There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Bathurst when visiting with the family. Check out what to do in Bathurst on this article, but grab a cuppa first as this is a long one!
Just three hours drive from Sydney, Bathurst is a terrific place to explore with all generations of the family. There is such a wide variety of places to visit and experiences to enjoy that every member of the family will be happy.
Use this post to start planning a trip out to Bathurst, for a weekend getaway or a whole week’s country break in the countryside.
NB You’ll find info on the best deals at Bathurst hotels, apartments and holiday houses at the bottom of this post.
Bathurst Things To Do
The vibrant and historic city centre is packed with interesting places to visit, including plenty of kids activities. Bathurst is full of kid-friendly places.
Learn about car and motorcycling history at the National Motor Racing Museum, join a ghostly night tour or enjoy high-tea at Abercrombie House and enjoy nostalgic treats at Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice-cream Parlour.
Drive to historic villages Sofala, Hill End and Rockley for bush-ranger and gold-rush experiences.
The growing sophistication of Bathurst satisfies grown-ups too with hip cafes, award-winning bars and restaurants tucked away down cobblestone laneways, and a renowned art gallery.
Find below our list of the best Bathurst attractions.
Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum
Meet a real T-rex dinosaur and see world-renowned fossils at this fascinating Bathurst museum. You might hear about this museum being called the Bathurst Dinosaur Park too.
Open: Every day 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday and 10am – 2pm on Sunday, except Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day
Address: 224 Howick St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum website is here
National Motor Racing Museum
Discover the history of motor racing at this speed-lovers museum which is found right beside the Mount Panorama motor racing track which you can also drive around.
Open: 9am – 4.30pm daily except on public holidays
Address: 400 Panorama Ave, Bathurst NSW 2795
National Motor Racing Museum website is here
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery shows the work of artists from Bathurst and the surrounding villages. Within beautiful grounds, the gallery has permanent and touring exhibitions. Check out all sorts of unique gifts and toys at the BRAG shop.
Address: 70–78 Keppel St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sundays and public holidays 11am – 2pm.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery website is here
Bathurst Rail Museum
Very close to the railway station, you will find Bathurst Rail Museum, which is housed in converted Railway Institute buildings.
There you will find information about the building of the Main Western Line which reached Bathurst in 1876, along with artefacts from that era. The social history of the railway and the city is explained and there is a model railway (the Tarana to Bathurst line from the 1950s and 1960s) the size of a tennis court.
Young children will love the Kids central Space where they can play with a humungous Brio set.
Address: 126 Havannah Street, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6338 2850
Bathurst Rail Museum website is here.
Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit
Drive the world famous track and see views of the Bathurst plains as the early explorers did. This is one of the de rigeur activities in Bathurst, a must-do.
Open: this is a public road so open unless racing is taking place.
Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit website is here
Abercrombie House
Enjoy high-tea or a ghostly tour at this historic house with 52 rooms and six internal staircases. For lovers of history, Abercrombie House is one of the essential things to see in Bathurst.
Open: Self-guided tours Wednesday – Friday and guided tours at other times, check website for details.
Address: 311 Ophir Rd, Bathurst NSW 2795
Abercrombie House website is here
Crago Mill Emporium and Heritage Centre
Enjoy home-baked treats in the café and admire the beautifully restored four storey mill while the kids check out the antique toys and lolly shop.
Address: 2A Piper St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Crago Mill Facebook page is here
Simmo’s Off-Road Tours + Detour Adventures
Take a trip with a local expert. Simmo’s Offroad Tours offers eco-Certified 4WD Tours for small groups, in and around the Blue Mountains and Central West of NSW. Tours are suitable for families and any small or large group,, just get in touch.
Wine & Food Safaris, Scenic 4WD Tours, 4WD Tag-a-Long Tours, Gold Panning Tours, Fishing expeditions, Extended Safaris and overnight Camping Adventures.
Simmo knows all the cool places to visit and things to do around Bathurst so do check out the tours.
