Wagga Wagga to Bathurst road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Wagga Wagga to Bathurst drive: Cowra to Carcour

The Cowra to Bathurst leg of the road trip is a 106km drive along the Mid Western Highway.

It’s a very rural drive, passing what seems at times to be endless canola fields. The first settlement of any real size along the route is Lyndhurst. The historic Royal Hotel is the main place of interest here.

Otherwise, continue to Mandurama, where there’s another Royal Hotel to try. They like Royal Hotels in these parts…

Much more interesting, however, is Carcoar. Also on the Mid Western Highway, Carcoar happily milks its heritage village status. Kangaroos hang out in the surrounding hills, pretty Carcoar Dam is a popular spot for fishing and water sports and the village itself has a host of quirky little museums. These include the 20^th Century Toy Museum and a Hospital Museum.

Carcoar is also at the foot of Mount Macquarie, a 1,220m-high peak that is often snow-capped even when the surrounding area isn’t.

Carcour to Bathurst

The final worthwhile stop is Blayney, where the Church Hill Lookout offers excellent views over the rolling hills and Athol Gardens is dotted with fountains and sculptures.

Attractions in Bathurst include the Bathurst Rail Museum, Abercrombie House and the Mount Panorama racing circuit. The Rydges Bathurst hotel is right next to the race track, while other Bathurst accommodation includes the apartment-style Littomore Hotels and Suites plus the NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park.