Bathurst, located a short 3 hour drive from Sydney and located on the beautiful Macquarie River, is a town steeped in history. Home to a prosperous gold rush in the early 1850s, Bathurst is the nations oldest inland colonial settlement.
Visitors to Bathurst will be amazed by the regions natural wonders, including the largest cave arch in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the towns burgeoning food and wine scene.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Bathurst.
Enjoy a classic country breakfast.
Country Cafe Bathurst is a traditional Australian country breakfast café. Located a short 3 minute drive from the Quality Hotel Bathurst, the Country Café offers a classic and refined breakfast menu using locally grown produce.
Immerse yourself in art at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) is a celebrated regional arts gallery that hosts a range of programs and works by local and international contemporary artists. The first purpose-built regional arts gallery in NSW, BRAG features works by John Olsen, Lloyd Rees and James Gleeson, as well as a collection of photographs and ceramics by over 400 Australian artists. BRAG is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am, and is located a short 4 minute drive from the Quality Hotel Bathurst.
Unwind at Church Bar
Church Bar, located in Bathurst’s CBD district, offers cocktails and woodfired pizza in a renovated brick schoolhouse. The venues outdoor courtyard setting is especially enchanting at night, as low hanging lights transform the schoolhouse into an intimate and refined outdoor bar. Church Bar is popular with students and alumni from the nearby Charles Sturt University, and is open late, closing at 12am Monday – Saturday.
Check out the infamous Mount Panorama
Mount Panorama is world known for hosting the annual Bathurst 1000. When the race isn’t being held, the circuit is open to the public to drive.
Visit Abercrombie Caves
The limestone caves at Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, located 70km south of Bathurst, are some of the most impressive in Australia. The caves feature the largest natural arch in the Southern Hemisphere, and opens into Bushrangers Cave, a giant cave structure that was once used as a hideout by bushrangers, before being converted into a makeshift ballroom by miners during the gold rush.
Visit Rock Forest Vineyards
Set in rolling granite hills, Rock Forest Vineyard is known for its organic and minimum intervention wine. The vineyard features sauvignon blanc vines which are over 10 years old, and specialises in sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and shiraz.
Need a place to stay?
The Quality Hotel Bathurst is conveniently located close to the CBD, between Charles Sturt University and Bathurst Cemetery. Bathurst sits at the junction of the highways to Orange and Cowra, and enjoys a wonderful natural environment with warm summers, crispy clear winters, occasional snowfalls and beautiful spring and autumn colours. Bathurst is a beautiful regional city, offering a diversity of attractions, activities and facilities including the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit and the blooming wine industry.
Book your next stay with Choice Hotels.
