Step in out of the cold and into one of Bathurst’s heritage pubs this winter season.
While many think of winter as dreary and cold, in Bathurst it is a special time. As the Winter Festival brings the CBD to life, the city comes aglow with the dazzling lights of the illuminations night walk and the pubs become centres of socialisation and warmth. If you have an interest in history or are simply looking for a cosy spot to catch up with friends we have you covered with our Pints to Past CBD Itinerary.
As the oldest inland European settlement west of the Blue Mountains, Bathurst has a wealth of history steeped into the culture of our heritage pubs. The claim of the oldest pub in Bathurst goes to the Tattersalls Hotel which was established in 1849. Locally owned and recently renovated you can find Wednesday night rib specials and regular specials when the footy is on.
If you follow Keppel Street towards Machattie park you will find no shortage of options to choose from. The Oxford Hotel is a favourite with motorsport fans and racing memorabilia decorates its walls. Established in 1874 as the Oxford Tavern the pub has remained true to its name operating as the Oxford Hotel under the Lyons family for the past 22 years. Stop in on a Friday night for Oxford Bingo a new twist on the classic game of bingo welcome for all to join in.
Further along by Machattie Park the George Hotel originally established as the Park hotel in the 1890’s and after a fire in 1990 the building was demolished in 1951 and rebuilt 2 years later. Today it is a stylish country pub having undergone renovations in 2015. The George Hotel has a fireplace, a modern menu, and is a great spot to enjoy a cold evening.
George Street is home to two other pubs; Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub which was established in 1849 as the Continental Hotel, a close contended for oldest pub in Bathurst. Is a great place to join for a game of trivia on a Tuesday and a pint of Guinness anytime.
Established in 1853 the Kings Hotel is our final pub on George street. With a cosy wood fire, regular live music and a lively atmosphere, Kings hotel is a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cool drink. They even have earlier dinner opening hours for winter, ensuring you can get a hearty, hot meal as the evening sets in.
Around the block on William Street the Knickerbocker Hotel has been in business for 84 years, established in 1940. It was from here that a meeting of state and federal ministers took place in 1948 where striking coal miners were ordered back to work to alleviate a serious coal shortage of the time. Today the hotel is a classic country sports bar with cold drinks and plenty of accommodation. All rooms have ensuites and all overnight stays include a hot breakfast.
On the Northern Edge of the CBD Hotel Dudley established in 1884 as the Great Western Family Hotel, renamed to the Hotel Dudley by 1910 remains true to its original design. Maintaining its identity with ironwork railings and posts supporting the upper floor. Today the Hotel Dudley is a family friendly pub with regular specials and delicious meals.
Over the Macquarie river the Kelso Hotel established in 1860 has been running for 162 years, cementing itself as a Bathurst icon. The Kelso Hotel is also an excellent choice for family gatherings with the little ones. With a kids play room and adjoining family dining area you can sit back and relax for a catch up with old friends while the kids play. With regular lunch specials and a weekly pool competition the Kelso Hotel is serving up the same friendly service it has for the last 162 years.
Heading back down Keppel Street towards the railway The Victoria Hotel is the fourth building to hold the name of The Victoria Hotel, having been built in 1875. During the peak of Bathurst’s milling and rail industry the hotel was a popular workers bar. However, with recent renovations the Victoria is a modern and stylish pub with a welcoming atmosphere, trivia on Wednesdays and regular live music from local artists on Fridays.
Finally to finish off our tour a stop into Reckless Brewing is an absolute must. While not a historic pub we would be remiss to exclude Bathurst very own brewery which operates on the historic Craigo Mill site established in 1906, once one of the major flour mills of Bathurst’s milling industry. Today Reckless Brewing serves up award winning beer brewed right here in Bathurst. With their vintage lounge chairs and roaring fireplace this is the perfect place to raise a Pint to the Past and enjoy the heritage of our region.
