The Surrounding Villages of Bathurst, Australia

Rockley Gardens and Art Festival.
Credit: Facebook

The villages of the Bathurst region encompassed Hill End, Sofala, Wattle Flat and Peel to the north, Sunny Corner and Yetholme to the east, and Perthville, Rockley and Trunky Creek to the south. O'Connell and Tarana are on the border with our neighbouring town, Oberon, to the south-east. Step beyond the city of Bathurst and drive through beautifully scenic landscapes to discover the charm, character and heritage of these tiny towns.

Each of the villages are unique and tell a different part of the regions rich history. Go back in time to the gold rush era of the 1850s by exploring the northern villages. Appreciate the landforms which have inspired generations of notable Australians contemporary visual artists like Brett Whiteley in the years after the Second World War. Discover amazing natural wonders to the east like the giant granite boulders of Evans Crown. Go on a foodie adventure as you travel through a traditional path through lands to the south, with the Rockley Pub recently reopening under Matt Moran.

Rockley Artesian Market
Credit: The Rockley Pub

Attending a village event is a great way to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the region, or supporting the villages livelihood. There are regular events held throughout the year, like the Rockley Artesian Market on the second Sunday of each month and the Tarana Community Farmers Market on the 4th Sunday of each month.

Quirky and annual village traditions include the O'Connell Fish River Festival in summer, the Rebellion on the Turon at Sofala in autumn and the Rockley Gardens and Art Festival in spring. Annual village shows support the local community by preserving proud agricultural history and traditions for generations of farmers. For a fun day out experiencing true village culture, check out the Sofala Show or the Trunkey Creek Wool Festival and Horse Show.

The Rockley Pub

Credit: www.therockleypub.com.au

What the locals love Matt Moran, The Rockley Pub

“Riding my motorbikes around the Bathurst region from from Sofala, Hill End, O’Connell and of course Rockley. There's just something really special about riding on these open country roads. You can't go past the great steak at the restaurant Dogwood, BX. Chef Evan has really created something special with his American style dishes right in the heart of Bathurst. Our family farm in the region is my happy place and I feel at home whenever I am out there. Although living in the city, my heart still very much lies in the country. I can't wait to be spending more time in the region with my new project, the Rockley Pub. I’m really hoping to create something special and reinvigorate the life in the small and beautiful town of Rockley.”

*Source: Bathurst Visitor Information Centre
1 Kendall Ave, Bathurst NSW 2795
(02) 6332 1444
visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au
facebook.com/VisitBathurstNSW
https://www.bathurstregion.com.au/contact-the-visitor-information-centre/