Experiences
We want you to love the Bathurst region as much as we do, so we’ve curated the best things to do for you to experience it like a local.
Depending on your vibe and adventure level, we’ve got the perfect options for you.
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Our Beyond Bridle Track adventure is designed for those intrepid travellers who want to discover the best of nature and history.
4WD transportation in a Land Rover Defender with supplied water
& first aid kitGuided tour of the Bridle Track and historical sites
Narration and insights from a local guide
Up to 10 bookings available per day with options for private booking
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NEW!
Electric mountain bike (2x available)
Helmet & bike lock
Map of suggested routes
Safety briefing
½ day and full day
Available from mid November 2024.
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As an emerging food and wine destination, Bathurst offers the road-less-travelled in bespoke wineries, distilleries and breweries.
Private transportation in a comfortable vehicle
Guided tastings at each venue (including tasting fees) & cheese plate at one of the venues
Visits to Renzaglia Wines, Grange Gin Distillery, and Reckless Beer Brewing
Behind-the-scenes insights from winemakers, distillers, and brewers when available
Up to 10 bookings available per day with options for private booking
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Indulge in an exclusive, farm-to-table meal crafted by BoxGrove owner and vigneron, Ben; showcasing the best of local produce and premium protein.
Locally sourced menu with seasonal dishes featuring angus, wagyu, or lamb, with vegetarian options available.
Expert wine pairing with each course complemented by hand-selected wines, beers, or gins from the region.
Gather around a communal table for a relaxed, yet refined dining experience led by Ben.
Contact us directly to book.
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Enjoy the best of Bathurst’s local craft beverages without leaving the comfort of BoxGrove!
Guided tasting of wines, gins, and beers
Snacks made with local produce
Commentary on the producers and drink-making processes
Up to 10 bookings available per day with options for private booking
Cook it Yourself - Local Produce Pack
DURATION: N/A
Enhance your stay at Rest with a Cook-It-Yourself Local Produce Pack, a handpicked selection of the finest local ingredients, curated by the BoxGrove team. Perfect for guests who enjoy the art of cooking, this pack offers everything you need to prepare a gourmet meal, right from the comfort of your accommodation. Each pack is created to showcase the region's premium produce, featuring your choice of protein and paired with seasonal salads /vegetables and accompaniments.
Your Pack Options:
Wagyu Fillet Pack
Indulge in tender, high-marble score Suzuki Wagyu fillets, known for their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This premium cut is complemented by a selection of seasonal vegetables and house-made sauces.
Angus Fillet Pack
Enjoy the bold flavors of grass-fed Angus fillets, a local favorite with robust taste and delicate marbling. Paired with fresh produce from nearby farms, this pack brings a true taste of the Central Tablelands to your plate.
Vegetarian Pack
Savor a variety of the region’s best vegetables, handpicked for their flavor and quality. From colorful root vegetables to fresh greens, each ingredient is sourced to ensure an exceptional plant-based meal. Haloumi & falafel included to ensure a robust plate.
Included:
Handpicked Local Ingredients: Everything you need to prepare a complete meal, including proteins (or vegetarian selections), seasonal produce, herbs, and sauces.
Wine Pairing: A bottle of local wine selected by our team to complement your meal.
Cost:
Wagyu Fillet Pack: $165 per couple
Angus Fillet Pack: $125 per couple
Vegetarian Pack: $90 per couple
Bridle Track Adventure: Half-Day Private Tour
DURATION: 5 HOURS
Itinerary Highlights:
The Bridle Track
Kick off your adventure along the historic Bridle Track, which starts a mere 2km from BoxGrove. A rugged trail that served as a vital route for gold miners in the 1800s. As we navigate its steep cliffs and riverside paths, enjoy panoramic views of the region’s diverse landscape; watch it change from farmable rolling countryside to epic natural gorges and bushland.
Historic Sites and Iconic Viewpoints
Your guide will take you through important historical sites and landmarks, offering insight into the gold rush era. As you pass along the Macquarie and Turon Rivers, you’ll stop at several iconic viewpoints perfect for photo opportunities.
Tour and Lunch at Hill End
Enjoy a pub lunch at the Hill End Royal Hotel, one of Australia’s oldest pubs located in the heritage town of Hill End. The town, steeped in gold rush history, offers a glimpse into Australia’s past with its preserved buildings and historical charm. Your guide will share stories of the gold rush and take you to sites that remain largely untouched, where hopeful miners once searched for fortune.
Wallaby Rocks Swimming Hole
Take a break at Wallaby Rocks, a serene swimming hole surrounded by natural rock formations. Stretch your legs, dip your feet in the water, and soak in the tranquility of this hidden gem.
Included:
4WD transportation in a Land Rover Defender with supplied water & first aid kit
Guided tour of the Bridle Track and historical sites
Narration and insights from a local guide
Not included:
Lunch is not included but can be purcased at the venues
What to bring:
Swimmers, towel, sunscreen, hat, change of clothes, walking shoes, water bottle, camera
Cost:
Adults $220/pp
Children $180/pp
Private tour 2-6 guests $880
Private tour 6-10 guests $1600
Each child must be accompanied by an adult.
BoxGrove: Electric Bike Hire
We now have 2 X Focus Thron2 electric mountain bikes available for hire through BoxGrove Country Retreat.
Choose your own itinerary:
1. On the Farm
For a laid-back adventure, explore BoxGrove’s farm trails, taking in the rolling hills, vineyards, and peaceful countryside. You can ride through the farm’s sprawling pastures and woodlands, discovering hidden corners and enjoying the serenity of nature.
