The really great outdoors

Locals have always known that Bathurst is the true gem of the Central West of New South Wales. Now, everyone else is playing catch up.

Australia’s oldest inland city is more than simply a petrolhead mecca or a bygone relic of the gold rush. It’s an intriguing blend of heritage architecture, museums, and a thriving food and wine scene. But the true magic of Bathurst lies beyond its long, maple-lined streets.

The locals have made the region’s spectacular natural wonders accessible for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 reasons why you should plan an outdoor break in Bathurst for your family.

1. Fossicking for gold

Bathurst has a long history of gold mining, with the first gold discovered in Australia found in the Fish River in 1823. This precious metal can still be fossicked in the region’s alluvial soils. Try your luck on a panning tour of one of Bathurst’s gold trails, dig a little deeper at Bald Hill tourist mine, or visit the iconic Hill End Historical Site, where the gold rush is brought back to life.

2. Cherry picking

Bathurst has some of the finest fruit orchards in NSW, and from November to February each year, cherries are in season. You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who doesn't love this summer fruit, so get the family together for a fun day of picking at one of the many farm gates in the area.

3. Wallaby Rocks Crossing

Wallaby Rocks Crossing is a nature playground for kids and adults alike. After a 40-minute drive from Bathurst town centre, you’ll find yourself at a lazy bend in the Turon River. Take a dip in the slow-running waters and cool off in the shade of the tall river she-oaks that line the banks. Keen mountain bikers can also check out the eight-kilometre loop trail that starts from the picnic area.

4. Chifley Dam

Chifley Dam is a hub for all things water sports. Just a 20-minute drive from Bathurst town centre, the dam is ideal for skiing, sailing, powerboating and canoeing. There is a safe swimming beach for your little ones, and the grassed edges are perfect for a picnic. The dam is also regularly stocked up with native fish species, so you won't want to forget your fishing rod.

5. Barcoos Farmstays experience

Barcoos Farmstays is the rural fairytale you’ve been searching for. Feed chickens and ducks, sign up for a pony ride or bottle-feed the estate’s baby lambs. There are two selfcontained units to choose from, plus a heritage five-bedroom farmhouse that sleeps 10 guests, a caravan, motorhome and camping facilities.

6. Adventure Playground

Win the parent of the year award with a visit to the Bathurst Adventure Playground. Its activities stay true to its dinosaur theme, encouraging kids to dig for hidden fossils in the sandpit, test themselves on the climbing walls and get their adrenaline pumping on the flying fox. And best of all, this playground was built with accessibility in mind, so kids of all abilities can enjoy the fun.

7. Caves explorations

The Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, an hour from Bathurst, offers an awe-inspiring and educational experience all in one. Learn about stalactites and stalagmites as you delve into a magical subterranean world on a tour of one of the many limestone caves. Or make a weekend of it traversing the many bushwalking trails, chasing waterfalls and overnighting at one of the picturesque campsites.

8. Yarrabin Horse Riding and Ranch

Yarrabin is a family-operated horse, sheep and cattle station nestled within the scenic O’connell Valley, just 20 minutes from Bathurst. The property offers everything from guided forest trail rides to school holiday camps, horsemanship workshops and more, with horses to suit all riding levels.

9. Machattie Park

Machattie Park is one of Bathurst’s most charming and family-friendly patches of green, right in the centre of town. It was crafted in the late Victorian era, and you’ll feel transported back 150 years as you explore the Bandstand, the Caretakers Cottage, the Fernery and Lake Spencer. So, pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine.

10. Mount Panorama

Try your hand at being a race-car driver for a day at the practically mythic Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit. You’ll get a feel for why the Bathurst 1000 is so famous as you navigate the tricky hairpin bends and hair-raising straits – this is a public road on non-race days. The only catch: sticking to the 60km/hr speed limit.