Simmo’s Off Road Tour website is here
Detour Adventures website here
Abercrombie Caves
Within the Abercrombie Karst Conservation reserve you can find amazing caves, bush walking tracks and camping spots. Bushrangers and miners once roamed these caves, test the echo and acoustics or pan for gold in the creek. You can enjoy self guided tours of some caves or join tours, book with the Abercrombie Caves office.
Address: Goulburn Road, past Trunkey Creek
Phone: 02 6368 8603
Contact hours: Thursday to Monday, 9am to 4.30pm. During NSW school holidays, 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Abercrombie Caves website here
Yarrabin Horse Riding
Take a ride through spectacular countryside on a lovely quiet horse, you can also enjoy riding lessons, school holiday camps for kids from 10 – 17 years or a weekend or mid-week family stay at this lovely property. Yarrabin is a 20-minute drive from of Bathurst.
Address: 3253 Beaconsfield Road, O’Connell NSW 2795
See more photos of Yarrabin and read about the trail rides and accommodation on this post: Yarrabin Horse Riding.
Enjoy this quick clip of a trail ride through the beautiful ghost gums on the Yarrabin property.
Hill End History + Gold Panning
Hill End is a great place to learn about the gold rush days of the 1850s with a magnificent display of fossicking and mining tools, an underground mine and blacksmith shop. Hill End is about 75km west of Bathurst and makes a terrific day trip. You can explore old buildings and relics of the old gold mines or even visit the Bald Hill Tourist Mine. There are also walks and the History Hill Museum. You can fossick for gold outside Hill End, just at the Hill End Heritage Centre.
Hill End Historic Site website is here
Hill End Heritage Centre: 02 6337 8206
Bathurst Adventure Playground
This fantastic Bathurst playground in Victoria Park has with dual flying foxes, one with accessible seat, carousel, a raised sandpit complete with dinosaur fossils built in and great slides. So many great features in this playground, the only drawback is that it is not (yet) fenced.
Address: Corner of Durham and Hope Street, Bathurst
Bathurst Aqua Park in Summer
Bathurst Aqua Park is open all summer at Chifley Dam. My family has had some great visits here and really enjoyed playing on the inflatables.
Where: Opposite Chifley Dam Cabins, Chifley Dam Rd, The Lagoon, Bathurst) NSW 2795
When: check website for opening hours
Cost: Pay for short sessions of one or two hours or for an all-day pass. Website has current prices.
Ages: Over fours only, kids aged 4-6 years need a parent with them.
Read more on the Bathurst Aqua Park website here.
Bathurst Winter Festival
A glittering, sparkly winter festival runs during each July school holidays. Plan ahead by checking out the website.
Check out all the winter fun on the Bathurst Winter Festival website here.
Bathurst Cafes + Restaurants
Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour
Step back in time for sweet treats in a gorgeous old fashioned ice cream parlour. All ice creams are made at the parlour, there are over 20 varieties on offer. You’ll also find a comprehensive cafe menu at Annie’s/
Address: 82/86 George St, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6331 8088
Legall Patisserie
Enjoy a taste of French in the country at this renowned bakery with lemon tarts, macaroons, éclairs and fruit tartlets
Address: 56 Keppel Street, Bathurst
The Hub Espresso Bar + Eatery
Open for breakfast and lunch, this airy cafe with a large outdoors seating area serves terrific coffee and fresh, locally sourced meals. Check out their menu on the website, this is a family-friendly venue with a commitment to sustainability and showing off the local produce.
Address: 52 Keppel Street, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6332 1565
Harvest Café & Store
Harvest Cafe & Store is situated right beside the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, which is on the right side of the road just as you drive into town. It’s well worth stopping to pick up some brochures and to have a restorative cuppa and something to eat.
Opening hours at 8am – 4pm and you’ll find all sorts of breakfast, lunch and snack options, with the menu changing seasonally.
There are tables outside and heaps of space for children to run around on the wide parklands there.
Address: 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6323 1811
Harvest Cafe website is here
Church Bar Pizzas
Housed in the old Anglican Church School House located on notorious Ribbon Gang Lane, you’ll find plenty of family friendly options here. There’s a courtyard which is a great option for families.
Address: 1 Ribbon Gang Lane, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6334 2300
Webb + Co
This bar and restaurant is in a historic building and serves local beers and wines and tapas style meals. Wenn & Co is just opposite Machattie Park, very central.
