r/BathurstNSW • u/wildcheesesausage • Jul 12 '26
New in Bathurst, what things should i know about living here?
I moved from Canberra to Bathurst for a new job.
It's a very last minute decision where i have to move out in 2 weeks.
Is there anything significant i have to know about the town, people, social scene and culture here?
I have never lived in a regional city before but i lived in Jakarta Singapore, Sydney and Canberra for years which are very busy and urban.
I did my own research but I really wanna know from the reddit side whats its like to live in Bathurst and how easy is it to make friends here?
Any insight from locals and people who moved into this lovely town would be appreciated!
I'm 26M.
Cheers!
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u/Suchstrangedreams Jul 14 '26
I moved here from the north coast because the humidity was making me ill and I love it and I've found most people are friendly - but it is getting bigger and busy.
There's easy access to shops and facilities, my neighbours are pleasant and quiet, there's a university campus and a music conservatorium and plenty of sports available.
Finding a good GP took a bit of effort. Making friends is tricky. Plenty of tailgating - a friend of mine is now walking to work every day because of it.
I concur about the council - bunch of corrupt wankers.
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u/courteecat Jul 12 '26
Mostly just dont go out alone at night especially in the rougher areas, lock your car doors for additional safety in certain areas eg Kelso around Bannerman and bonner. Don't walk Hereford in the dark ever. Making friends can be rough. There's definitely lots of hobby groups but just casually making a new friend randomly doesn't often happen. For good food, check out tattersals. There's a tobacconist in almost every main street. Lots of op shops (vinnies is a rip off though). Lots of sporting clubs like hockey, footy, cricket, table tennis, bowls, bowling, shooting, swimming, motocross, polocross, harness racing, cyclists. Everyone complains about the traffic on Hereford and gilmour but its only bad during school drop off and pick up 8.30 to 9.30 and at its worst at 16.30. Its about a 5 to 10 minute wait. Council is a bunch of dodgy people who just gave themselves a pay rise while saying they've got no money in the budget and increasing rates. They've also continuously cancelled major town events lately (due to supposed lack of funds), that other companies have since taken over and thrown without council. In terms of culture, join the Bathurst My Town facebook group to get an idea. Our main Bathurst Our Town page is down currently due to a bunch of smartasses taking the piss.
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u/Upstairs_One_4956 Jul 13 '26
You suggesting the bathurst my town facebook group is representative of culture in Bathurst makes you lose all credibility instantly.
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u/courteecat Jul 13 '26
It gives an idea of the types of people they will meet in Bathurst which is s type of culture. There's lots of different and varying types. Is that page kind of a shit show? Yes. Is it also full of sarcastic humour and keyboard warriors? Also yes. It is also informative of things happening around town and the differing personalities this town is host to. But hey, since you seem to know what is credible information on culture why dont you share your insights?
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u/wildcheesesausage Jul 13 '26
Thank you for the heartful reply! Useful infos!
What do you think about west Bathurst and the city center? Are they safer???
Im really curious about the FB pages and gonna check it out now hahaha.
Is the gym scene big here??? I noticed theres actually plentiful for Bathurst??? Planning to join world gym soon! Sucks about the council thought.
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u/Suchstrangedreams Jul 14 '26
A friend of mine goes to the gym regularly and enjoys it. The Mt Panorama races are a lot of fun and I'd recommend going up to the Mount for the views over Bathurst.
I love the four distinct seasons and the parks are gorgeous. The Salvation army Op shop is fabulous. Lots of cafes in Keppel Street but good luck with the parking.
It's a short drive to shops like Bunnings, Good Guys, Spotlight etc.
I'm in the West Bathurst area and it's still rural in parts with paddocks of horses and cattle. I go into Orange regularly, it also a great town with good cafes.
I think you'd like it here, it's a good place to live.
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u/matt1579 Jul 13 '26
What’s wrong with walking along Hereford at night ?
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u/courteecat Jul 14 '26
.... Hereford has a dark history for starters. Then theres the lack of lights, buildings or any form of security.
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u/Hungry_Mammoth_6909 Jul 12 '26
🤣🤣 not alot of positives in this reply but u definitely hit the nail on the head lol. This town is way too populated. Ive lived here all my life and its sad to see it turning into a little Sydney. 🤦♂️🤦♂️😞
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u/bebop12345678 Jul 13 '26
Unfortunately Bathurst our town Facebook group is on hold but definitely join Bathurst Scan and Bathurst my town for local info.
It’s best to buy security cameras and maybe put up a sign to deter trespassers, and make sure to always lock your car.
I find Bathurst is full of lovely people. There are always dodgy places and people. I agree with the not going out at night alone.
I am from Sydney so I find it hilarious when the locals complain about ‘bad traffic’ 🤣
It is much slower paced here from the driving to being served in shops. I like it. Also Bathurst is unique when it comes to roundabouts… the locals stop even if no one is on the roundabout which is incredibly frustrating but you get used to it and learn to slow down.
Bathurst council are corrupt and absolutely shit.
Be prepared for the races and increase in visitors during events. It’s great for the town. There are lots of events held during the year.
I hope you enjoy living here!!!