BATHURST SPRING SPECTACULAR BLOOMS INTO A WEEKEND ESCAPE

Bathurst War Memorial and Carillon during the Spring Spectacular

Bathurst will come alive in a riot of colour this October as the Bathurst Spring Spectacular returns on October 25 and 26, bigger and brighter than ever.

What began in 2006 as a celebration of gardens has blossomed into a whole weekend of experiences, turning the city into one of the state’s most enticing spring destinations.

At the heart of the festival are eight open gardens, each hand-picked for its seasonal beauty.

From grand country estates with sweeping lawns to intimate cottage gardens overflowing with tulips and daffodils, the variety is as dazzling as the colours.

Visitors will find fruit trees heavy with blossom, stone-walled garden rooms, bubbling fountains, sculptures hidden among flowerbeds, and flocks of friendly chooks scratching under hedges.

The event is a chance not just to admire the gardens but also to chat with their owners, many of whom are generous with tips and stories about how they’ve cultivated their landscapes.

Live music drifts through the gardens, artisan market stalls line the paths, and the giant monster plant sale remains a highlight for anyone keen to bring a little of Bathurst’s spring home with them.

For those who want to make the most of the weekend, Bathurst Tours will operate a hop-on, hop-off service linking the gardens and attractions.

This year, the program extends well beyond the garden gates. Culture lovers can immerse themselves in the Out West Piano Fest at Blackdown Farm from 24–26 October, blending fine music with country charm.

On 25 October, the Bathurst Farmers Market will tempt with local produce, while historic Abercrombie House hosts a traditional roast lunch on 26 October.

Tours of Miss Traill’s House and Garden, a heritage gem, provide a glimpse into the region’s layered history.

Just outside town, Mayfield Garden’s famous Spring Festival runs daily, offering another floral wonderland.

The Bathurst Spring Spectacular has always been about more than flowers. It’s a celebration of community and place, showcasing the cool-climate beauty and hospitality that make Bathurst unique.