Spread the love

The Bathurst Showground Camping | Mount Panorama & Racing Capital Base

For motor racing enthusiasts, history buffs, and travellers exploring the NSW Central Tablelands, The Bathurst Showground offers an unbeatable camping destination. Located in Australia’s oldest inland city and home to the legendary Mount Panorama racing circuit, this historic showground provides a spacious, convenient, and affordable base for all types of campers. The grounds are vast and feature expansive, level, grassy areas that can easily accommodate the largest motorhomes and big rigs, as well as caravans, camper trailers, and tents. It’s the ultimate stopover for anyone wanting to soak up the atmosphere of Australia’s motorsport capital.

The showground’s prime location is its greatest feature. You are just a stone’s throw from the iconic Mount Panorama, where you can drive the world-famous circuit yourself (outside of race events) and visit the National Motor Racing Museum. The showground is also perfectly positioned to explore Bathurst’s rich colonial and gold rush history, evident in its stunning Victorian architecture and numerous museums. The vibrant city centre, with its beautiful parks, classic pubs, acclaimed restaurants, and all major services, is just a short drive away. The facilities at the showground are comprehensive, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay, including a large number of powered sites, clean amenities, and a dump point. Whether you’re in town for a race meeting, exploring the region’s history, or simply breaking a journey, The Bathurst Showground offers a practical and exciting place to stay.

Campground Details

The Bathurst Showground – NSW Map

Name: The Bathurst Showground
Address: Lot 1/28 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795
www.bathurstshowground.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -33.41778, 149.58943

Location: In the regional city of Bathurst, close to the city centre and Mount Panorama.
Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
Site Surface: Mostly level grass with some gravel/dirt areas.
Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the on-site caretaker on arrival.
Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, but check with the caretaker, especially during major race weeks.
Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a very large number of powered sites are available.
Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered camping space is available.

Facilities

Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers are available.
Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.

Activities & Important Information

Essentials to Bring: Warm clothing (Bathurst has cold winters), long power lead, and water hose.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Fishing: Fishing for trout and native species is popular in the nearby Macquarie River and Chifley Dam.
Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and into the city to explore beautiful parks and heritage buildings.

Local Amenities (in Bathurst)

Pubs & Places to Eat

The George Hotel: A beautifully restored historic pub with a popular bistro and beer garden, approx. 2 km.
The Oxford Hotel: A local favourite known for its great food and lively atmosphere, approx. 3 km.
Jack Duggan’s Irish Pub: Offers hearty meals, a great atmosphere, and is a Bathurst institution, approx. 3 km.

Local Attractions

Mount Panorama Racing Circuit: Drive the iconic track and visit the National Motor Racing Museum at the base of the mountain.
Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum: Home to the Somerville Collection, including a complete T-Rex skeleton.
Abercrombie House: A magnificent 1870s heritage mansion offering tours and events.
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG): A high-quality regional gallery with a focus on Australian art.

Camping & Services

Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in and around Bathurst.
Next Free Camps: Some options are available in nearby state forests (e.g., Sunny Corner) and at rest areas on the highways.
Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site for registered campers.
Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations are located throughout the city.
Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Note: Bathurst is in the Central Tablelands and has a cool, temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with pleasant evenings. Temperatures can exceed 30°C.
Autumn (Mar-May): Famous for its spectacular autumn foliage. Days are mild and sunny, nights are crisp and cool.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold. Days are chilly, and nights are frosty, with temperatures often dropping well below zero. Occasional snowfalls can occur.
Spring (Sep-Nov): The city’s parks and gardens burst into colour. Weather is mild and often sunny, a great time for touring.

The Bathurst Showground Camping – Mount Panorama & Racing Capital Base