Bathurst - New South Wales

BATHURST - NEW SOUTH WALES - 2795
	Population: 30,500, Height above sea level: 600m Latitude: -33.3000 Longitude: 140.3600 Location: 207km.west of Sydney Highway: Great Western Highway Nearest Major Town: Sydney 210 East Nearest Airport: Bathurst Touring Area: Central Tablelands

One time home of the late Australian Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, motor racing capital and education centre, Bathurst is an essential destination on anyone's holiday itinerary. Located under 3 hrs west of Sydney, Bathurst has something to offer everyone, from families and sporting enthusiasts to business executives.

Being Australia's first inland settlement, a rich history is evident throughout Bathurst and surrounding districts which includes the Waradjiru people, convicts and the gold boom era. A population of just over 40,000 makes Bathurst large enough to have all the conveniences and experiences of a city, yet small enough to reflect country lifestyle.

Bathurst's History means a walk along the main streets will take you past many heritage buildings and historic sites. Originally home to the Wiradjuri tribe, the area was discovered by William Evans in 1813. Bathurst was proclaimed a town in 1815 on the banks of the Macquarie River, where today the Foundation Cairn marks the spot. the Heritage Wall surrounding the cairn was commenced in 1988 to recognise pioneers who contributed to the development of Bathurst as a major rural centre. Bathurst & District Historical Museum with an archive dating back to 1848, provides a starting point or those wishing to trace their ancestors.

There is a wide selection of accommodation and numerous eating houses to enhance your stay in this beautiful part of New South Wales. (See below)

SEE BATHURST CITY MAP

PLACES OF INTEREST:

ABERCROMBIE HOUSE

Abercrombie House will be found west of Bathurst along the Ophir Rd. The 40 room historic mansion was was built by James Stewart around 1870 as the home of the Stewart family, Bathurst pioneers, and is now the home of the Morgan family who bought it in 1969 and have embarked on a program of restoration and redecoration.
It is one of the largest private homes in the Central West covering 210 squares, with 29 fireplaces, 7 staircases, more than 40 rooms and a ballroom with a ceiling 28 feet high.
One of Australia's finest stately homes it is open for guided tours throughout the year.
Guided Tours Sundays at 3.00pm sharp. Telephone 02 6331 4929 or Fax 02 6331 9723.

AUSTRALIAN FOSSIL & MINERAL MUSEUM

This interesting museum contains the only complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex and features stunning displays of minerals and fossils from the world renowned Somerville Collection.

The museum is located at 24 Howick St in the city centre.
It is open daily from 10am - 5pm, Telephone 02 6331 5511.

4. (Ref W7). BATHURST OBSERVATORY

Located in Limekilns Rd the observatory has a large display of minerals, fossils and space models.
an experienced guide will teach you about constellations, planets and galaxies and the observatory is open on every clear night. Tour times vary throughout the year.
Telephone 02 6337 3988 for Tour Times.

BATHURST REGIONAL ART GALLERY

The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery is located in Keppel St between Bentinck and Seymour Sts and contains a rich permanent collection with visiting exhibitions throughout the year.
The building also serves as the Bathurst Library.
It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am - 5pm and on Sundays from 11am - 2pm. Entry is free.
Disabled access. Telephone 02 6331 6066 or Fax 02 6332 5698.

JOHN HINXMAN LOOKOUT

The John Hinxman Lookout will be found at the top of the Mt Panorama Circuit opposite McPhillamy Park and offers magnificent views over Bathurst and the area.

JOSEPH BANKS NATURE RESERVE

The Joseph Banks Nature Reserve will also be found at the top of the Mt Panorama Circuit and is a 41 hectare reserve of native woodland containing many species of native animals and birds including koalas and kangaroos.
The atmosphere is very much that of Australia's native bush and is a pleasant respite on your visit to Bathurst.

MISS TRAILL'S HOME & GARDEN

Ida Traill was a descendent of pioneering settlers to the area and bequeathed this 1845 colonial cottage to the National Trust.
It contains 19th century furniture, paintins, ceramics and bric-a-brac collected by the family. It is open Friday to Sunday from 10am - 3pm and weekends only from June to August.
Telephone 02 6332 4232

MACHATTIE PARK

This popular park will be found in the heart of Bathurst opposite the Old Courthouse and is a popular place for lunch and picnics or just relaxing under the shady trees.
At the northern end of the park is a War Memorial.

MT PANORAMA CIRCUIT

Australia's best known Touring Car circuit, Mt Panorama attracts enthusiasts from all over the world each October long weekend for the Bathurst 1000 race.
Motoring events have been held in Bathurst for nearly 100 years and there are several other events held throughout the year including hill-climbs run by the Bathurst Light Car Club and the Panorama Motor Cycle Club's races held on the International circuit.
Thousands flock to Bathurst for these major events and you will need to book well in advance to secure accommodation.
You can drive the 6213 metre race circuit and see what the competitors face in the Bathurst 1000 endurance race.

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM

The National Motor Racing Museum features many race winning vehicles including cars and motorcycles, and has a large display of racing memorabilia.
Located at Murray's Corner near the entrance to the Mt Panorama Circuit, it is open daily.
For details on opening times and fees, telephone 02 6332 1872 or Fax 02 6332 3349.

