Bathurst to Tamworth road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The Bathurst to Tamworth drive covers a distance of 413km in a driving time of around 4h34m. The best stops to add to a Bathurst to Tamworth road trip itinerary include Sofala, Mudgee and Werris Creek.
The drive from Bathurst to Tamworth connects two of the more interesting inland towns in New South Wales. Bathurst brings private luxury wine tours and jet fighter flights, while Tamworth is known for its country music.
You can look at the Tamworth accommodation options here.
On the way between the two, there’s a nice mixture of natural beauty, heritage and wine.
Bathurst to Tamworth distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Bathurst to Tamworth is 413km. That makes for a driving time of around four hours and 34 minutes.
The best stops to add to a Bathurst to Tamworth road trip itinerary are Sofala, Mudgee and Werris Creek.
Bathurst to Tamworth road trip: Sofala and Lake Windamere
The quickest route leaves Bathurst along Sofala Road.
Sofala is the best stop on the Bathurst to Mudgee leg of the drive. On the Turon River, this former gold rush village is remarkably well-preserved. The gold rush started here in 1851, and gold deposits are still found in the Turon River. You can try your luck panning for gold if you wish.
Otherwise, there’s a downloadable self-guided walking tour route that you can use to navigate around the heritage buildings.
The Bathurst to Tamworth road trip joins the Castlereagh Highway at Ilford, then continues north towards Mudgee.
On the way, it passes Lake Windamere, a lake caused by the Windamere Dam. There’s a pretty picnic area next to the dam, and the lake is a popular fishing spot.
Bathurst to Tamworth road trip stops: Mudgee
As you get close to Mudgee, you’ll start passing several Mudgee region wineries. Logan Wines, Skimstone and Woolshed Wine are amongst those with cellar doors offering tastings.
Things to do in Mudgee include opal-polishing workshops, horse-riding and wine-tasting combos, plus wine tours in a classic car.
Mudgee accommodation picks include the very highly-reviewed Horatio Suites and Motel, the handily central Cobb & Co Court Boutique Hotel and the more upmarket Parkview Hotel.
3 great experiences to book in Mudgee
- Opal-polishing workshop – and set the opals as jewellery.
- Wine and food tour in a classic car – indulge in style.
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight – see the vineyards from above.
Click through for the next section: Goulburn River State Conservation Area.