Bathurst, You’re a Bloody Legend: A Weekend in the Heart of NSW’s Central West
If you think Bathurst is just about the Bathurst 1000 – a quick pit stop for motorsport fans, think again. Smack bang in the heart of New South Wales’ Central West, this town is so much more than the roar of race cars. And a roadtrip to Bathurst is quietly exhilarating. From rich history, the warmth of the locals, or the spectacular natural beauty and a thriving food scene. Bathurst is full of surprises besides the Bathurst 1000. After a weekend of pub hopping, incredible eats, spontaneous chats with locals, and a healthy dose of adventure, one thing is clear: Bathurst, you’re a bloody legend.
Checking In: The Victoria Hotel
We checked into this cracking boutique pub, and opted for the Queen Suite with private bathroom, and let me tell you, the room was spotless. Pristine white sheets, super clean carpet and a bold, yellow lounge, was perfect for kicking back above the large street view below. The Victoria Hotel nails that sweet spot between being relaxed and a little bit fancy.
Affectionately known as “The Vic” by locals, this hotel stands on the historic site of the Tremain Brothers Pty Ltd Victoria Flour Mills of 1876, which, yes, I had to Google. The history is cool, but it’s the art that really makes this place shine. Larissa Blake, a talented artist from nearby Orange, has her work highlighted throughout – our room was no exception, and so was the downstairs dining room. Splashed across the main wall and around the fireplace, Larissa brings the room to life. Additionally, The Vic’s stained-glass windows in the stairwell, feature the repetitive portrait of Queen Victoria at her best (though red replaces black), and is so reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s repetitive portrait treatment in primary colours – quirky, humorous and just seems to “work”.
Fun fact: Creativity runs in Larissa Blakes family. Her mum, Loretta Blake, is also a powerhouse artist in nearby Orange. Clearly, talent is genetic.
Wandering Bathurst: Streets Full of Colour
After dropping our bags, we walk Keppel and William Streets bursting with colour and charm. Everywhere you look, there’s a perfect splash of nature with white roses, yellow sunflowers, pink crepe myrtles, red snapdragons, and butterfly bushes. It’s not just a pretty town, house frontages are a point of real pride.
Bathurst, You’re a Bloody Legend: Back in Time at the Bathurst Train Station
It’s like stepping back in time, especially when you see the old train loco outside, which was once driven by the famous Prime Minister, Ben Chifley. Apparently before he went into politics, he worked on the railway here from the age of 17. I guess eventually, running the country was just his side gig.
Bathurst Train Station has the original waiting room, nicely polished and with an enormous fireplace, where locals are happy to spark up conversation. Few are on their phone, and surprisingly quite content to wait for a very delayed train. (Country folks seem to have more patience than us city slickers). They chatted away in the welcome cool, unbothered by the heat outside. It’s a beautiful nod to Australia’s bygone era, a reminder of when travel moved at a gentler pace and conversations flowed more easily. Bathurst winters can be brutal, though, and as one local put it with a grin, “If you’re cold, you’re wearing the wrong gear!” That’s classic Bathurst spirit.
Eat Like A Local: A Bloody Legend for Food Lovers
Bathurst’s pub culture is legendary. We started strong at Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub. Sadly, the famous Ma Duggan’s menu was off the cards (kitchen renos, devastating), but the atmosphere made up for it. Bathurst locals don’t just have a chat. They pull up a chair, grab a drink, and make you feel like you’ve been mates for years.
For dinner, we hit The Tattersalls Hotel. The revamped menu was a game-changer, and service kicks off sharply at 6pm.proving pub food can be fresh and inventive.
The next night, The Vic delivered hits like fish and chips and chickpea curry. The menu is playful, with a “Kids or Cheeky Adults Over 60” section featuring “Don’t Know Chicken Nuggets” and “I’m Hungry Cheese Pizza.” Dessert? The Posh Pav, because nothing says Australia quite like pavlova.
For a sweet finish, we stopped by Annie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour on George Street. The toughest decision? Picking a flavour. But trust me, whatever you choose, you won’t regret it.
Mount Panorama: Tackling the Bathurst 1000 at a Leisurely Pace
No visit to Bathurst is complete without taking on Mount Panorama Circuit. We pushed our car to 60km/h, what my nan might call a Sunday drive, yet every corner felt intense. How race drivers navigate at 300km/h is beyond comprehension. Cameras followed our every move, and we could still feel the echoes of Bathurst 1000 history in every bend.
Next time, we’re coming back for race weekend to experience the roaring engines, screaming crowds, and the unmistakable smell of burnt rubber. Bathurst truly is Australia’s Motor Racing Capital.
Bathurst Arts: Bold, Inspiring, and Contemporary
Bathurst isn’t just speed and pubs, it’s also a thriving arts hub. At Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, we explored ‘The Signs Are Good: 20 Years of Painting the Future’ by Adam Norton. His work is bold, striking, and unapologetic, part sci-fi, part social commentary, and completely captivating.
Bathurst Locals: Warmth, Wit, and Community Spirit
What makes Bathurst special? Its people. From Gunther’s Bakery to random chats in pubs, locals welcome you like you’ve been part of the community for years. Students from Charles Sturt University chatted to us like we were old friends.
It’s that small-town warmth that turns a weekend trip into a memorable experience.
Final Thoughts: Long Live the Local
We packed a lot into our 48 hours visiting nearby Millthorpe, Blayney, and Orange ( an ice-cold beer at The Canobolas, a delicious Racines pie and capping things off with a night stroll through Machattie Park – fountain splash included.
Bathurst punches well above its weight with charm, culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re here for motorsport, food, art, or a relaxed escape, Bathurst leaves a lasting impression.
As a final souvenir, we grabbed a “Long Live The Local” tee from The Vic, and couldn’t agree more. Bathurst, you’ve won us over. You’re a bloody legend!
Planning a Travellarks Getaway Near Bathurst?
Checkout our handpicked Stays with a Wow accommodation in the beautiful Central West NSW.
How to Get There
For scenic drives, our Sydney to Cowra Roadtrip and Sydney to Mudgee Roadtrip via Bathurst itineraries are packed with foodie stops, historic sites, and hidden gems, perfect for a weekend escape.
