A weekend in Bathurst inspired by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s itinerary won’t include Bathurst when they head Down Under for the Invictus Games this October, unlike Queen Elizabeth II who visited the town back in 1954, and again with Prince Philip in 1982.
If the royal couple did visit the regional city in the Central Tablelands this itinerary would surely delight.
Dinner at Restaurant 9inety 2wo
Restaurant 9inety 2wo is set in a beautiful 1877 heritage building, once the Temperance Hall of Bathurst. Luckily, temperance is a thing of the past and you can enjoy a glass – or several – of fine local wine. The list here is overflowing with wines from Bathurst and the surrounding region. The Mod Oz menu includes highlights like lamb rump roast over wood chips with cumin roast eggplant, garlic and tahini, or order one of Meghan’s favourites, pasta – in this case hand cut pasta, tossed with prawns, prosciutto and zucchini.
Stargaze at the Bathurst Observatory
Star-crossed lovers can stargaze under the quintessential big country night sky at the Bathurst Observatory. Let the stars twinkle in your lover’s eyes while you learn about the mythology of the constellations, including Indigenous sky law, from local astronomers and the ancient astronomical knowledge of the Wiradjuri people which has been passed down through the centuries.
Stay Bishop’s Court Estate
Cocooned in beautiful parklands, Bishop’s Court Estate is a charming boutique hotel that will make you feel like royalty. They pride themselves on creating a personalised experience, tailored to your wants and needs. Sleep in an oversized sleigh bed, wake up to sweeping views through the floor to ceiling windows, laze away an afternoon in the library.
Breakfast at The Hub
Start your royal day off with breakfast right in the heart of town at The Hub. This popular spot plates up iconic favourites with a twist such as the Benny Bagel, Brekkie Burrito and The Hub Big Breakfast all made from locally sourced produce. If you have time, pop into the vintage stores on Keppel Street for a unique find.
Wine tasting at Renzaglia Wines
Stop in at the quaint little village of O’Connell for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz at the family owned and operated Renzaglia Wines. Have a chat with local owner Mark Renzaglia, an award-winning winemaker, about the intricacies of winemaking in the Bathurst region.
Cruise Mount Panorama in a vintage car
Take some inspiration from the Royal couple, who departed their wedding ceremony in a vintage Jaguar, and hire a beautiful vintage car to take a spin around Mount Panorama, also known by its Indigenous name, Wahluu. Pack a picnic to enjoy when you reach McPhillamy Park at the summit while you soak up the spectacular views of the Central West.
Get creative
Rumour has it Prince Harry bought an original artwork titled ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’ back in October 2016, just days before his romance with Meghan went public. Coincidence? We think not. Explore Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, home to an impressive permanent collection including works from well-known Australian artists such as John Olsen and Fred Williams, and see which artworks spark feelings of love.
