Bathurst is about to transform into an enchanting winter wonderland, transporting Sydneysiders to an otherworldly destination of activities and events that will warm hearts and ignite wonder in even the youngest visitors.

There’s no need to bunker down this winter, with the beautiful, crisp nights the perfect setting for the famous Bathurst Winter Festival. This July the heart of Bathurst will become a magical space echoing European winter markets while entertaining visitors with wonderous activities.

And if you’re keen to avoid the crowds, there’s a smorgasbord of mid-week family activities and events to enjoy. So rug up, grab a hot chocolate and take a wander through our Mid-Week Guide To The Bathurst Winter Festival.

Artistic Illuminations

A iconic part of the Bathurst Winter Festival, illuminations and light shows bring to life buildings with vibrant colours and light play, centred around this year’s theme of Creative Lives. And the best part is, they’re on display every night during the festival from sundown until 10pm, so it’s easy to sneak in a mid-week visit.

Winter Playground

There’s a whole carnival of fun to be had at the Winter Playground, which features a two-storey merry=go-round, giant Ferris wheel and carnival rides. It’s free to enter and is open from 9am to 9pm daily.

Ice Skating

Running day and night, with sessions every hour between 9am and 9pm, the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Skating Rink is an absolute drawcard of the festival. And there’s no need to get caught up in the crowds on the weekend when you can sneak in a cheeky visit during the week!

Kids’ Day

The perfect mid-week activity for families, Kids’ Day is being held on Wednesday 6th July and Wednesday 13th July from 9am to 3pm. Dress up as your favourite superhero or book character, or go nuts in a crazy hat or colourful socks. There’ll be kids craft, face painting and rides.

Bathurst Winter Festival, 2-17 July 2022

One of the most highly anticipated events in regional NSW, the Bathurst Winter Festival is an award-winner event, taking out the Silver Award at the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards. It’s the perfect winter destination for the whole family, with amazing food, fun activities and stunning light displays.

Get involved in the vibrancy and excitement of the Bathurst Winter Festival this July.

Find out more at Visit Bathurst.