Bathurst

Miss Traill's House Ida Traill (1889–1976) was a fourth-generation descendant of pioneers William Lee and Thomas Kite who came to Bathurst in 1818. Her house, a colonial Georgian bungalow filled with artefacts and bequeathed to the National Trust, was built in 1845, making it one of the oldest houses in Bathurst. The 19th-century cottage garden is particularly charming in spring. Russell St; (02) 6332 4232.

Bathurst District Historical Museum: features notable local Aboriginal artefacts in the east wing of the Neoclassical Bathurst Courthouse; Russell St; (02) 6330 8455. Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum: exhibits close to 2000 fossil and mineral specimens, including rare and unique displays, housed in the 1876 public school building; Howick St; (02) 6331 5511. Bathurst Regional Art Gallery: focuses on Australian art after 1955, with frequently changing exibitions; Keppel St; (02) 6333 6555. Machattie Park: Victorian-era park in the heart of the city, with a begonia house full of blooms Feb–Apr; Keppel, William and George sts. Self-guide historical walking tour and self-drive tour: takes in Bathurst Gaol, the courthouse and historic homes, including Ben Chifley's house; map from visitor centre.

Mt Panorama The inaugural Bathurst 1000 was held here in 1960 and has since become an Australian institution. The 6.2 km scenic circuit is open year-round, and while the lap record is 129.7 seconds (over 170 km/h), visitors are limited to 60 km/h. The National Motor Racing Museum at the circuit displays race cars, trophies, memorabilia and special exhibits; (02) 6332 1872. Also at Mt Panorama are the Bathurst Goldfields, a reconstruction of a historic goldmining area, and McPhillamy Park, which features the Sir Joseph Banks Nature Reserve with great views over Bathurst, especially at sunrise and sunset. 2 km S.Abercrombie House: impressive 1870s baronial-style Gothic mansion; Ophir Rd; 6 km W. Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome: visitors can milk a cow and see shearing and sheepdog demonstrations; Limekilns Rd; 6 km NE. Bathurst Observatory: program varies throughout the year. The visitor centre features mineral, fossil and space displays. The complex is closed in inclement weather; 12 km NE. Wallaby Rocks: wall of rock rising from the Turon River and a popular spot for kangaroos and wallabies. Also an ideal swimming and picnic spot; 40 km N. Sofala: historic gold town and the setting for scenes from the films The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) and Sirens (1994); 42 km N. Hill End Historic Site: former goldfield with many original buildings. The area has inspired painters Russell Drysdale, Donald Friend, John Olsen and Brett Whiteley. There is a National Parks & Wildlife Service visitor centre in old Hill End Hospital, which has a historical display and information on panning and fossicking, with equipment for hire; (02) 6337 8206. Old gold towns nearby include Peel, Wattle Flat, Rockley, O'Connell and Trunkey; 86 km NW.

Lithgow to Mudgee 46 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 157 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Port Hacking 159 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Botany Bay 162 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Stephens 248 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Ice-climbing 75 km

In winter, the frozen cliffs around Blue Lake provide one of the only places in Australia to learn and perfect the art of ice-climbing. Multi-day courses involve a hike in with heavy packs, and camping out in the... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 79 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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Wine-tasting - Mudgee 91 km

Mudgee is probably best known for its vineyards and wine, and there are a growing number of organic wineries, including Botobolar, Lowe Family Wines, Martins Hill and Thistle Hill. Broombee also has organic fruit and... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 145 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 152 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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Picnicking around Dubbo 159 km

Throw a rug down in the 167-hectare Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum near Wellington, and take in the fragrance of an estimated 2500 native plant species.... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 161 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 161 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Birdwatching trip by boat 165 km

Being out on a heaving sea all day with a flock of keen birdwatchers could be some people’s worst nightmare, but any nature lover should enjoy the experience – at least once anyway. There is the chance to... Find out more

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Whale- and dolphin-watching around Huskisson 206 km

Many seaside towns on the South Coast have rightfully decided to champion the passing parade of marine mammals. From May to November there are more two-to-three-hour, whale- and dolphin-watching cruises than you can wave... Find out more