2. Route 1: Duramana Loop
This easy 12 km loop is perfect for a leisurely half-day ride, starting from BoxGrove and heading through quiet country roads around Duramana. You’ll pass charming farmlands and open countryside, with plenty of spots to stop for photos or a snack along the way.
3. Route 2: Macquarie River Track
For a more scenic route, the Macquarie River Track offers a beautiful ride along the riverbanks. This moderate route is ideal for full-day riders looking to enjoy picturesque views of the river, with opportunities to stop and enjoy the water or have a riverside picnic.
4. Route 3: Eglinton to Bathurst Heritage Ride
Take a full-day ride from BoxGrove through Eglinton to Bathurst’s historic sites. This route combines a bit of adventure with culture as you cycle through quiet roads to Bathurst’s city center, where you can explore heritage buildings and grab lunch before heading back.
Included:
Electric mountain bike
Helmet
Bike lock
Map of suggested routes
Safety briefing
Not included:
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Food and drink
What to bring:
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Food and drink
Cost:
Half day - $90 per/bike
Full day - $120per/bike
Hire well in advance - only 2 onsite, and they go quick!
Sip & Savour: Local Tastes Tour
DURATION: 5 HOURS
Itinerary Highlights:
Renzaglia Wines
Next, visit the family-owned Renzaglia Wines, known for its hands-on approach to winemaking and dedication to producing small-batch wines with great character. As you sip on their handcrafted wines, the winemaker will guide you through the story of each bottle, from vine to glass, with a focus on their environmentally conscious practices.
Grange Gin Distillery
Your journey continues with a stop at the Grange Gin Distillery, where local botanicals and innovative distilling techniques are used to create distinct, small-batch gins. Enjoy a gin tasting session, learning about the distillation process and the flavor profiles that set their gins apart, before sampling some of their most popular gin cocktails.
Reckless Beer Brewing
Finish your tour at Reckless Beer Brewing, a local favorite for craft beer lovers. Reckless Beer’s passionate team will walk you through the brewing process and introduce you to a variety of beers—from crisp pale ales to hearty stouts. Taste a flight of their finest brews while relaxing in the laid-back, rustic atmosphere of the brewery.
Included:
Private transportation in a comfortable vehicle
Guided tastings at each venue (including tasting fees) & cheese plate at one of the venues
Visits to Renzaglia Wines, Grange Gin Distillery, and Reckless Beer Brewing
Behind-the-scenes insights from winemakers, distillers, and brewers when available
Not included:
Lunch is not included but can be purcased at Reckless Beer Brewing only (if cheese plate provided is not enough)
What to bring:
Money to buy lunch at one of the venues if you wish
Cost:
$160pp
Private tour 2-6 people - $640
Private tour 6-10 people - $1200
There is a minimum booking number of 4 for this experience to run.
BoxGrove: Farmers Kitchen Table
Gathered around a cozy, communal kitchen our outdoor table, guests are treated to an exclusive dining experience led by Ben himself.
The meal unfolds over several courses, each inspired by the surrounding landscape and sourced from nearby farms. Ben’s menu may include anything from slow-cooked lamb with fresh garden herbs to char-grilled Wagyu with local truffle butter, ensuring each plate reflects the essence of the Central Tablelands.
Alongside the dishes, indulge in matched pairings of BoxGrove’s top choice of wines (including our own Rosé), locally brewed beers, or artisan gins from the region’s top distillers, perfectly complementing the flavours on the plate.
Included:
Seasonal, local produce dinner
Wine pairings
Commentary from chef
Cost
Adult - from $120
Private - additional $200
DIY Itinerary
We’ve collated some of our favourite local treasures for you so you’re weekend in Bathurst NSW is one to remember.
Whether you choose to hire one of our ebikes to soak up the sunshine, or whether travelling by your own vehicle here are our top spots to build your itinerary.
To eat and drink
Breakfast
Enjoy a takeaway coffee and light breakfast from Doppio at Tremain’s Mill. Soak up the sunshine on the outdoor grass area with your family- dog friendly!
Dine in for something more substantial at The Hub under the shade of the vines. Enjoy their award winning house coffee.
Take in the beautiful views of Machattie Park from the window seats in Drake & Duck.
For a local classic big breakfast, head to Country Coffee. Walking distance of the main street to start your adventure.
Al Dente has great on-street dining and a grab-and-go style deli.
Lunch/Dinner
A takeaway fresh bakery sandwhich from Gazza’s is an oldie, but a goodie. Best enjoyed on the river bank down by the Macquarie- your dog will love a splash in the water.
For more of a dine in experience, the Church Bar is one our favourites for a casual lunch and aperol in the sun, or a candlelit dinner. The best woodfired pizza in NSW.
The seasonal menu at Bootleg Dining is a bit more up market and worth every penny. A special occasion location we love.
Incredible modern Australian eats and crazy-good cocktails at Norma Joan are sure to impress.
To see
Our most famous local attraction is Mount Panorama. The new Boardwalk Loop allows you to walk through the side of the mountain and enjoy the reward of the panamoric views from the lookout at the top. Dog friendly! The mountain is also open when races are not on to drive around (under 60km/hr, don’t get too excited!)
Machattie Park and Kings Parade are always bursting with colour and the best flora the area has to offer. Annie’s Ice Cream is a must stop when in Bathurst and is best enjoyed on the grass under the trees within Kings Parade. Take the time to slow down and read the history behind the architecture in these beautiful parks.
