Sep 08
25
Take a two and a half hour drive inland from Sydney and you will come across the oldest inland settlement in Australia, Bathurst. This regional centre of New South Wales is one of Australia’s fastest growing modern cities and is best known for the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit which is the venue for the Bathurst 1000 Race, held each year in October.
Bathurst was originally occupied by the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people and it wasn’t until 1815 that it was founded by white settlement. The town boomed after the discovery of gold in the area’s river and since then, has continued to thrive into a bright and vibrant regional city of the central tablelands.
In 1938 the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive was opened to the public and it was at this point that Bathurst became the home of motor racing in Australia. The unique rural setting has made it one of the world’s top 3 racing circuits and home to the V8 Supercar Race Series. The year’s biggest event occurs from the 9th to the 12th of October, when the V8’s take to the track for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. This draws in thousands of motor racing enthusiasts and is an internationally recognised event.
V8 Supercars are not the only thing that Bathurst has to offer! Other notable attractions in the area include the Bathurst Observatory, Miniature Railway, Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the Bathurst Courthouse and Gaol and Kings Parade. The city is home to excellent accommodation, restaurants and shopping, offering something for all!
Bathurst is easily accessible by car, which is made even easier by car hire. Take your time on the drive and soak up the inland beauty of the central tablelands of New South Wales. This is a trip that you won’t soon forget!