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Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club 119 km

As a globetrotting professional golfer of the 1970s and ’80s, Graham Marsh won more than 60 titles across five continents. The key to his success was his approach to the game. Every shot was thoughtfully... Find out more

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Castle Hill Country Club 133 km

Back in 1821, Irishman George Acres received a land grant and is understood to have planted Australia’s first citrus trees. He planted them on the land where the fairways of Castle Hill Country Club now weave... Find out more

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Macquarie Links International Golf Club 135 km

Shanghai, Guam, Bali, Sabah, Bangkok, Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii; American course designer Robin Nelson has spent much of the past 30 years travelling from one exotic destination to another, putting his next project in... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 148 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Concord Golf Club 149 km

From the very first days that golf was played in New South Wales, the name Concord has been part of the landscape. Established in 1899, golf began on the current site – on a layout designed by Dan Soutar, who... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 150 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 153 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 159 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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The Australian Golf Club 161 km

With a rich history dating back to the first days of organised golf in Australia, The Australian is the country’s oldest formal golf club. It was established in 1882 but didn’t find a permanent home at... Find out more

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The Lakes Golf Club 162 km

The Lakes is one of Sydney’s iconic golf courses, a regular venue for big championships – including the Australian Open – during its 82-year history. Yet since the late 1960s, when the course was... Find out more

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Church Bar + Woodfired Pizza

Originally a church dating back to 1850, The Crowded House cafe has been beautifully restored with a warm contemporary interior, and excellent garden and courtyard dining. The contemporary, seasonally driven modern... Find out more

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Cobblestone Lane

Cobblestone Lane gleams from its location overlooking pretty Machattie Park and the dining room is simply gorgeous, set in the former Webb & Co department store (c.1863). The elegant, brasserie-style menu focuses on... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 158 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 160 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Tooheys Brewery 144 km

Tooheys remains the last of Sydney’s long-running mainstream breweries still currently operating. Founders James and John Toohey were cattle farmers before they entered the beer game, buying the Darling Brewery (it... Find out more

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Paddy's Brewery 147 km

There may be more unlikely venues for a craft brewery but, offhand, I can’t think of one. The Markets Hotel is a 24-hour pub opposite Sydney’s Flemington fresh produce market, where you’re more likely... Find out more

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Malt Shovel Brewery 157 km

US-born Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Hahn has enjoyed two separate craft-beer careers over two decades, operating out of the same Camperdown brewery. In the late ’80s he opened it as the independent Hahn Brewery,... Find out more

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St Peters Brewery 158 km

Matt Donelan is someone who marches to a different drum from most other craftbrewers. He doesn’t have a website or own a mobile phone and doesn’t believe in cardboard packaging. He matches his keg prices... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 158 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 159 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 160 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 164 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Heritage Grove camping area 24 km

Heritage Grove is one of 4 main areas in Macquarie Woods that have been established by Forests NSW to demonstrate sustainable forestry. This camping area can be accessed via Cashens La, off the Mitchell Hwy 29 km west of... Find out more

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Mary’s Park camping area 25 km

To reach this basic camping area, follow the signs on Sunny Corner Rd. It’s about 2.7 km west of Sunny Corner village. There are no facilities here, so bring your own everything, including toilet, drinking water... Find out more

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Sunny Corner Recreation Reserve 29 km

This is a small camping area in Sunny Corner Village, a historic gold town 36 km east of Bathurst via the Great Western Hwy. The village is a good base from which to explore the surrounding forest by 4WD or trail bike.... Find out more

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Heritage Grounds 32 km

You’ll find this basic camping area 1 km west of rustic Wattle Flat, 8 km down the road from Sofala. Both Wattle Flat and Sofala have a winning, down-to-earth charm born of their fascinating goldmining past, as... Find out more

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Amy Anderson Reserve camping area 32 km

Amy Anderson Reserve is 42.7 km north of Bathurst and 1.3 km north of Bruinbun Reserve. Two-wheel drives and off-road campervans can travel this route in dry weather only. Bring drinking water, firewood, gas/fuel stove... Find out more

