With no firm plans or holiday destination planned for Easter and only a small budget, T and I decided that it was about time we started exploring regional New South Wales (NSW) with the kids. I left the planning to T and found myself buckled in and headed across the Blue Mountains just after Easter – destination Bathurst.
Bathurst is Australia’s oldest regional city and boasts a population of over 30,000 people. It has both a rich aboriginal and European history with opportunities to travel back in time by exploring the stories, architecture and historic sites scattered around the town and beyond.
We based ourselves at the Rydges Mt Panorama which provide the best gateway to everything Bathurst and surrounds offered. With a small budget we attempted to fit as much as we could into a three night/four day stay. Here are our Top 10 things to do in and around Bathurst with the family.
- Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. This museum features 2000 fossil and mineral specimens on exhibit including a ten metre long Tyrannosaurus Rex – the only one in Australia which is on display. Cost: $28.00 a family.
- Abercrombie Caves. Since the 1920s bushrangers, fossickers, rangers and hikers have been utilising the Abercrombie Caves for both shelter and exploration. Before that, the Wirradjuri and Gundungurra. Today you can take a self guided tour through the largest natural limestone bridge in the Southern Hemisphere or book a guided tour which allows you explore further chambers. Cost: Entry to the caves is via a token purchased at the Ranger’s office.
- Beekeeper’s Inn. Located in Vittoria, 23km west of Bathurst, The Beekeeper’s Inn is the place to go to sample 10 different honey types and watch a live bee display. Cost: Free to visit and taste the honey samples.
- Abercrombie House. This family owned attraction will be one the kids will talk about for days afterwards. Abercrombie House is a heritage listed, historic mansion set on 5o acres in Bathurst which you can explore via a self guided tour. The house is occupied by the family but this won’t prevent you from peeking into each room. The grounds are also perfect for exploring. A family ticket cost us $35.00
- Gold Panning, Hill End. Here’s an insider tip: if you really want to enjoy gold panning in all its glory, ring local Ted Abbott who will hook you up with all the equipment and the best spot to legally find gold. You’ll need to pack some gumboots (although Ted has these too) and wear your old clothes as you may get muddy. Don’t worry, the kids will love it. Cost: under $20.00 for a family.
- History Hill. Possibly one of the most fascinating yet quirky museums we have visited, this site could take you an hour to half a day to explore. Mr Drinkwater has curated quite a collection from bone china to snuff bottles; uranium glass to a coke bottles; old gold panning paraphernalia to blacksmith equipment. The highlight for the family will no doubt be the mine shaft which extends 175 metres into the hill. Cost: $34.00 per family.
- National Motor Racing Museum. Love cars? This museum has a true sense of community with almost all of its contents on loan. Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000 are at the heart of the museum, although the displays look at the entire spectrum of motor racing here in Australia. There is at least one vehicle on display to represent speedway, solar, drag, Rallying, open wheeler, sports car and touring car history. Cost: $30.50 a family
- Victoria Park. This park has a dinosaur theme. You will find fossil bones in the sandpit ready to uncover, dinosaur eggs to climb across and a plethora of activities to enjoy. We easily spent an hour or two most afternoons at this park. Better yet, it’s free.
- Mt Panorama. You can not visit Bathurst without a trip to Mt Panorama. Many people consider this the event that has put Bathurst on the map. You can choose to drive your car around the track (mind the road rules) or walk the circuit on foot. Cost: Free
- Barcoo’s Barn – Farmstay. This little farm is recommended by everyone. We rang to book a few days before we anticipated only to hear it was already fully booked. It is expensive (So far, every farm stay I’ve looked at is) but I have friends that rave about the place and say it’s worth every penny. Have you been? Let us know what you think in our comments below.
**Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) correct as of publication.
Farmstays are an absolutely fabulous thing to do with the kids…. we have visited several and I will tell you Barcoo’s Barn Farmstay is the absolute best!!!
Farmer Ken and Elaine are positively the best hosts and their animals and farm are special.
Cost may seem expensive in comparison to other accommodation but this is so much more than a place to stay….. We just love visiting Barcoo’s and the kids learn so much experiencing farm life first hand.
We were so tempted Jodie but we left our booking too late to secure a spot.
Last holidays we took seven children out to Barcoo’s for an afternoon adventure – they had an amazing time – Elaine was fantastic. The children fed all the animals , groomed and rode the ponies , and then Elaine took them all for a sulky ride – great family experience
I’m kicking myself that we didn’t book earlier!!!! All reports are fabulous