Bathurst Winter Festival 2023

Fill your winter getaway with wonderous adventures and enjoy the annual 16-day Bathurst Winter Festival. With entertainment for all ages, it is a must-do for family-friendly fun during the winter school holidays—plus, entry is free! 

Bathurst Winter Festival 2023

Get ready to embrace the chill and ignite your spirit at the Bathurst Winter Festival—a celebration of all things winter that brings locals and visitors together to revel in the icy cool energy of the season.

With Bathurst's historic buildings and charming streets as a backdrop, the festival boasts an epic array of activities and attractions that are sure to give you chills in all the right ways. From sipping hot cocoa and jamming to live music in the Winter Playground, to carving up the McDonalds Bathurst Ice Rink or browsing the artisanal stalls of the bustling market, Bathurst Winter Festival is a winter wonderland like no other.

As darkness falls, the festival transforms into a surreal wonderland of light displays and interactive installations that will take your breath away. Prepare to be transported to a world of pure enchantment and delight. So, layer up, round up your squad and prepare for an unforgettable two-week adventure in the heart of winter's embrace this July, at the Bathurst Winter Festival!

Illumination and Lights

The 2023 illuminations bring to life this year's theme 'Connections', and reflect connections to people and place—to each other and our region. Keep an eye on the website for the Illumination Light Walk map which will be released soon, and prepare to be dazzled by the signature illuminations and light shows that bring old buildings to life. Watch vibrant colours and lights play across various buildings—just like a mini VIVID. 

Experience the Magic of Winter Without Breaking the Bank

The Bathurst Winter Festival is a free event that showcases a range of activities including; free illuminations, an enchanted forest, photo opportunities, and interactive games.

During feature events, additional activities take place for free, including live music, circus and ice skating performers, fire performers, stilt walkers, chalk art, lantern making, a silent disco, face painting, and even a petting zoo. There are also affordable paid entertainment options such as the Ferris wheel, Kaleidoscope, and ice skating. Show rides and movie nights are available for a reasonable price.

The festival offers fun and excitement for all ages, and attendees can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.

Kids Day

At the Bathurst Winter Festival, there are two whole days dedicated to kids! They are encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero, princess or book character and come along for a tonne of fun! On Kids Day, you can expect:

• Miniature donkeys
• Petting zoo
• Kids craft
• Face painting
• Circus performances
• Giant lawn games
• Chalk art
• Silent disco
• Markets
• Slot cars
• Mad Hatters Tea Party

Enchanted Forest

Wander through the Enchanted Forest and be mesmerised by larger-than-life rainbows and pinwheels, carefully curated sculptures, and immersive light installations all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Bathurst’s Machattie Park. Be amazed by more than 40 installations all free and accessible for your entertainment.

Winter Playground

 

Open daily from 9 am-9 pm, the Winter Playground features the mind-bending Kaleidoscope mirror maze (the latest masterpiece by artist Keith Courtney), a giant Ferris wheel, and the McDonalds Bathurst Ice Rink! Tickets start at an easy $5 per person.

For the Adults

The commencement of the Bathurst Winter Festival is marked with scrumptious food and beverages, thrilling entertainment, and a showcase of the most talented music students in town. Enjoy mulled wines, spiced ciders, local gins, and great ales from regional brewers, vignerons, and distillers. There’s also a silent disco, twilight markets, roving performers, fire dancers, and ice skating on the McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink.

Unmissable Moments

Armada Bathurst Opening Night—Saturday 1 July 2023
Kids Day brought to you by Bathurst City Centre—Wednesday 5 and 12 July 2023
Accessibility Day—Thursday 6 July 2023
Charles Sturt University Brew & Bite – Friday 7 & Saturday 8 July 2023
Pet Day—Sunday 16 July 2023

McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink

The McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink is open daily from 9 am - 9 pm (the last session at 8 pm) and is open to children aged 3+ years of age. Bring the kids along for a skate or come along to a romantic 'Skate and Date’ on 2 and 9 July 2023.

Quiet Sessions

Quiet Sessions accommodate people with specific sensory sensitivities. No music will be played during these sessions and are suitable for those who would benefit from a more relaxed environment on the McDonald's Ice Rink. These are taking place on the 4, 6, 11, 13 July 2023.

Where:    Bathurst town centre - Kings Parade, Russell Street
When:     1-16 July 2023
Cost:       Toddler (3 - 5 years) $8 per person
                Children (6 - 14 years) $12 per person
                Adults (15+) $15 per person
                Skating aids are $8 each.

To guarantee your spot, it is strongly recommended to pre-book your session in advance. These sessions are incredibly popular and often reach full capacity. Soar ahead of the crowd and secure your spot now to ensure an unforgettable ice skating experience! Book here.

More Winter Magic Near Sydney

Where to See Snow Near Sydney
The Best Spots for Winter Fruit Picking
Whale Watching in Sydney

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