BATHURST OLD COURTHOUSE

Surely one of the country's most impressive buildings, the Old Courthouse in Bathurst is now the home of the Bathurst Museum of local history and memorabilia.
Located in Russell St between William and George Sts, it is within easy walking distance of the city centre.
The historical museum is open Tues. Wed. Sat 7 Sun from 10am to 4pm.
Enquiries on 02 6332 4755

CHIFLEY HOME

The late Ben Chifley, prime minister of Australia from 1945 - 1949, was born and raised in Bathurst and oversaw the post war reconstruction of the nation.
Located at 10 Busby St the Chifley home contains original furnishings and is a representation of the lifestyle of those times.
It is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am to 3pm throughout the year. There is an entry fee and enquiries can be made on 02 6332 1444

ABERCROMBIE HOUSE
Abercrombie House will be found west of Bathurst along the Ophir Rd. The 40 room historic mansion was was built by James Stewart around 1870 as the home of the Stewart family, Bathurst pioneers, and is now the home of the Morgan family who bought it in 1969 and have embarked on a program of restoration and redecoration. It is one of the largest private homes in the Central West covering 210 squares, with 29 fireplaces, 7 staircases, more than 40 rooms and a ballroom with a ceiling 28 feet high. One of Australia's finest stately homes it is open for guided tours throughout the year. Guided Tours Sundays at 3.00pm sharp. Telephone 02 6331 4929 or Fax 02 6331 9723.

AUSTRALIAN FOSSIL & MINERAL MUSEUM
This interesting museum contains the only complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex and features stunning displays of minerals and fossils from the world renowned Somerville Collection. The museum is located at 24 Howick St in the city centre. It is open daily from 10am - 5pm, Telephone 02 6331 5511.

4. (Ref W7). BATHURST OBSERVATORY
Located in Limekilns Rd the observatory has a large display of minerals, fossils and space models. an experienced guide will teach you about constellations, planets and galaxies and the observatory is open on every clear night. Tour times vary throughout the year. Telephone 02 6337 3988 for Tour Times.

BATHURST REGIONAL ART GALLERY
The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery is located in Keppel St between Bentinck and Seymour Sts and contains a rich permanent collection with visiting exhibitions throughout the year. The building also serves as the Bathurst Library. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am - 5pm and on Sundays from 11am - 2pm. Entry is free. Disabled access. Telephone 02 6331 6066 or Fax 02 6332 5698.

JOHN HINXMAN LOOKOUT
The John Hinxman Lookout will be found at the top of the Mt Panorama Circuit opposite McPhillamy Park and offers magnificent views over Bathurst and the area.

JOSEPH BANKS NATURE RESERVE
The Joseph Banks Nature Reserve will also be found at the top of the Mt Panorama Circuit and is a 41 hectare reserve of native woodland containing many species of native animals and birds including koalas and kangaroos. The atmosphere is very much that of Australia's native bush and is a pleasant respite on your visit to Bathurst.

MISS TRAILL'S HOME & GARDEN
Ida Traill was a descendent of pioneering settlers to the area and bequeathed this 1845 colonial cottage to the National Trust. It contains 19th century furniture, paintins, ceramics and bric-a-brac collected by the family. It is open Friday to Sunday from 10am - 3pm and weekends only from June to August. Telephone 02 6332 4232

MACHATTIE PARK
This popular park will be found in the heart of Bathurst opposite the Old Courthouse and is a popular place for lunch and picnics or just relaxing under the shady trees. At the northern end of the park is a War Memorial.

MT PANORAMA CIRCUIT
Australia's best known Touring Car circuit, Mt Panorama attracts enthusiasts from all over the world each October long weekend for the Bathurst 1000 race. Motoring events have been held in Bathurst for nearly 100 years and there are several other events held throughout the year including hill-climbs run by the Bathurst Light Car Club and the Panorama Motor Cycle Club's races held on the International circuit. Thousands flock to Bathurst for these major events and you will need to book well in advance to secure accommodation. You can drive the 6213 metre race circuit and see what the competitors face in the Bathurst 1000 endurance race.

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM
The National Motor Racing Museum features many race winning vehicles including cars and motorcycles, and has a large display of racing memorabilia. Located at Murray's Corner near the entrance to the Mt Panorama Circuit, it is open daily. For details on opening times and fees, telephone 02 6332 1872 or Fax 02 6332 3349.

BATHURST OLD COURTHOUSE
Surely one of the country's most impressive buildings, the Old Courthouse in Bathurst is now the home of the Bathurst Museum of local history and memorabilia. Located in Russell St between William and George Sts, it is within easy walking distance of the city centre. The historical museum is open Tues. Wed. Sat 7 Sun from 10am to 4pm. Enquiries on 02 6332 4755

CHIFLEY HOME
The late Ben Chifley, prime minister of Australia from 1945 - 1949, was born and raised in Bathurst and oversaw the post war reconstruction of the nation. Located at 10 Busby St the Chifley home contains original furnishings and is a representation of the lifestyle of those times. It is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am to 3pm throughout the year. There is an entry fee and enquiries can be made on 02 6332 1444

ACCOMMODATION SEARCH

Category:

INFORMATION CENTRE:
Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.
28 William St, Bathurst 2795 N.S.W.
Ph: 02 6332 1444. Toll Free 1800 681 000
Email: visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au

HOW TO GET THERE:
Take the Great Western Highway (32) through Penrith from Sydney.
Take the Mid Western Hwy (24) from Hay or Adelaide
BY PLANE
There is an airport at Raglan, just east of Bathurst.
COACH and RAIL
Coach and rail services operate daily.
Phone 13 2232 CountryLink for details.