A couple’s guide to Bathurst

Where to order a coffee

Enjoy a coffee date over a locally roasted brew by Fish River Roasters at The Hub. Share Sri Lankan fried eggs  and buttermilk pancakes to enjoy a sweet and savoury breakfast. Best of all, enjoy it guilt free as The Hub use biodegradable and recyclable materials where possible to minimise their environmental footprint.

Where to get a dose of arts and culture 

Pop into Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) and stroll the light-filled rooms while you check out the latest exhibition and projects by local artists. Find an artwork from the permanent collection you both love – maybe one of Australian landscape artist Lloyd Rees’ sublime drawings, or one of the machinery-inspired monuments by pioneering sculptor, Robert Klippel.

Where to fall in love with history

There’s nothing quite like a high tea in gorgeous surrounds to up the romance quotient. Head to Abercrombie House, a grand 52-room country mansion dating back to the 1870s. Built as an ode to the great Scottish homes early pioneers left behind on their journey to Australia, it’s been lovingly restored to its original condition over several generations. High tea is served in the elegant surrounds of the ballroom. Savour loose-leaf teas and plunger coffee as well as sweet and savoury treats, serenaded by live music.

Where to go wine tasting

What’s a romantic break without a jaunt around a region’s cellar doors to discover a new favourite drop or two? With an elevation of 650m above sea level, the Bathurst region produces small-batch wines of great character. Make an appointment for a tasting at Renzaglia Wines, overlooking the O’Connell Valley, and meet the winemakers Mark Renzaglia and his son Sam as you sip your way through their offerings.

Where to sample local whisky

Set on a heritage estate and working farm, drop by Bathurst Grange Distillery. Book in for a tasting and tour during which you’ll sample whisky and gin infused with mint and rosemary grown right on site in the old tin shed that’s now a tasting room. See the century-old graveyard that is the final resting place of the property’s original owners and gaze at the Blue Mountains from the distillery window.

Where to have elevated pub fare 

Enjoy a short drive to the picturesque village of Rockley with its quaint period buildings. Lunch at The Rockley Pub is a must-do, but book ahead for a weekend table as word is out that celebrity chef owner, Matt Moran, is turning out top-notch pub fare.

Where to order a cocktail

Find your new favourite cocktail or nightcap at the saloon-style Dogwood, BX. Owner Evan Stanley was awarded Australian Bartender of the Year and his creations perfectly balance flavours. The Bloody Mary is a popular order here. 

Where to have a romantic dinner date

Kick back in a picturesque beer garden with a woodfired pizza, ice cold beer or their signature espresso martini at Church Bar + Woodfired Pizza. The leafy courtyard is a secluded oasis tucked away from the main streets, while indoors offers quiet candle-lit corners.

Where to catch a show 

When the sun goes down, Bathurst’s city centre turns on the charm. Check Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre’s events calendar and time your visit to coincide with a show you’ll both love. The performing arts centre hosts everything from comedy to classical music, opera and dance to theatre, as well as contemporary touring music; pop legend Amy Shark and award-winning First Nations singer songwriter Archie Roach have both graced this stage.

Where to stay in town

Enjoy a romantic weekend away at Littlebourne, a place built for joy and for frolicking in 1830 that has been transformed into one of the oldest (but luxurious) guesthouses in NSW. With nearly 100 varieties of roses and heritage shrubs in their extensive garden, explore the estate before soaking in a bubble bath.

Where to go off-grid 

Disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature at Glasshouse Cabins. Situated within a vast 3000-acre farm on Oakhill Estate, these ultra-luxury glass cabins allows guests to sleep under the stars and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountainous countryside. A conservation-based retreat, enjoy a sustainable getaway complete with an outdoor fire pit to roast marshmallows over.

To wander through a verdant vineyard and gather fresh eggs, stay at Rest at BoxGrove. With studios that feature an abundance of sunlight, outdoor fireplace, and many other thoughtful details, enjoy the rhythm of rural life.