Address: 175 George Stree, Bathurst
Phone: 02 6331 9825
Things To Do in Bathurst This Weekend
Check out current events and activities in Bathurst for this coming weekend on the Bathurst Region Tourism website Events Calendar here.
A Bathurst Farm Stay or Farm Tour
Barcoos Farmstay offers delightful farm stays or farm tours with pony rides, feeding the animals and collecting the eggs included.
Barcoos Farmstay website is here
Bathurst Accommodation Deals + Specials
We recommend the NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park, set just 4km from the centre of town, one of the best of the Bathurst family accommodation offerings. You can camp there, or bring your caravan. There are also studio units, two and three bedroom cabins. The holiday park has a good pool, waterslide, bouncy pillow and a playground.
Check out NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park availability and prices here.
Search Bathurst Deals on Booking.com
Find current accommodation deals via Booking.com check using this search box.
Things to Consider While Selecting the Perfect Things to Do in Bathurst with Kids
Located in New South Wales, Bathurst is a vibrant regional city with a rich history and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. When planning a holiday in Bathurst with kids, it is essential to consider their interests, energy levels, and the overall objectives of the trip.
I’ll discuss several factors to take into account when selecting the perfect activities and experiences for your family in Bathurst.
1. Age-appropriateness of Activities
One of the most critical factors in choosing suitable activities for your family is to ensure they are age-appropriate for your children. Bathurst offers a diverse range of attractions catering to various age groups, so consider your children’s interests and capabilities when making your selections.
For younger children, consider a visit to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum or a trip to the Bathurst Adventure Playground. Both offer interactive and educational experiences that are engaging and accessible for younger audiences.
For older children and teenagers, consider exploring the region’s rich motor racing heritage with a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum, or an exciting tour of Mount Panorama, the iconic racing circuit.
2. Educational Value
Bathurst has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that can provide valuable learning experiences for children. When selecting activities, consider those that combine education and entertainment, offering insights into the area’s rich history and culture.
A visit to the Bathurst Goldfields, for example, can teach children about the region’s gold mining history, while a guided tour of the Abercrombie House offers a glimpse into the elegance and grandeur of the Victorian era.
3. Physical Activity and Outdoor Experiences
Bathurst is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. Encourage physical activity by selecting attractions that involve walking, hiking, or other forms of exercise.
Machattie Park, for instance, offers picturesque gardens and walking paths, perfect for a leisurely family stroll. For more adventurous families, the Evans Crown Nature Reserve presents a moderate hike with rewarding views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Balance and Variety
To maintain interest and engagement, aim for a balanced itinerary that incorporates a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as a combination of educational, cultural, and recreational experiences.
This approach ensures that your children are exposed to various aspects of Bathurst’s character and can cater to different preferences within the family.
5. Budget Considerations
When selecting activities and attractions, consider the associated costs and ensure they align with your overall holiday budget. Bathurst offers a range of attractions with varying price points, including free and low-cost options such as parks, playgrounds, and museums.
6. Weather and Seasonal Factors
The weather and time of year can significantly impact the suitability of certain activities. Plan your itinerary around the season and the forecasted weather conditions, with alternative options for rainy or extreme weather days.
During the colder months, consider indoor attractions such as the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, while the warmer months are ideal for outdoor experiences, like exploring the Chifley Home and Education Centre gardens.
7. Accessibility and Facilities
When planning your activities, consider the accessibility and facilities available at each attraction. Ensure that venues cater to the specific needs of your family, such as pram access, baby changing facilities, or provisions for children with disabilities.
The availability of on-site dining options or picnic areas can also be a deciding factor, especially for families with young children.
8. Time Management
Finally, carefully consider the time required for each activity, including travel time and potential wait times. An overly ambitious itinerary can lead to exhaustion and reduced enjoyment for the whole family.
Allocate sufficient time for relaxation, meals, and any unforeseen delays to create a balanced and enjoyable experience for all family members.
Have you taken the family to Bathurst?
Happy travel planning!
PS You might also be interested in this article: Mushroom Picking Around Oberon
