The city was founded in 1815 and named for Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst, then secretary for war and the colonies, and it is the oldest settlement west of the Great Dividing Range. Initially its growth was slow, but the population increased rapidly following the announcement of the discovery of gold in the vicinity in 1851. Bathurst was declared a town in 1833 and proclaimed a borough in 1862; it became a city in 1885.Bathurst really is the best of both worlds – a beautiful country lifestyle just two and a half hours from Sydney. Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland settlement located just over 200 kilometres west of Sydney on the Macquarie River. There is no shortage of things to see and do if you want to explore or take a lazy Sunday drive.
Bathurst is less than a three hour drive from Sydney, making it close enough to the big smoke but just far away enough to keep it’s unique regional feel. With a world class entertainment and events, great facilities, affordable lifestyle and a thriving social scene all wrapped up among the city’s heritage buildings and rich history.
You’ll find everything you need from our state of the art public hospital, well-established support network in aged care, myriad of educational institutions no matter what your level of study, and a wide range of career opportunities to kick start your life in Central West NSW. Not to mention the fabulously distinct seasons you’ll enjoy throughout the year from balmy summer days to crisp winter nights.
Need more convincing? Take a drive through the country landscape that has inspired artists for generations and you’ll understand why people have been captivated by Bathurst. And if that’s not enough, you only have to say hello to any local to get a warm smile, friendly