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Bruinbun Reserve camping area 32 km

Bruinbun Reserve is 41 km north of Bathurst. Bring your drinking water, firewood, a gas/fuel stove and a spare tyre.... Find out more

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Campbells River camping area 33 km

This is a simple but spacious camping spot in a grassy clearing on Campbells River. Throw a line in, dip a toe in, or kick back and enjoy the river from the comfort of your camp chair. To get here, take Rockley Rd from... Find out more

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Tattersalls Hole Reserve camping area 34 km

Tattersalls Hole Reserve is 44 km north of Bathurst and 2 km north of Amy Anderson Reserve. Two-wheel drives and off-road caravans can travel this route in dry weather only. Bring drinking water, firewood, a gas/fuel... Find out more

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Black Gate Reserve camping area 35 km

Black Gate Reserve is 45 km north of Bathurst and 4 km north of Bruinbun Reserve. Note: this is as far as you'll get your trailer or caravan if you're coming from Bathurst.... Find out more

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Johnsons Hole Reserve camping area 37 km

The Johnsons Hole Reserve camping area is 18.1 km south of Hill End and 3.4 km south of Grimley’s Hotel Reserve.... Find out more

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BIG4 Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park 4 km

This is a quality park on the Great Western Highway, 5 km east of the centre of Bathurst, and offers a range of accommodation and great facilities including games and entertainment rooms. Bookings are required at peak... Find out more

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Colour City Caravan Park 47 km

This is a council park with good basic facilities in a quiet, off-highway position, about 2 km north of the city centre, adjoining the showgrounds. It is good value at a budget price. Bookings are recommended all year... Find out more

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Blackheath Caravan Park 70 km

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, this park is situated in a pretty parkland setting opposite the Rhododendron Gardens, and within walking distance of the town centre and Govetts Leap lookout. There are good basic... Find out more

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Katoomba Falls Caravan Park 75 km

Located in a quiet off-highway location, this neat well-appointed park is very close to Katoomba’s cable car and scenic railway. It is an ideal park for a few days stay to explore the area. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Wellington Caves Holiday Complex 107 km

Relax and let a few days slip by at this spacious park, located 6 km south of the town centre alongside the Wellington Caves, a popular tourist attraction. It is a quality park and makes an ideal stopover. Bookings are... Find out more

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Wellington Valley Caravan Park 112 km

On the Mitchell Highway on the eastern approach to Wellington this older park has been renovated and transformed. The convenient drive-through sites and grassy camping areas are a feature.... Find out more

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Wellington Riverside Tourist Park 114 km

This is a well-maintained park on the banks of the Macquarie River, close to the highway and just a short walk to the centre of town. The park has good facilities at a budget price. Bookings are required at peak times... Find out more

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Spicer Caravan Park 134 km

This is a budget-priced, council-owned park with good basic facilities, about 2 km from the town centre. It is in a quiet spot, off the main highway, about 16 km from the Parkes satellite dish. Bookings are required in... Find out more

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Sydney Hills Holiday Park 138 km

This is a quality park in the north-western suburbs and can be easily accessed from the M7 through Sydney’s west. The well-designed park has a very good shop and is in a nice area. It is ideal for a holiday base in... Find out more

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Mittagong Caravan Park 140 km

The caravan park is 1 km north of the town centre. There is a well-stocked shop and easy access to the Hume Freeway. This is one of only two parks in this area of the central highlands. The park can get very busy, so... Find out more

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Bishop’s Court Estate 
Boutique Hotel

Bishop’s Court Estate is perched on a hilltop overlooking Bathurst. This stunning double-storey Victorian residence set in parkland was built in 1870 for the local Anglican bishop, hence the chapel on the grounds.... Find out more

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Encore Apartments

Contemporary style awaits guests at the fully self-contained Encore Apartments in the heart of Bathurst. There are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to choose from – the top of the range is the Townhouse... Find out more

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Clonturkle Sanctuary 24 km

Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out more

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Jenolan Cabins 60 km

These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 61 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 68 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 69 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 73 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 76 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 82 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 82 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 153 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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The Rocks Rest Area 19 km

