Fast facts
- Home to Mount Panorama, famous motor-racing circuit
- On the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range
- 207 km west of Sydney, population 37,000
Why go there
Bathurst is a gracious and historically significant town of grand heritage buildings, parklands and tree-lined streets. It’s home to the world-renowned motor racing circuit at Mount Panorama, the only permanent public road-racing circuit in Australia. Two major endurance meets are held each year: the 24-hour Procar Endurance and the 1,000-km V8 Supercars championship.
History
Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland settlement. In the early days of the colony the area was used as an experimental farm. Bathurst was in a prime position to capitalise on the 1851 goldrush, and was the trading service hub for its own goldfields as well as for most of the gold from the fields at Ophir, Hill End and Sofala.
Things to do
- Step back in time and pan for gold at the Bathurst Goldfields.
- Catch the sunrise at McPhillamy Park lookout.
- Admire the 70-m cascade of Grove Creek Falls.
Events
- The Bathurst 1000 in October, for lovers of V8 Supercar motor racing.
Don’t miss
- The Lloyd Rees collection at the Regional Art Gallery.
- Wishing on a star at the Bathurst Observatory.
- Learning about life on a farm at the Sheep and Cattle Drome.
- The National Motor Racing Museum.
- Testing the 6.213-km circuit at Mount Panorama.
- The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.
