Natural wonders in Bathurst

Outdoor adventures

Explore the Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, famous for its spectacular Abercrombie Caves, a series of limestone arch caves. Join a guided or self-guided tour and walk through The Archway, the largest natural limestone bridge in the Southern Hemisphere, and enter another world – one bushrangers used as a hideout and miners made into a makeshift dance hall.  

The Reserve is also a wildlife sanctuary with wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and many different birds. Follow the Grove Creek Falls walking track through picturesque bushland to dramatic views of the falls, while the nearby Mount Gray walking track takes you to historic mine relics. Camping is available as well as a guest cottage and cabins. 

Abercrombie Caves in Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve, near Bathurst

For sweeping views of gorgeous Hill End countryside and scenery, climb to the top of the Bald Hill lookout. Bring a picnic and stay to watch the sun set. The nearby Beaufoy Merlin lookout offers views across the beautiful Turon Valley, showing the scale of the area’s former goldfields. 

Mount Panorama-Wahluu is not only the home of Australian motorsport, it’s also a sacred site for the Wiradjuri people. Enjoy spectacular views from the top, and explore walking trails, picnic areas and the new 1.7km Skyline Boardwalk. Enjoy mountain biking and four-wheel driving at the scenic Sunny Corner State Forest. 

Heritage & museums

The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst was billions of years in the making. It’s home to some of the oldest fossils of life on Earth, including an impressive, intact Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton along with fossilised dinosaur eggs. You can also see some of the world’s finest and rarest specimens of mineral crystals. 

Northwest of Bathurst is Hill End, a historic mining village. Step back in time to the early days of the gold rush as you explore the Hill End Historic Site. Nearby, Bald Hill Tourist Mine will let you discover the depths of a colonial underground mine. In the village of Sofala, you can pan for gold dust in the Turon River. 

Bald Hill Tourist Mine, Hill End - Credit: John Spencer

Local tour operators such as Simmo’s Offroad Tours are a great option for exploring the surrounding area. They depart from Bathurst and take you into the depths of the gold mines, panning for gold, trout fishing and lots more.