The organises say that a lot has changed since Governor Macquarie raised the Union Jack on the banks of the Macquarie River on 7 May 1815 declaring the settlement of Bathurst. Two and a half hours drive from Sydney, Bathurst is now home to hip laneway bars, boutique accommodation, a thriving food bowl and world-class art collections, with a lot to offer visitors.
One of the best times to be part of the celebrations is from 2-10 May 2015 for Bathurst200 Heritage Week, which also coincides with the Autumn Colours program. A night festival ‘Illuminate Bathurst’ (Sat 9 May) will re-tell history through lights, images and music on central buildings in the Town Square, along with food, wine and entertainment. The week also features fashion exhibitions, guided tours of historic homes, a colonial fair, art trails, special dinners and the Bicentenary Flag Staff being reinstated at Macquarie River. A full program of events is at www.bathurst200.com.au.
If you can’t make May, the Bathurst200 celebrations continue all year. Highlights are the Winter Festival in July and special events for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 car race in October.
“Bathurst has a rich cultural heritage unrivalled in NSW and the Bicentenary celebrations are a fantastic time for people to explore the region and connect with this history,” said Lucy White, Executive Officer of Central NSW Tourism.
10 Great Things to do in Bathurst
1. Enjoy high-tea or a ghostly tour at historic Abercrombie House with 52 rooms and six internal staircases
2. Take a guided walk of Machattie Park’s fernery and fountains during Autumn Colours
3. Drive to historic villages Sofala, Hill End and Rockley for gold-rush and bush-ranger experiences
4. Meet a T-rex at the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum
5. View wonderful artworks at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
6. Visit the simple home of a former Australian prime minister at Ben Chifley’s Home
7. Drive the world famous Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit and see views of the Bathurst plains as the early explorers did
8. Discover the history of motor racing at the National Motor Racing Museum
9. Shop at the Keppel Street and Art Gallery precinct with groovy boutiques, homewares and hip cafes
10. Listen to the Carillon bells while admiring Bathurst’s architecture at Town Square