The Bathurst 12 Hour is the reason you’re coming. Arriving a little earlier — or staying a little longer — is how you experience Bathurst like a local.
From cool-climate trails to country pubs and heritage towns, there’s more to discover beyond race weekend. Arrive early or extend your stay and take advantage of Bathurst is Cool special offers across accommodation, food and experiences.
Bathurst & Backroads | Oberon Trail
For those arriving ahead of race weekend, the Oberon Trail offers a relaxed route from Sydney through forests, rivers and country towns before arriving in Bathurst.
Suggested stops:
Flat Rock, Fish River (swim – conditions permitting)
Arriving early means fewer crowds, more time to explore — and access to Bathurst is Cool summer offers.
From Thursday to Sunday, the Bathurst 12 Hour is the hero, experience all there is at the Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour, whilst enjoying the local cafes, pubs and town atmosphere.
Thursday
Track to Town from 10:30am to 1:00pm
Friday–Sunday:
On track at Mount Panorama/Wahluu, including Race Day Sunday.
Staying an extra night or two unlocks quieter roads, heritage towns and landscapes just beyond the mountain.
Places to go to and stops to make:
Hill End
A former gold mining town
---
Scenic drives via Rockley, O’Connell or Tarana
Explore further down the Central West and Central Tablelands
---
Visits to country pub lunches and relaxed village stops
Window shop, and enjoy a brunch, lunch or two at some of the region's best country pubs!
---
Midweek travel brings fewer crowds - plus access to Bathurst is Cool special offers.
For visitors arriving early or staying longer, the Bathurst is Cool campaign also features a curated collection of suggested itineraries and special offers across accommodation, food and experiences - designed to help people explore the region at their own pace.
Explore Bathurst is Cool for special offers and suggested itineraries:
