A detour is currently in place on the Great Western Highway following the closure of Victoria Pass in both directions, but don’t let that halt your adventure as there are Other Ways to the West!
The region is still very much open for business, and there are some spectacular ways to get here, via public transport or alternative routes. Below we have included some suggested itineraries, discovering some of Bathurst’s other attractions along with our incredible museums.
Winter is a fantastic time to visit the region, we’d love to welcome you!
Use the resources below to plan your trip – whether you’re coming to Bathurst by train or car, spending a day or a week, here are all the things you need to make the most of your time in the Central West.
Worried about EV chargers in the regions? There’s plenty here, including at the Bathurst Rail Museum!
Use Transport NSW’s trip planner and avoid the roads all together by taking the train
Timetable for Bathurst Buslines – once you’re here, get around town with ease
Learn about everything that’s happening in Bathurst this month
Walking distance: minimum 3km, all on footpaths, no hills.
11am: Arrive at Bathurst on the train
Head up Keppel Street, check out the boutique shops, grab a coffee from one of the cafes, stop in at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday & 10am-2pm on weekends) and take part in some of their current activities
12pm: Check out the central area of Bathurst – Machattie Park including the Begonia House, flower displays on Kings Parade, and the historic courthouse
1pm: Grab some lunch at one of the many eateries in the central area of Bathurst – click here to find your new fave
2pm: Head into the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum (open 9am-4.30pm) to check out the T-rex and the incredible collection of fossils and minerals
3pm: Start to head back towards the train station – don’t worry, there’s more to see! Pop into one of the shops and grab some snacks for the way home
3.15pm: Head into the Bathurst Rail Museum (open 9am-4.30pm) and spend time hearing stories about life on the railway, and checking out the model train layout the size of a tennis court
4.30pm: Time to start thinking about heading back – meander towards the train station, making sure to check out Ben Chifley’s engine on display
5pm: Arrive at the station for the 5.12pm train
Walking distance: About 3.4km, footpaths most of the way, mostly flat
Link to Google maps
11am: Arrive at Bathurst on the train
Turn left up Havannah Street, then left onto Rocket Street. Check out the view of the rail line and station from the Rocket Street bridge
11.30am: Head to nearby Chifley Home and Education Centre (open 11am-3pm Friday-Monday) on Busby Street and learn all about one of our most loved prime ministers and the community he lived in
12.30pm: Retrace your footsteps back down to Havannah Street, then go to Reckless Brewing Co on Piper Street for lunch and a locally-brewed beer (it’s ok, you’re not driving!)
3pm: Head into the Bathurst Rail Museum (open 9am-4.30pm) and spend time hearing stories about life on the railway, and checking out the model train layout the size of a tennis court
4.30pm: Time to start thinking about heading back – meander towards the train station, making sure to check out Ben Chifley’s engine on display
5pm: Arrive at the station for the 5.12pm train
Museums Bathurst is a suite of public museums managed by Bathurst Regional Council, located on Wiradjuri Country. Museums Bathurst acknowledges the Wiradjuri People as the Traditional Custodians of the land in the Bathurst Region. We pay respect to Elders, past, present, and emerging and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live, work and play in the Bathurst region.
