground. It is located at the intersection of Durham and Hope streets in Victoria Park. A fantastic place for the little ones, it is complete with a maze, a sundial, a climbing wall, a musical bridge, and a dual flying fox. The area is beautifully landscaped with a dinosaur theme, and it comes with plenty of swings and slides that kids can have fun with. There are numerous seating spots shaded by huge trees for those who need to rest, and clean toilets are nearby.

Bathurst Adventure Playground

Address: Durham St & Hope Street, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: Bathurst Adventure Playground

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

19. Have some food at The Hub Espresso Bar + Eatery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Catch up with friends and family at The Hub while having some coffee and delicious food. You’ll find yourself captivated by the restaurant’s luxurious furnishings while having sumptuous meals. The menu is loaded with wonderful dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients, and there are also vegetarian alternatives.

For breakfast, have some sweet potato rosti or a burrito with scrambled eggs and avocado among other tasty ingredients. Meanwhile, some items you can have for lunch include potato salad and a delicious herb and mozzarella lamb burger. Additionally, the excellent customer service will entice you to return frequently.

The Hub Espresso Bar + Eatery

Address: 52 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Website: The Hub Espresso Bar + Eatery

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat - Sun: 7am - 3pm; Fri: 7am - 3pm, 6pm - 9:30pm

20. Check out the amazing architecture at Bathurst Courthouse

Check out the amazing ceilings and woodwork of the historic Bathurst Courthouse. Located in Russell Street, it was designed by James Barnet, a New South Wales Government Architect. Listed under New South Wales State Heritage Register, this courthouse invites people to check out its stunning Victorian architecture. You can also visit Bathurst and District Historical Society Museum at the eastern end of the courthouse.

Bathurst Courthouse

Address: Russell St, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Fall in love with Bathurst

From race tracks to trail tracks, Bathurst has a set of interesting attractions. It is also a great place for those coming with kids, thanks to its abundance of parks and museums. Whether you prefer a chill day out or something exciting, you are sure to have a great time in the city. If you’re not sure where to start, just check out the list above.