Want to discover somewhere new on your next couples escape? Bathurst is a charming – yet underrated – romantic getaway destination. From wandering heritage streets to sharing a glass at a local winery, this is a great place to slow down and reconnect.
Where to order a coffee
Pretty as a picture, with its pastel pink and mint green walls covered in local artworks, Enso Specialty Coffee Bar sets the tone for your romantic break. The coffee is from local legend Fish River Roasters and the menu is short but sweet, with things like smashed avo on sourdough, smoked salmon bagel, paninis and housemade muffins.
Enso Specialty Coffee, Bathurst - Credit: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
Where to get a dose of arts and culture
Pop into Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) and stroll the light-filled rooms while you check out the latest exhibitions and projects by local artists. Find an artwork from the permanent collection you both love – maybe one of Australian landscape artist Lloyd Rees’ sublime drawings, or one of the machinery-inspired monuments by pioneering sculptor, Robert Klippel.
Where to fall in love with history
There’s nothing quite like a high tea in gorgeous surrounds to up the romance quotient. Head to Abercrombie House, a grand 52-room country mansion dating back to the 1870s. Built as an ode to the great Scottish homes early pioneers left behind on their journey to Australia, it’s been lovingly restored to its original condition over several generations. High tea is served in the elegant surrounds of the ballroom. Savour loose-leaf teas and plunger coffee as well as sweet and savoury treats, serenaded by live music.
Abercrombie House, Bathurst
Where to go horse riding
Saddle up and show off your best John Wayne moves at Chesleigh Homestead. This 3,000-acre property in the Sofala goldfields is threaded with beautiful riding trails that can accommodate any skill level. Meander through the untouched bush, cross streams or canter along dusty roads on one of their well-trained, well cared for horses. After a hard day in the saddle, retreat to the lush surrounds of the homestead for a tranquil sleep.
Chesleigh Homestead, Sofala
Where to slow down
Inhale the gentle scent of lavender as you slow down and connect with nature at White Rock Lavender Estate. In December and January, you can walk through the purple fields to learn how the lavender is grown and harvested, then join a hands-on workshop or yoga session among the blooms. At other times of the year, they also have sunflower mazes and pumpkin patches.
White Rock Lavender Estate, White Rock - Credit: Hayden Booth | White Rock Lavender Estate
Where to go wine tasting
What's a romantic break without a jaunt around the cellar doors to discover a new favourite drop or two? With an elevation of 650 metres above sea level, the Bathurst region produces small-batch wines of great character. Make an appointment for a tasting at Renzaglia Wines, overlooking the O'Connell Valley, and meet winemakers Mark Renzaglia and his son Sam as you sip your way through their offerings. At Winburndale Wines, relax over a wine tasting and grazing board for two then take a romantic stroll through the vines.
Winburndale Vineyard and Winery, Glanmire
Where to sample local whisky
Set on a heritage estate and working farm, drop by Bathurst Grange Distillery. Book in for a tasting and tour, during which you’ll sample whisky and gin infused with mint and rosemary grown right on site in the old tin shed (that’s also serves as the tasting room). See the century-old graveyard that is the final resting place of the property's original owners and gaze at the Blue Mountains from the distillery window.
Bathurst Grange Distillery, Brewongle
Where to taste local brews
Fancy a beer? Grab a tasting paddle at Reckless Brewing Co, set inside a heritage flour mill close to the railway station. There’s a bar, beer garden and kitchen turning out street food and tapas-inspired eats, making it ideal for a laid-back, loved-up visit. Try the award-winning XPA or Red IPA, or check the taps for seasonal releases like Salted Peach Gose and Chocky Milk Stout.
Reckless Brewing Co, Bathurst
Where to have elevated pub fare
Enjoy a short drive to the picturesque village of Rockley with its quaint 19th-century period buildings. Lunch at The Rockley Pub is a must-do, but book ahead for a weekend table as word is out that celebrity chef owner, Matt Moran, is dishing out top-notch pub fare.
Where to order a cocktail
Find your new favourite cocktail or nightcap at the saloon-style Dogwood, BX. Owner Evan Stanley has been awarded Australian Bartender of the Year in the past and makes a mean Bloody Mary. Or head for the twinkling fairy lights of Norma Joan, a cosy wine and cocktail bar with a pretty courtyard wrapped around a huge tree. If you’re still hungry, order Joan’s golden syrup dumplings with vanilla ice-cream for a nostalgic hit.
Dogwood, BX, Bathurst - Credit: Dogwood, BX
Where to have a romantic dinner date
Treat yourself to an extraordinary modern Australian dining experience at Bootleg, tucked upstairs in the 150-year-old Royal Hotel. The owners and chefs have worked in Michelin-starred and hatted restaurants and create a seasonal menu of local produce that's made to be shared. Or kick back in a picturesque beer garden with a woodfired pizza, ice-cold beer or the signature espresso martini at Church Bar + Woodfired Pizza. The leafy courtyard is a secluded oasis tucked away from the main streets, while indoors offers quiet candle-lit corners.
Bootleg Dining, Bathurst - Credit: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
Where to catch a show
When the sun goes down, Bathurst’s city centre turns on the charm. Check Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre’s events calendar and time your visit to coincide with a show you’ll both love. The performing arts centre hosts everything from comedy to classical music, opera to theatre, as well as contemporary touring music; pop legend Amy Shark and award-winning First Nations singer songwriter Archie Roach have both graced this stage.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst - Credit: Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre
Where to stay in town
Enjoy a romantic weekend away at Littlebourne. Built in 1830, the boutique stay has since been transformed into one of the oldest (but luxurious) guesthouses in NSW. With nearly 100 varieties of roses and heritage shrubs in their extensive garden, explore the estate before soaking in a bubble bath.
Littlebourne Guest House, Kelso - Credit: Littlebourne Guest House
Where to go off-grid
Disconnect from technology, reconnect with nature and feel the romance. Wilga Station is a luxury farm stay about 15 minutes outside of Bathurst. The adults’ only Farmers Hut sleeps two with a king-size bed and rustic outdoor sunken bath and shower. It's 100% off-grid, set beneath a sloping grass roof and with sheep your only neighbours. At Glasshouse Cabins, sleep under the stars and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountainous countryside in their unique transparent retreat. There's even an outdoor hot tub and fire pit.
Wilga Station, Evans Plains
