Bathurst, situated 200 kilometres west-northwest of Sydney in the Central Tablelands offers a rich blend of history, culture, and adventure. Founded in 1815, Bathurst is the oldest inland colonial settlement in Australia and features elegant architecture and beautifully restored historic homes such as the heritage-listed Abercrombie House and Bathurst Courthouse.
Bathurst is internationally famous for its Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit and the annual Bathurst 1000 where thousands of motorsports fans gather every year to cheer on their teams. The six-kilometre Mount Panorama Boardwalk loop is a slower way to do a lap. Ideal for hiking, running or walking, the track offers stunning views.
Bathurst tours take visitors to some of the city’s fascinating attractions and landmarks. The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in the 1876 Gothic-style former public-school building features the internationally renowned Somerville Collection, the lifetime work of Warren Somerville AM. This amazing collection includes more than 5000 of the rarest specimens of fossils and mineral crystals from around the world. One of the museum’s main drawcards is the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
The iconic Mount Panorama Circuit is a fascinating place to visit, whether there’s a race on or not! At non-race times, visitors can drive the circuit (at normal road speeds) and enjoy views from atop the mountain. It’s also worth a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama, which celebrates the rich history of Australian Motorsport. The Bathurst region is also known for its high-quality produce which eateries are proud to showcase along with fabulous local wines and beers.
With its rich heritage, Bathurst offers many wonderful landmarks to explore. The magnificent Abercrombie House was built in the 1870s by Bathurst pioneers the Stewart family. Since 1969, this heritage treasure has been home to the Morgan family who continue to restore and maintain the house, outbuildings and grounds to share with visitors.
The completion of the railway between Sydney and Bathurst in 1876 was an important stage in the development of the NSW colony. The award-winning Bathurst Rail Museum brings the story of Bathurst as a railway town to life with model railways and interactive exhibits.
Chifley Home and Education Centre is the former home of one of Australia’s most respected Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth. The home has been beautifully restored and offers a glimpse into Ben Chiffley’s life and leadership and a fascinating look at everyday life for families in the 1940s.
The estimated resident population of the Bathurst Regional Council area in 2023 was 44,612.
You could easily spend a week in Bathurst and only just scratch the surface. With its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, outdoor activities and exciting attractions Bathurst appeals to a wide range of visitors and holidaymakers all year round.
Bathurst tours offer something to suit all tastes, from world-class museums, the gold rush and rail history, restored heritage homes and buildings, fabulous gardens and scenic walks.
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