5 minute read.
We’re sure many of you will be quite fed up with staying mostly indoors by now. But there’s light at the seemingly endless tunnels of Zoom classes, hours on the iPad, family puzzle nights, and trips to the local park.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Bathurst region, with so many amazingly fun outdoor activities to explore. When the time is right, come and experience our top 6 outdoor activities guaranteed to cure that cabin fever.
1. Gold panning and fossicking.
Bathurst owes part of its history to the Gold Rush era of the 1800s when discoveries of gold drew people from near and far to try and strike it lucky on the goldfields.
The days of the gold rush have long since passed, and most of the people went with them. But there are still remnants of that life on show in the pristinely preserved village of Hill End, around 1.5 hours’ drive north of Bathurst.
You can still find tiny amounts of gold if you know where to look. Best to go with a local guide if you’re a first-timer, to show you the tricks of the trade.
2. Do a hot lap of Mount Panorama/ Wahluu
Yes, you can drive around the famous Mount Panorama motor racing circuit outside race periods. Just stick with the 60km/h speed limit, OK leadfoot?
Mount Panorama/ Wahluu is also a significant site in Wiradjuri culture, once a place of ceremony and initiation for young Wiradjuri men.
It’s thrilling flying past the pits and admiring the view up Mountain Straight. Stop at the top for photos on the Skyline Boardwalk, then check out car lover’s heaven and pick up a souvenir from the National Motor Racing Museum at the bottom.
Check for road closures and find out more here.
3. Visit Adventure Playground
This epic park is the ultimate place to burn off some steam.
It’s designed for children of all abilities and features a flying fox, maze, climbing walls, and giant slide. Bring your bikes and test your road rule knowledge on the purpose-built track.
Toilets and free barbeque facilities also makes this a great spot for a picnic lunch.
4. Abercrombie House
This 50 room mansion built in the 1870s will set your imagination alight. As you wander through the house and grounds, you can picture yourself living as a well-to-do personality of the late 1800s. How very Bridgerton!
There’s even high tea served in the grand ballroom on occasions, but be quick, for all the people in the land book their places early for the famous scones and sandwiches.
5. Amazing Mayfield Garden
Australia’s biggest backyard is yours to explore. The entire Hawkins’ Family private estate (65 hectares if you’re counting) is open from 25 September to 24 October during the annual Spring Festival.
The Water Garden, Box Hedge Maze, and Mayfield lake are just a few of the stand-out attractions, plus there are plenty of hidden gems to find. A 45-minute drive from Bathurst via O’Connell makes this an epic outdoor day trip adventure.
The bonus part is, Mayfield Garden is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged family member as well.
We had a really hard time narrowing down the top 6 ultimate outdoor attractions for families in the Bathurst region, because there are so many more to choose from, like horseback trail riding at Sofala, to bushwalking amongst giant boulders at Evans Crown Nature Reserve, fishing in the many lakes and rivers, or going underground at Jenolan or Abercrombie Caves.
Browse ideas for all your outdoor adventures here on our website, and be sure to check the latest advice for travel and COVID-19 restrictions before you visit.
