Living in regional Australia is an attractive prospect for many students. Away from the hustle and bustle of major cities, you can truly relax in the calm air and enjoy silver-studded night skies. One of the most stunning spots to live in regional Australia? Bathurst, New South Wales!
Bathurst is an idyllic regional city to call home for many reasons. Located in regional Australia, it boasts all the benefits of studying in a regional area, as well as some extra unique perks. From gorgeous nature to vibrant cultural amenities, here are 10 awesome reasons to consider living in Bathurst.
Stunning natural surroundings
Rather than skyscrapers and high-rises, Bathurst is surrounded by various natural wonders which offer tranquil escapes from the stresses of student life. At your doorstep, you’ll find breathtaking marvels, such as the hidden the peaceful Machattie Park, Kings Parade and Bicentennial Park. Plus, since the weather in Bathurst and its nearby areas cycle through four distinct seasons, these beautiful spots offer varying atmospheres throughout the year. Visit in the summer and you’ll enjoy sunshine and heat, but visit Bathurst surroundings in the winter and you might just see some picturesque snow!
A fascinating history
As a city, Bathurst boasts a long and intriguing history. Before colonisation, Bathurst was occupied by the Wiradjuri Indigenous peoples, who continue to play an important role in the region today.
History buffs can also check out Abercrombie House (pictured above), a home built in the 1870s by the Stewart family, who were Bathurst pioneers.
Bathurst also has a strong history as the first mining town where a nugget of gold was unearthed during the peak of the Gold Rush. Proud of this legacy, locals offer exciting opportunities to fossick for gold, with people regularly making discoveries in the region. Will you be next?
Live in Australia’s racing capital
Living in Bathurst also provides another inimitable offering: the rush of the racetrack! If you’re looking for some excitement outside the classroom, look no further than Bathurst’s Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. The mountainous speedway is the battleground for fierce competitions such as the Repco Bathurst 1000, a winding 1000km race that attracts over 200,000 spectators each year.
A superb selection of food and drink
Foodies will delight in Bathurst’s assortment of food and drink venues. Ranging from comforting pub fare to fine dining, Bathurst offers options to suit any budget. Whether you’re keen for a quick, cheap meal between lectures or hoping to splurge on a special occasion, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Bathurst. The city is also peppered with restaurants from a variety of cultures. Check out the inviting, leafy courtyard (and the delicious Mexican treats) of El Guapo Cantina or the aesthetic and delicious Terrace Thai for dinner. For a go-to student brunch spot, be sure to visit The Hub Espresso Bar and Eatery.
Vibrant cultural amenities
Bathurst is home to various cultural experiences for you to enjoy. Art enthusiasts can flock to the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, T.Arts Gallery or Bathurst Arts Trail Inc. Music lovers can explore the vibrant live music scene, with gigs at various venues throughout the week (hint: you can join this Facebook community for more information).
Gain a high-quality education
Bathurst is home to an impressive 55 institutions across all levels of education, so international students are spoiled for choice in this charming region. Charles Sturt University is a leading regional university, with its headquarters based in Bathurst. Charles Sturt University presents students with diverse degree options and many hands-on experiences that simply aren’t available to city-dwellers.
A tight-knit community
Regional communities are known for being inviting and inclusive. Locals work hard to make newcomers, including international students, feel at home. The Bathurst Welcome Lunch is a great example of this, where the mayor, council members and volunteer groups come together twice a year to facilitate new friendships and community support for new arrivals.
A bustling shopping scene
Shopaholics can revel in Bathurst’s shopping scene, which features three shopping centres with supermarkets, clothing stores and homeware shops. Don’t miss the pre-loved treasures at Kings Antiques, the lush plants at Drayshed Nursery and artisan hand-made giftware at the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) shop. By shopping here, you’ll be supporting local Australian businesses and artists at prices that won’t break the bank.
A diverse job market
Planning to work during or after your studies? Well, you’ll be glad to hear that jobs in Bathurst aren’t hard to come by! Whether you’re looking for part-time jobs in Bathurst or full-time employment in the region, you’ll have an array of positions to explore in a rich breadth of industries. These sectors include agriculture, construction, creative industries, health and more. You can learn more about jobs in Bathurst by checking out the industry employment statistics here.
Explore events year-round
When living in Bathurst, your calendar will never be empty. From art exhibitions to comedy shows, the city hosts an excellent selection of events throughout the year. Keep your eye on upcoming Bathurst events via Visit NSW to add some activities to your agenda.
Read more:
- Studying in Regional Australia and What This Means for Your Visa
- What is it Like Studying in Regional Australia?
Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Named the #1 university for graduate employment, Charles Sturt University is the ideal place to begin your study journey in regional Australia. With campuses in some of New South Wales’ fastest-growing regional cities, you’ll benefit from a unique study experience with access to the best of city and regional living.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. Charles Sturt University CRICOS Provider Number: 00005F
