There’s nothing like holidaying close to home with family, but feeling as if you’re a whole world away.

And less than three hours from Sydney is a sparkling jewel with historical depth, wondrous natural landscapes and a charm that’s perfectly balanced with modern offerings. Bathurst strikes a sweet spot for families who want to escape the city for an immersive experience, but still have all the comforts of city living.

The perfect weekend family getaway awaits, so arm yourself with our Bathurst Bucket List and start packing.

The Bathurst Bucket List

If you’re a family who loves being on the go, the Bathurst Bucket List will challenge you to get everything possible out of this incredible region. From foodie delights to heritage draw-cards, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures – if you can’t fit it all into one weekend, there’s always next time!

1. Barcoos Farm Experience 

Ditch the city digs and immerse your family in the sights and sounds of the country on a real working farm. At Barcoos Farms Stay the kids can feed the lambs, chickens and ducks, meet Eeyore the donkey and do tricks with Georgie Pig.

2. Abercrombie House

Dip your toes in an Australian heritage treasure at Abercrombie House, a grand Scottish mansion built in the 1870s. Now a private home, families are able to tour the sublime house and gardens during the year-round tours, or indulge in a high tea.

3. Hill End General Store Cafe

Make time for a great coffee and let the kids refuel from the kids’ menu. You can also grab food supplies and even a BBQ pack.

4. Manning Aquatic Centre

No matter the weather, the Manning Aquatic Centre is the spot to let the kids work off their energy. With a 50 metre outdoor pool and indoor water playground, everyone is catered for.

5. Bathurst Rail Museum

Budding conductors will adore the sights and sounds of the Bathurst Rail Museum. Housed inside the converted Railway Institute Building it boasts the largest public HO model railway in the Southern Hemisphere.

6. Annie’s Ice Cream

With its in-house crafted ice cream, Annie’s has been a Bathurst institution for more than 25 years. How could it not make our Bathurst Bucket List!

7. Bushwalking

Keep it simple and soak up the natural wonder of the Bathurst region on one of the many family-friendly tracks. There’s waterfalls to discover, wildlife to meet and caves to explore.

8. Church Bar + Woodfired Pizza

Keep the energy levels high with authentic wood fired pizza for the kids and craft beer and local wine, all enjoyed in the former Anglican schoolhouse.

9. Machattie Park

An absolute stunner of a park right in the beating heart of Bathurst, with plenty to see and explore. From the duck pond and rotunda to the drinking fountain and Begonia House, this beautiful park is a delight to discover.

10. The Victoria Hotel

Recently renovated and with a splash of modern art and live music, this is the pub everyone wants to be at.

11. Boundary Road Reserve

With locals referring to this natural draw-card as The Kangaroo Track, it’s pretty obvious which Aussie creatures you’ll discover on your visit! The box gum grassy woodland is just five minutes from the Bathurst CBD.

12. Bathurst Regional Art Gallery

An absolute gem at any time, the gallery is current hosting the Brett Whiteley: Drawing is Everything exhibition until 6 February, 2022. It’s a rare chance to give your children an insight into incredible creative process of this Australian master.

13. The Hub

Indulge in a scrumptious brunch accompanied by locally roasted coffee. There’s a little treat for everyone at this delightful foodie haven.

14. The Aqua Park

The largest aqua park in country NSW is a must-do – don’t leave without crossing this one off your Bathurst Bucket List! Catering for kids between four and six, it’s the best way to cool off on a scorcher.

15. Country Coffee

Top off your Bathurst stay with an afternoon enjoying the view overlooking the beautiful Bathurst Town Square while sipping fresh roasted coffee. Relax and reflect on a feature-filled Bathurst weekend.

Downloadable Bathurst Bucket List

Save this handy Bathurst Bucket List to your phone. Just press and hold on the bucket list below and click ‘download image’ or ‘add to photos’ and it will be on your phone when you head off on your weekend away.

 

 

 

 

Are there any experiences we should add to the Bathurst Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!

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