20 km W of Bathurst (R) or 36 km E of Orange (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S33 25.56 E149 22.48  ... Find out more

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Macquarie Wood Camp Area 25 km

T/O 28 km W of Bathurst (R) or 28 km E of Orange (L) Large open grassed area located 2 kilometres north of the highway among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 24.34... Find out more

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Sunny Corner Camp Area 29 km

T/O 34 km E of Bathurst (L) or 28 km W of Lithgow (R) Secluded campground located 7 kilometres north of the highway. GPS: S33 23.267 E149 53.542  ... Find out more

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Blayney Park Area 33 km

West side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 32.263 E149 15.254... Find out more

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Carcoar Dam Camp Area 43 km

T/O 62 km NE of Cowra (R) or 47 km SW of Bathurst (L) Large camp area located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the shores of the dam. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 36.717 E149 10.864 ... Find out more

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Fullers Lane Rest Area 44 km

60 km NE of Cowra (R) or 49 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 35.890 E149 09.927 ... Find out more

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Lake Wallace Park Area 46 km

T/O 51 km E of Bathurst (L) or 11 km W of Lithgow (R) Large area 2 kilometres north of the highway on the shores of the lake. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S33 24.849 E150 04.255 ... Find out more

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Gamboola Rest Area 60 km

17 km NW of Orange (L) or 17 km SE of Molong (R) Small area just off the highway. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 09.44 E149 00.36... Find out more

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Kingsley Fairborough Park Area 71 km

30 km NW of Orange (R) or 4 km SE of Molong (L) Small grassed area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 07.26 E148 54.31  ... Find out more

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Molong Park Area 75 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 05.966 E148 52.297... Find out more

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Bell River Rest Area 85 km

23 km N of Molong (R) or 42 km S of Wellington (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 54.712 E148 53.429  ... Find out more

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Two Mile Creek Rest Area 90 km

32 km N of Molong (L) or 33 km S of Wellington (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 50.029 E148 54.404... Find out more

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Ramage Park Rest Area 93 km

5 km NE of Cowra (R) or 104 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S33 49.787 E148 42.614   ... Find out more

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Cowra Park Area 96 km

Middle of town Large parking area opposite the information centre. GPS: S33 50.200 E148 40.919 ... Find out more

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Wellington South Rest Area 106 km

56 km N of Molong (R) or 9 km S of Wellington (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 37.413 E148 56.885... Find out more

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Tyagong Creek Rest Area 117 km

31 km E of Grenfell (R) or 24 km W of Cowra (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.096 E148 27.977 ... Find out more

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Geurie North Rest Area 135 km

24 km NW of Wellington (L) or 27 km SE of Dubbo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.306 E148 48.978... Find out more

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Billabong Creek Rest Area 138 km

23 km N of Forbes (R) or 10 km S of Parkes (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 12.531 E148 07.473 ... Find out more

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Gordon VC Rest Area 140 km

21 km SW of Mittagong (R) or 64 km NE of Goulburn (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 32.086 E150 16.885  ... Find out more

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Mackey VC Rest Area 143 km

28 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 57 km NE of Goulburn (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 34.763 E150 15.192  ... Find out more

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Grenfell West Rest Area 143 km

102 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 2 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 53.425 E148 08.743 ... Find out more

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Kingsbury VC Rest Area 146 km

27 km SW of Mittagong (L) or 58 km NE of Goulburn (R) Large area just off the highway among some large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 37.166 E150 12.832 ... Find out more

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Bogolong Rest Area 146 km

95 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 9 km W of Grenfell (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 50.982 E148 05.447   ... Find out more

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Forbes Rest Area 147 km

South side of town Large area on the riverbank 500 metres north-west of the highway past the Forbes Lake Motel. Good shade. Facilities at adjacent day use area. GPS: S33 23.292 E148 00.110... Find out more

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Derrick VC Rest Area 148 km

73 km SW of Mittagong (L) westbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 44.149 E149 49.805 ... Find out more

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Chowne VC Rest Area 150 km

17 km NE of Goulburn (L) eastbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 44.621 E149 53.244  ... Find out more

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