Regional Road Trip
Plan a road trip through the Central West’s best known family friendly attractions these school holidays for an unforgettable adventure exploring the uniqueness of inland regional NSW.
Getting here
Bathurst is an easily accessible drive from major cities, Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra. Our central location in regional NSW makes it the perfect base to explore further and discover the amazing landscapes and attractions throughout the Central West that will delight the whole family.
Your ideal itinerary
Day One
Watch the views change from city streets, to mountain vistas and then wide open plains as you commence your regional road trip!
Kick off your trip in style with a world of affordable fun and excitement at the highly anticipated Bathurst Winter Festival. With as little as $5, you can hop on thrilling carnival rides, glide on the outdoor ice rink or completely lose yourself in the mind-bending Kaleidoscope mirror maze for just $12. Make the most of your trip and enjoy Brew & Bite on Friday 7 July and be treated to over 65 free activities, entertainment, installations, performances and acts, supported by slow cooked meats and delicious regional brews.
As night falls, the Bathurst cityscape will be transformed into a breathtaking display of colour and lights. Buildings will shine in stunning hues, creating a mesmerising ambiance. While strolling through the streets, visitors can unleash their inner gamer with an interactive multi-player arcade game hung along Court House Lane. It’s a true delight for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Day Two
Awaken bright and early, grab a coffee and treat from a local favourite and hit the road to the Dubbo Region. Less than 2 hours drive from Bathurst is the charming town of Wellington – home to the astounding Wellington Caves and the expansive Burrendong Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
After you discover the underground, stop in town for a replenishing (and tasty) lunch and burn off some energy at the playground in Cameron Park, before you continue on to Dubbo. Head back in time for an afternoon stroll at the heritage listed Old Dubbo Gaol – or for the bravest visitors, take a twilight or night tour and experience the Gaol at its eerie best!
Day Three
Time for an unforgettable safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo! See hundreds of rare and endangered animals exploring by car, on foot or ride around on hired bikes or carts. Don’t miss the new Wildlife Hospital where you can discover first-hand how the Zoo’s expert team heals the wild. Be sure to see the King of the Jungle at the amazing Lion Pride Lands precinct or make a splash and hire a pedal boat to explore the Savannah Lake, home to the Spider Monkeys and Lemurs. After your wild zoo adventure, spend your afternoon deep in the rich history of the beloved Flying Doctor at the immersive Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience.
Top tip: Looking for a great time AND great value? What if you could buy one ticket, in one transaction that gave you entry to four unforgettable experiences? Holidays should be enjoyable, so turn off the stress and dial up the fun with the Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass! The Great Big Adventure Pass is a multi-ticket to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol, the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience and the Wellington Caves – and best of all the Pass gets you 20% off your entry to all four attractions!
Day Four
As you make your way home, don’t forget to do a hot lap around Mount Panorama/ Wahluu, visit the National Motor Racing Museum and get up close to forgotten Fossils at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. The best part – show your Dubbo Region Great Big Adventure Pass and receive 10% off your entry!
And if you’re still hungry for more, skip back through the winter festival and celebrate artistic and cultural diversity with sculptures standing, hanging and hidden through Machattie Park.
As you make your way out of the mountains and back into the city, share your Regional Road Trip with us by tagging @BathurstWinterFestival and @DubboCity on Instagram and #WinterRegionalRoadTrip and go in the draw to win a thank you pack from Dubbo and Bathurst!
Looking for more inspo for your Regional Road Trip?
Follow along on our socials
Love looks even better under a million stars 💫
This winter, escape to @starscapeaustralia and experience one of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country.
Book your perfect winter for two in Bathurst
#visitbathurst #bathurst #stepbeyond #stars
Cosy up this Christmas in July at @thegeorge_hotel
Step into a wonderland of twinkling lights, cosy fires and festive cheer.
Warm up with The George’s signature mulled wine, indulge in a specially curated Yulefest menu and finish the evening with their delicious Apple Cinnamon-Tini cocktail 🍸
#visitbathurst #stepbeyond #christmasinjuly #otherwaystothewest
Explore Bathurst’s fascinating museums, stand beneath a towering T. rex at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, uncover stories from 150 years of rail history at the Bathurst Rail Museum, and get up close to legendary racing machines at the National Motor Racing Museum.
Add cosy cafés, family-friendly accommodation and plenty of wide-open spaces, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable winter escape.
Contact 1800 68 1000 and let us help you find the perfect family accommodation for your stay
#visitbathurst #stepbeyond #otherwaystothewest #schoolholidays
Ready to strike gold? Discover the stories of Bathurst’s gold rush at @bathurstgoldfieldsresort - Explore the historic village, visit the museum and steam shed, watch traditional blacksmithing demonstrations and see if you can uncover a little treasure in the gold panning ponds.
Tours available Wednesday 8 & Wednesday 15 July.
1pm - 3pm
Contact @bathurstgoldfieldsresort
#visitbathurst #winterschoolholidays #bathurst #otherwaystothewest
@otherwaystothewest
This winter, give the kids a holiday they’ll be talking about all year! Rug up and hit the road to Bathurst.
Let us help you find the perfect family-friendly accommodation for your winter escape!
Head to our 🔗 in the bio
Or call us 1800 68 1000
Image Credit @croftdown.farm
#visitbathurst #bathurst #schoolholidays #winter
Slow mornings over coffees, long lunches by the fire, heritage streets, country pubs and nights beneath the stars.
Plan your winter for two via Bathurst Region 🔗
#visitbathurst #winter #bathurst #theperfectwinterfortwo
It’s never too cold for a Sofala Gold at @anniesicecreamparlour 🍨Add it to your school holiday list this winter!
We can’t wait to welcome you to Bathurst! Contact us on 1800 68 1000 and let us help you find the perfect accommodation for your family!
#visitbathurst #bathurst #schoolholidays #annies
A hot soak. A glass of local wine. A sky full of stars ✨
The perfect winter for two in Bathurst
@oakhill_estate
Escape to @rest.boxgrove - A glass of local wine, a crackling fire pit & a sky filled with stars ✨
Beyond the reach of everyday life, One cabin. One hundred acres. Endless sky. @starscapeaustralia
Heated Safari style tents, fire pits, big country skies, native bushland and steaming hot outdoor baths. @wildnest.au
Perched on top of a hill under a canopy of stars - enjoy complimentary local wine and a gourmet breakfast hamper at @wilgastation
Meet the mighty T.Rex at the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum these school holidays in Bathurst.
Don’t miss the torchlight tours 🔦🦖🦕
Tuesday 7 July | 5.30pm & 6.45pm
Tuesday 14 July | 530pm & 6.45pm
@museums_bathurst
#visitbathurst #stepbeyond #schoolholidays