Bathurst is just three hours from Sydney, but Australia's oldest inland settlement feels like another world. Known as “dalman” (place of plenty) by the Wiradjuri people for its fertile soil, the modern-day Bathurst region is a bucolic landscape dotted with towns connected by solitary roads. But don't be fooled by Bathurst's slow pace. Bathurst and its surrounds, spanning from the Macquarie River to NSW's Central Ranges, is the site of the Bathurst 1000, a famed v8 supercar race that has attracted racing fans since the 1960s. It's also home to boutique hotels, a growing food scene and plenty of activities for everyone from solo travellers to couples and families.  

Eat and drink: small-batch spirits, cracking coffee and country pubs with heart 

A Bathurst visitor will never go hungry. Perk up with a coffee at Crema on George before taking the quick stroll to Annie's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlour. Made-fresh-daily scoops include the signature Sofala Gold, a vanilla, caramel and honeycomb ice-cream named for Sofala, Australia's oldest surviving Gold Rush town. For a hearty pub meal, head 30 minutes south to Rockley to visit celebrated chef Matt Moran's The Rockley Pub. Choose a chicken parmi, a thick rump steak or mash and sausages from the Moran Family Farm 10 minutes down the road.  

Back in town, visit Reckless Brewing Co, an award-winning brewery and taproom in the historic Crago Mill. Try the outstanding pale ale or a rotating selection of limited-release brews. Bathurst Grange Distillery produces gin and whisky on a heritage-listed farm that's been operating since 1823. Take a tour of the farm before heading to the tasting room where spirits are served alongside cheese and charcuterie boards.  

Stay: luxury stargazing escapes, boutique heritage hotels and old-fashioned camping 

Accommodation in Bathurst runs the gamut from low key to luxury. The area is full of options for campers, including Abercrombie River National Park with its walking trails, freshwater river swimming and bush campsites, suitable for self-sufficient campers.  Rozemary Grove at Trunkey Creek has more amenities: toilets, drinking water and sites for RVs or tents.  

Wilga Station is a luxury farm stay on a 105-hectare working sheep farm. Just 12 minutes from town, all you can see from the picture windows is sheep grazing on the grassy hills and views that stretch forever. Rest at BoxGrove is another lovely farm stay option. Set on a property overlooking the foothills of Mount Rankin, the off-grid studios, each with its own outdoor bath, have been designed with sustainability in mind. If you prefer to stay in town there's the Wilga Station Wool Store, a boutique hotel at the heart of Bathurst's heritage precinct with five loft apartments with soaring ceilings, and a penthouse with panoramic views. Or book a room at Bishop's Court Estate Boutique Hotel,  a beautifully reimagined Victorian home. 

For an unforgettable experience, stay at Oakhill Estate Glasshouse Cabins where the only thing interrupting the sprawling views seen from your bed is the woodfired spa on the deck. In the evening, fall asleep under the Milky Way twinkling in the night sky. 

Play: heritage manor houses, outdoor adventures and a bonafide T-Rex skeleton 

It's easy to fill a day in Bathurst. Dinosaur buffs will love the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum,  a treasure trove containing more than 5,000 specimens of rare fossils, mineral crystals and an extraordinary Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Stop by historic Abercrombie House, a Victorian Tudor-style manor of granite and sandstone built in 1878. Wander the house and manicured gardens to catch a glimpse of rural life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. For a local's eye, book Kim Bagot-Hiller's Tales Through Time walking tour and delve into the city's hidden past, exploring historic districts, architecture and gardens.   

For a dose of arts and culture head to Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG)  to explore the collection of more than 3,000 exquisite works representing 400 Australian artists. One of the oldest regional galleries in the state, BRAG creates opportunities for local artists including the celebrated Hill End Artists in Residence Program. 

Out of town, adventure awaits. Hit the Bridle Track for a 4WD trip, stopping to camp, fish and explore the narrow roadways used by gold miners and settlers on horseback. Although the Gold Rush is long over, there are still treasure-hunting opportunities. Book a session with Jhob's Gold Panning Tour and see if you strike gold.  

The Bathurst region's fertile soil makes for excellent produce. In autumn, fungi fans can go mushroom foraging in Sunny Corner State Forest,  or book a professional foraging guide with Simmos Offroad Tours. November to December is cherry season. Go DIY, picking the summer fruit at George and Sue's Cherry Farm or head to Yarralee Orchard and pick up a few kilos from the farm gate. 

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