EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

Accommodation is relatively expensive here, but try the Park Hotel at the corner of George and Keppel streets (tel 02/6331 3399; $50-70) for comfortable B&B and motel-style units. There are a dozen or more motels along the highway, as well as holiday units at Rossmore Park Farm Holidays , at the Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome (tel 02/6337 3634, fax 6337 3441, http://civ.com.au/rossmore ; 7 full board), and camping at East Bathurst Holiday Park , on the highway in Kelso, 5km east (tel 02/6331 8286, www.alaneastholidayparks.com.au ; cabins $35-50). One budget option is the Family Hotel on the corner of Bentick and Russell streets (tel 02/6334 2414; $35-50), which is clean and cheap and includes breakfast - though be aware that the pub below features topless girls on Thursday and Friday nights. Otherwise the Edinboro Castle at 134 William St (tel 02/6331 5020; $50-70) has reasonably-priced singles and doubles as does the nearby Knickerbocker Hotel at 110 William St (tel 02/6332 4500; $70-90) which also includes breakfast. For a splurge, the best suites are at the lavish Royal Hotel at 108 William St (tel 02/6332 4920, fax 6332 3132; $115-150), the town's jewel-in-the-crown heritage building.

There's a variety of restaurants in the city centre, including Thai, Indian and modern Australian cuisine. Most of the town's pubs also serve counter meals or have bistros at the back. The Yoga Tandoori House at 94 Bentick St (tel 02/6332 3320; lunch Mon & Wed-Sat, dinner daily) has an extensive selection of curries including many veggie ones. For à la carte dining, try Lamplighters at 126 William St (tel 02/6331 1448; closed Sun) with blackboard specials and old world charm. In a similar vein, Vines Cottage at 142 William St (tel 02/6331 6470; closed Sun) has some more unusual fare, including dishes like kangaroo in port and blackberry sauce. In the Royal Hotel building, the Heritage Royal Coffee House has superb coffee and cakes, while Crêpes Royale serves French-inspired dishes from morning tea to dinner (closed Mon). Zegelers Cafe at 52 Keppel St (tel 02/6332 1565), close to the train station, has good lunches in a leafy courtyard and cosy, candlelight dinners in the evening.

Due to the presence of so many students, Bathurst has a reasonable nightlife , centering mainly on the pubs close to the university. Particularly popular is the Oxford Tavern on the corner of William and Piper streets, opposite the enormous Leagues Club. Friday is club night, featuring guest DJs at the Site on George Street ($6 entry).