Get ready to dive into a world of affordable chilly adventures at the Bathurst Winter Festival from 1 to 16 July 2023. Festival organisers are thrilled to announce over 65 free activities, installations, performances, games, live music, and art spread across two weeks.
Celebrating the magic of winter in the heart of this historic city, Bathurst locals and visitors can revel in the cool vibes of the season together.
As well as free activities, with as little as $5, festivalgoers can hop on thrilling carnival rides, including the towering Ferris wheel, glide across the ice at the McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink for just $8, or lose themselves in the mind-bending Kaleidoscope mirror maze for $12.
The littlest festivalgoers are in for a treat on Kids Day (5 and 12 July), where laughter and joy take centre stage, all without opening a wallet. Kids will enjoy face painting, silent disco dance parties, up-close encounters with miniature donkeys, a petting zoo, chalk art, circus performers, an interactive Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, kids’ crafts, and giant lawn games.
The Bathurst cityscape will be transformed into a breathtaking display of colour and lights as various buildings light up the night. Celebrating artistic and cultural diversity, 10 sculptures will feature throughout Machattie Park with an opportunity to witness life-sized rainbow arches and pinwheels that will fill your heart with joy. For a truly enchanting experience, step into the historic Fernery and get lost in a world of laser lights and disco music. There’s also an interactive multi-player arcade game hung along Court House Lane, a true delight for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Get ready for some extraordinary nights at the Festival with entertainment and local food wine. Experience the electrifying Armada Bathurst Opening Night (1 July) and the Charles Sturt University Brew and Bite (7 July), offer additional free entertainment. The nightly line-up includes fire performers, professional ice-skating performances, live bands, DJs, dynamic duos, drumming circles, dance performances, roving stilt walkers, and a tantalising array of culinary delights, including low and slow cooked meats, Vietnamese cuisine, sweet treats, mulled wines, cider, whisky, gin, craft ales, and much more. Don’t miss the Twilight markets, Lantern making and Parade, and the infectious energy of the drumming circle.
The township of Bathurst is bursting with supporting activities and events across various venues:
- Join lantern making workshops and the captivating Lantern Parade at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
- Indulge in delightful dessert and hot chocolate nights at The Grind.
- Try your hand at free indoor Winter Putt Putt at the Armada Bathurst Shopping Centre.
- Uncover the mysteries of the dinosaurs during the Dinosaurs in the Dark Torchlight Tour at the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.
- Listen to captivating stories after dark at the Bathurst Library.
- Embark on a Bathurst Cool Climate Winery Tour or indulge in a Pinot & Picasso painting session.
- Get crafty with Mason Jar Fairy lights and Badge making at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.
- Discover the art of brewing and distilling during a Bathurst Brewery & Distillery Tour.
- Be dazzled by The Magic & Circus Spectacular Show at Bathurst RSL Club.
- Immerse yourself in The Dinomaniacs Dinosaur Show at Bathurst Panthers.
- Witness the extraordinary Liam Power Magic Show at Keystone 1889.
- Enjoy the Winter Film Festival at the Anglican Church.
- Play Family Bingo at Bathurst RSL Club.
- Take a tour of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon.
- Explore the Bathurst Arts Trail.
- Savour the flavours of Grapes, Barrels, Mash & Stills at Reckless Brewing.
- Pamper yourself with Winter Festival Spa packages at Zen Spa.
- Admire the Potpourri exhibition by Greg Hyde at T.arts Gallery.
There’s so much to see and do, and with FREE entry and an array of free or affordable activities, a day trip just won’t be enough to experience it all!
Check out our trusted festival accommodation partners for special festival offers, ensuring a cosy and welcoming experience — Rydges Bathurst, Mantra Bathurst, Heritage Inn Bathurst, The Red Hill Nest, The Wool Store, Tablelands Hosting, or Uralla Bathurst.
So, layer up, round up your squad and join us for an unforgettable two-week adventure in the heart of winter’s embrace this July, at the Bathurst Winter Festival!
