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. From rich history, the warmth of the locals, or the spectacular natural beauty and a thriving food scene. Bathurst is full of surprises. 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 a Queen Suite with private bathroom, and let me tell you, the room was spotless. Think pristine white sheets, carpets with not a single mark, (yes, I checked) and a big bold, yellow lounge perfect for kicking back with a drink. The Victoria Hotel nails that sweet spot between being relaxed and a little bit fancy.
Affectionately known as “The Vic” by locals, this spot stands on the historic site of Tremain Brothers Pty Ltd Victoria Flour Mills of 1876 – which, yes, I had to Google. The history’s cool, but it’s the art that really makes this place shine. Larissa Blake, a talented artist from nearby Orange, has her work featured throughout, including a stunning mural by the dining room fireplace. And the stained-glass windows, each featuring Queen Victoria’s face? Bathurst’s answer to Andy Warhol—quirky, iconic, and totally unforgettable.
Fun fact: creativity runs in Larissa’s family. Her mum, Loretta Blake, is also a powerhouse artist over 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—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.
The Bathurst Train Station: A Trip Back in Time
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 railways here since he was 17. I guess eventually running the country was just his side gig.
The station waiting room has a charming fireplace and the place is packed with people surprisingly happily waiting for a very delayed train. Country folks dont seem to have the impatience as city slickers as they chatted away almost as if relieved from the heat outside. But the original fireplace? It’s a beautiful reminder of the past and Bathurst winters can get brutal. As one local put it: “If you’re cold, you’re wearing the wrong gear!”
Classic Bathurst spirit.
Food, Pubs, and More Food: Eat Like a Local
Bathurst’s pub culture is legendary, so 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, where service starts sharp at 6pm—no earlier. The revamped menu was a game-changer, proving pub food can be fresh and inventive.
The next night, we dined at The Vic, where the fish and chips and chickpea curry hit the spot. The menu itself is a laugh, with a “Kids or Cheeky Adults Over 60” section featuring “Don’t Know Chicken Nuggets” and “I’m Hungry Cheese Pizza.” And 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: Testing the Bathurst 1000 at a Snail’s Pace.
You can’t visit Bathurst without taking on Mount Panorama. So, we did. We pushed our car to the thrilling speed of 60km/h—which, let’s be honest, is what my nan does on a Sunday drive. Even at that speed, the corners felt intense. How the hell do race drivers take them at 300km/h? Insane. Cameras followed our every move, but we could still feel the echoes of Bathurst 1000 history in every bend.
Next time, we’re coming back for race weekend—bring on the roaring engines, screaming crowds, and the smell of burnt rubber. It’s no surprise that Bathurst is known as Australia’s Motor Racing Capital.
The Gallery: Bathurst’s Thriving Arts Scene
Bathurst isn’t just about speed—it’s got serious artistic soul. At Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, we caught “The Signs Are Good: 20 Years of Painting the Future” by Adam Norton. If you haven’t heard of Norton, he’s the kind of artist who grabs your attention from the first glance—bold, striking, and completely unapologetic. The exhibition felt like a visual road trip—part sci-fi, part social commentary, and full of energy.
The Locals: The Heart and Soul of Bathurst
What really makes Bathurst special? The people. From Gunther’s Bakery, where we swapped stories over fresh pastries, to random conversations in pubs, Bathurst folk welcome you with open arms. Even students from Charles Sturt University up the road chatted to us like we were old friends.
It’s that small-town warmth—where you’re not just a visitor, you’re part of the community, even if only for a weekend.
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 (and a cheeky splash in the fountain).
And yet, there’s still so much more to see.
Bathurst might be a small regional town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to charm, culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re here for the motorsport, food, art, or just a laid back escape, one thing’s for sure – Bathurst sticks with you long after you leave.
As a final souvenir, we grabbed a “Long Live The Local” tee from The Vic. And honestly? We couldn’t agree more.
Bathurst, you’ve won us over. You’re a bloody legend!
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