Bathurst is a vibrant regional city located 200 kilometres (120 miles) west-northwest of Sydney in the Central West of NSW. It is Australia’s oldest inland settlement and has a population of over 36,000 (@ June 2018).

With four distinct seasons, its beautiful streetscapes and historic city centre, Bathurst has many ornate buildings remaining from the gold rush period of the mid to late 19th century. Bathurst is also home to many beautiful churches and parks. Any time of year is the perfect time to visit Bathurst!

Every year, Bathurst is the focus of Australia during the “Bathurst 1000” (aka Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000) where V8 supercars race around the internationally famous racetrack,  Mount Panorama (‘The Mount). The Mount is a public road, and you can drive the track at any time (but mind that speed!). It also hosts other motor racing events including the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour Race, the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour Race & the Challenge Bathurst Race.  Throughout the year, Mt Panorama also runs other events such as Bathurst Light Car Club sprints and hill climbs, Bathurst Cycling Classic, Panorama Motorcycle Club, Bathurst Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Bathurst Clay Target Club, Bathurst Rifle Club, Bathurst Cycling Club.

Bathurst is a city with so much more to offer than just motorsports! Bathurst is part of “Gold Country”. Gold was first discovered in the region in the early 1850s, and the world’s largest piece of reef gold was found in the Hill End goldfields. You can experience what it was like in a colonial underground mine at the Bald Hill Tourist Mine. Historic goldfields, spectacular limestone caves and gorgeous heritage buildings. There’s many fun things to do in the vibrant Bathurst region, including a visit to the gold rush towns of Hill End and Sofala, and seeing a Tyrannosaurus Rex at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Public Festivals such as the Inland Sea of Sound – Music Festival and SPRUNG (at CSU) are also fun pastimes. There are regular horse races and ‘trotting’ and the National Cool Climate Wine Show take place here each year. If you are visiting in Winter, the Bathurst Winter Festival takes place every year, with ‘Light up Bathurst’ showcasing many of our historic buildings, such as the Bathurst Court House, with stunning light effects.

You can visit the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and Chifley Home (the home of former prime minister Ben Chifley), enjoy cellar doors and savour local produce at restaurants and the Bathurst Farmers Market.

Whatever you want to do, you’ll find plenty of activities in the region. There is also an action-packed events calendar available in person from the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre (Phone: 6331 1444 / 1800 68 1000) or via their website: https://www.bathurstregion.com.au

They have super friendly and helpful staff! They have an up-to-date “What’s on” event calendar and a “destination planner” to help you plan your time here!