Australia · 2026 itinerary
Bathurst 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Bathurst: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A Victorian-era formal park with a central bandstand, duck pond, and mature elm trees. Well-maintained paths and flower beds make it a pleasant spot for a picnic.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 Bring bread for the ducks but avoid the huge eels in the pond — they're harmless but startling. The public toilets near the Russell Street entrance are the cleanest in town.
Hotels near Machattie Park →A modest but well-curated gallery featuring rotating exhibitions of Australian contemporary and historical art. Often includes local Indigenous works.
🕐 Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-2pm
Free entry💡 Check their website for free floor talks with curators on Saturday afternoons. The gallery shop sells affordable prints by regional artists.
Hotels near Bathurst Regional Art Gallery →Oxford Tavern · ££
Chicane · ££
Deeper Into Bathurst
An imposing 1880s sandstone building with a working courtroom open to the public when sessions aren't in progress. The facade and interior woodwork are worth seeing.
🕐 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (courtroom hours vary)
💡 Pop in on a weekday morning around 10am when the court registrar often gives a brief free tour if they're not busy. Avoid during lunch sessions (1-2pm).
Public viewpoint at the top of the famous Mount Panorama racing circuit offering panoramic views across Bathurst and the surrounding valleys. Free to walk or drive up.
🕐 24 hours (road closed during race events)
💡 Drive to the top at sunset for best light and minimal traffic. On non-race days, you can walk or cycle the full 6.2km circuit for free — just keep left for safety.
Hotel Dudley
Smile Elephant Thai Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
Houses the Somerville Collection with over 2,000 fossils and minerals, including a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton cast. Small but high-quality displays.
💡 Entry is $12 adults but free for under-16s. Go on the first Tuesday of the month for half-price admission. Allow 45 minutes max.
Country Cafe
La Famigla
Getting Around Bathurst
Call Bathurst Taxis (02 6331 2121) ahead of your flight arrival; wait times can be 15–20 min late at night.
Buy a single ticket from the driver (exact change preferred). For the return to the station, flag the bus down on the opposite side of Sydney Rd.
Book online at transportnsw.info to secure the cheap 'Advance' fare. The Bathurst Heritage Motor Inn is a 10-min walk or short cab from the station; head south past the roundabout.
The motel is a 20-min walk to cafés on George St — skip the taxi during daylight. If you need a cab after 11pm, pre-book with 30-min notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Bathurst?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Machattie Park and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Bathurst?
See our full best time to visit Bathurst guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Ben Chifley Dam Cottages, O'Connell Hotel, Abercrombie Motor Inn. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.