Chezzi Denyer’s ‘Must Do’ List in Bathurst

Chezzi Denyer, a local celebrity, blogger and passionate supporter of the Bathurst community and lifestyle, picks her favourite activities and adventures in the region.

A VISIT TO MACHATTIE PARK

If there’s only one thing you do in Bathurst, make it a visit to Machattie Park. From the ducks in the pond to the tranquil scenery, it gives you a sense of what Bathurst is all about, that warm town/country feeling!

ANNIE’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR

An ice cream at Annie’s goes handin-hand with a visit to Machattie Park. This retro parlour, complete with jukebox and Elvis pictures includes iconic ice cream flavours. My favourite is Sofala Gold .

FOSSIL & MINERAL MUSEUM

This is my favourite museum to take the kids to in Bathurst. The Fossil & Mineral Museum is home to Australia’s largest collection of fossils, including dinosaur eggs and a 4m-high Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM

This musuem holds a nostalgic place for us locals as it’s also home to the Bathurst 1000. What is less known about this area amongst visitors is that Mount Panorama is actually a public road.

VISIT TO THE RAILWAY MUSEUM

It might be Bathurst’s newest museum, but don’t let that fool you. The Railway Museum brings to life some of the oldest aspects of the town’s history. The museum holds the largest publicly displayed HO scale model railway in Australia, which is a big drawcard.

LUNCH AT THE GEORGE HOTEL

For a relaxed pub dining menu with a sophisticated twist, The George Hotel hits the nail on the head. It also has a great range of wines from the Bathurst region, which can be enjoyed by the fireplace or accompanied by some shared plates in the dining room.

DRIVE TO SOFALA & WALK AROUND THE VILLAGE

Sofala is 40 minutes north of Bathurst and gives the illusion of stepping back in time. The village appears as if frozen in the 19th century. I recommend experiencing it through the lens offered by its historical walking tour.

DRIVE TO MILLTHORPE & WALK AROUND THE VILLAGE

My second favourite historic town is Millthorpe, a 30-minute drive west of Bathurst. I love browsing the boutique shops on Pym Street and taking the time to explore the walking trails surrounding the town’s centre.

TAKE THE KIDS TO PEACE PARK FOR A PLAY

Located near the corner of William and Stanley streets, the Peace Park (as it’s known to locals – Macquarie River Bicentennial Park for out-of-towners) has a playground area, peace garden, remembrance walls and Ohkuma Japanese Garden.

DINNER AT CHURCH BAR

This list wouldn’t be complete without Church Bar. Its woodfired pizzas are a favourite amongst my family and are named after popular Bathurst streets, such as Keppel, Peel and Conrod. If you’re a first timer, ask the staff to share a tale of the Ribbon Gang, Bathurst’s infamous bushrangers.