Escape to the Country: How Best to Spend a Restorative Weekend in Bathurst

When you think of Bathurst, you might think of rally cars and farms, and while yes, there is that, it has evolved in recent years to become a region of fine artisan producers. A destination in its own right, this corner of NSW is also an epic stopover for a trip to Orange, Mudgee or even Warrumbungles if you're feeling ambitious. 

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, pack up your car, head two hours west and spend a weekend recharging your batteries in the fresh country air.

Friday: Arrive and Settle in

Just outside the main town of Bathurst is the luxury and eco-friendly cabin retreat Rest at Boxgrove. It is set on a picturesque 170-acre working family farm and vineyard that blends rural serenity and modern luxury. 

Flick on the turntable, relax on the bed or grab the bottle of vino or mini bottle of local gin from Boxgrove's welcome basket, fill up the twin outdoor tubs, and take a dip in the warm water as the sun starts to dip behind the hills. 

If you'd prefer to head out for a bite and a tipple, make your way into Bathurst proper. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at Dogwood, BX, a saloon-style bar, before heading around the block to Vine & Tap on Keppel Street for dinner. This charming restaurant, set in a leafy cobblestone courtyard, offers a menu of contemporary Italian dishes like house-made gnocchi, woodfired pizzas and arancini. Decompress as you sip on some local vino under the canopy of vines and fairy lights.

Renzaglia Wines

Saturday: Explore Central West Region's Produce

Wake up to stunning views of the surrounding countryside at Rest at Boxgrove. Fire up the outdoor barbecue and make yourself breakfast with all the fixings from the welcome basket: bacon, freshly baked bread, fresh veggies and eggs. Once you've had your fill, it's time to explore the area's offerings. 

The first stop on your itinerary must be the local farmer's markets, held on the fourth Saturday of each month from January to November. Check out what the Central West region has to offer. Stop by to meet the farmers and stock up on local honey, sweet treats and organic veg. If the dates don't line up, you could make your way down to Berry Park to the Riverside Markets on the first Saturday of the month. Browse through stalls selling plants, jewellery, clothes, and handmade trinkets.

If you love your artisan spirits, you'd best pay a visit to the family-run, sustainability-minded, award-winning Bathurst Grange Distillery, set on a heritage estate and working farm. Book a tour to learn about its whisky and gin made with botanicals grown on site. Settle in for a tasting and pair with a cheeseboard loaded with local cheese.

The Blue Mountain Gin, inspired by the view from the distillery and infused with mint and rosemary grown on-site and native Australian pepperberry, is an eye-catching must-try. You shouldn't leave before sampling the luscious Bourbon Cask Release Single Malt Whisky distilled with locally sourced heirloom malt barley, which won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2023.

If you're a vinophile, head to Renzaglia Wines, overlooking the O'Connell Valley. Make an appointment for a tasting and discover why it was named Dark Horse Winery of the Year in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion. The spot is headed up by the award-winning winemaker and viticulturist Mark Renzaglia, who emigrated from Illinois in the 1980s. Known for its small-batch wines that always bring something new and special to the table, the winery is now a family affair with Mark's son Sam on board crafting lighter-style reds, field blends and funkier drops.

Return to your cabin and enjoy a quiet evening with a barbecue dinner on the covered deck, enjoying the serene countryside views. Elevate your evening more by lighting the private firepit, tucking into the goodies from the markets and cheers the stars and neighbouring cows with wine or a G&T.

Sunday: Bathurst's Artistic and Historical Treasures

Before you say goodbye to Rest at Boxgrove, take a peaceful early morning stroll around the 170-acre property and through the burgeoning vineyard. Breathe in the fresh country air before heading into the town for some grub.

The Hub is a popular brunch spot slinging locally roasted coffee from Fish River Roasters and generous breakfast portions. For something savoury, opt for the shakshuka, but if you love a sweet breakfast, you shouldn't go past the buttermilk pancakes with caramel creme patisserie and gingerbread crumble — it's basically dessert for breakfast. 

A short stroll away is the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, or BRAG for short, where you can check out the latest exciting exhibitions for free. Artworks don't just reside inside its doors. BRAG hosts public art projects and works that can be found throughout Bathurst. When you're exploring the town, be sure to keep a look out for sculptures, posters and more. 

Your next stop should be to step back into history at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. It is home to the Somerville Collection of over 5000 fossils, minerals, and dinosaurs. The museum is housed in the 19th-century Bathurst Public School House and offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of life on Earth and a disconcerting insight into the impacts of climate change.

Take a load off with a pit stop at Reckless Brewing Co., co-founded by award-winning brewer Grace Fowler. This project started as a travelling brewery until the trio founded their permanent digs in a heritage-listed flour mill that formally housed Two Heads Brewing. Take a seat on the leather Chesterfield sofa in front of the roaring fireplace and enjoy a tasting paddle (or two). Be sure to sample some of the limited-release beers, which have included collabs with Renzaglia Wines (a zesty chardonnay sour) or the Matilda XPA, inspired by the Australian women's national soccer team.

If you're hungry for lunch, Reckless has an on-site restaurant, Roadhouse by Reckless, slinging share plates, cheeseboards and burgers galore. Alternatively, head to Church Bar, tucked down an alleyway in an old Anglican Church Schoolhouse. This unassuming spot offers woodfired pizzas with inventive toppings, great cocktails and a considered wine list with drops from NSW and beyond. Recharge with a slice of pizza out in the leafy courtyard before heading back on the road to reality.

Concrete Playground was a guest of Rest at Boxgrove.

Top Image: Rest at Boxgrove