Frequently Asked Questions

General

Where is the festival?

The Bathurst Winter Festival is located in the heart of Bathurst's CBD across Kings Parade, Russell Street and Machattie Park.

The McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink is located in front of the historic Bathurst Courthouse.

If using Google Maps, Apple Maps or alike to find the festival, we recommend putting in 3 Church Street, Bathurst as the address.

Get directions

When is the 2024 Bathurst Winter Festival?

In 2024 the Bathurst Winter Festival will run from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 July, during the NSW Winter School Holidays. A full calendar of events can be found here.

What are the future dates for the Bathurst Winter Festival?

5 – 20 July 2025

6 - 17 July 2026

Do I need to purchase a ticket?

Festival entry is free and there's a huge array of attractions and activities free to enjoy. Check out the full program of events here.

Tickets need to be purchased for:

  • McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink. We recommend pre-booking your ice skating session to avoid disappointment. Book online here.
  • Giant Ferris Wheel - $5 per person. Purchase from the ticket box located in the Winter Playground.
  • Two-storey Carousel - $5 per person. Purchase from the ticket box located in the Winter Playground.
  • Additional Rides - $5 per person. Purchase from the ticket box located in the Winter Playground.

What time is the festival open?

The Winter Playground is open 9am - 9pm daily, 6 - 21 July 2024.

Within the Winter Playground you'll find:

  • McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink - Ice skating sessions run every hour with the last session starting at 8pm.
  • Giant Ferris Wheel - Open 9am - 9pm daily.
  • Additional Rides - Opening times and days available vary.

What are the travel times between Bathurst and other major towns in the area?

Travelling by car:

  • Blayney – 30 minutes
  • Lithgow – 45 minutes
  • Orange – 50 minutes
  • Cowra – 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Mudgee – 1 hour 30 minutes

 

What do I need to bring to the festival?

  • Warm clothes – beanie, scarf, gloves.
  • Your phone or camera to take pictures.
  • Your pre-purchased ticket to the McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink.
  • A refillable drink bottle, there are water fill stations located throughout the festival.
  • Your reusable Bathurst Winter Festival wine glass or keep cup to enjoy your mulled wine, cider or other drinks.

Where can I find more info about events and programs?

Check out the full program here.

Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on everything Bathurst Winter Festival.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Is the festival wheelchair accessible?

Yes, there are access ramps located near all accessible parking zones. Please be aware that some grassed areas of the park may be difficult to access by wheelchair.

More information on Festival Accessibility can be found here.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, we welcome dogs, however, due to the large crowds expected, no dogs are allowed into the venue on the following Feature Festival Nights:

  • Saturday 6 July, 4pm - 9pm (Opening Night)
  • Friday 12 July, 4pm - 9pm (Brew & Bite)
  • Saturday 13 July, 12pm - 9pm (Brew & Bite)

Assistance animals accepted at all times.

We even have a Pet Parade on the final day of the Festival, so bring your fur baby along!

Will alcohol be sold at the festival?

Yes, at Opening Night & Brew & Bite.

Enjoy a variety of mulled wines, craft ales, gins, ciders and beers by some of the regions best vignerons, brewers and distillers.

Will food be available at the festival?

Yes, there will be food and beverages available 9am - 9pm daily throughout the festival. There will also be plenty of other delicious food options at Opening Night and Brew & Bite.

Can I bring food into the festival?

Yes, patrons are welcome to bring food into the event. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase.

 

Will there be market stalls?

Yes, market stalls will feature is at:

  • Brew & Bite - Friday 12 July, 4pm to 9pm and Saturday 13 July, 12pm to 9pm
  • Kids Day - Wednesday 10 and Wednesday 17 July, 9am to 5pm
  • Winter Wind Down - Sunday 21 July, 9am - 3pm

Is there a parent's room at the festival?

No, the closest parent’s room can be found at the Bathurst Chase shopping Centre located at 39 William Street, Bathurst.

 

How do I pay for things at the festival?

Ice Skating - Pre-purchase online or from the reception desk located within the McDonald's Bathurst Ice Rink marquee.

Rides - Purchase from the onsite ticket box located in the Winter Playground. Eftpos and cash payments accepted.

Food and Beverages - Most food and beverage vendors accept both Eftpos and cash, some are cash only.

Market Stalls - Most market stalls accept both Eftpos and cash, some are cash only.

Are there ATM facilities available at the festival?

No, there will be no ATMs on site.

 

Will merchandise be sold at the festival?

Yes, merchandise will be available for purchase from the onsite ticket box.

What if it rains?

If it rains the event will go ahead unless conditions are deemed to be dangerous. The ice rink can operate in almost all weather conditions.

If the forecast is for even the slightest possibility of rain bring good quality raincoats and suitable footwear.

 

Are there first aid and medical services at the festival?

Yes, first aid is available within the ice rink 9am - 9pm daily. St John’s Ambulance will also be on-site to assist with medical emergencies on Feature Festival Nights (Opening Night and Brew & Bite).

Please ask Security, Event Staff or First Aid officers for help if you require medical attention. Please consider others as well as your own safety. If someone is in need of medical attention please let Security, Event staff or First Aid know so they can help.

Bathurst Base Hospital Emergency Department is located at 361 Howick Street, (02) 6330 5311.

In the event of an emergency, call 000 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade assistance.

Lost property enquires?

All lost property enquiries are handled by the friendly staff at the ticket booth located in the Winter Playground. If you find something, or you have lost an item, please see the staff there.

Please contact events@bathurst.nsw.gov.au outside of event hours.

How do I stay updated on the festival?

Keep an eye on our socials, Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of the most up to date information on the Bathurst Winter Festival.

Where can I see photos from the Festival?

Head to our Photo Gallery to check out all the memories from our past festivals or the Bathurst Winter Festival Facebook page.

All media representatives requiring photos, please email media@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

  

Travel & Transport

Where is the best place to stay during the Bathurst Winter Festival?

Bathurst has a wonderful range of accommodation available from budget options through to luxury stays.

Accommodation is in peak demand over the Festival period so we recommend booking early.

Check out the incredible offers from our Accommodation Partners here. 

If you need further assistance please contact the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6332 1444 or visitors@bathurst.nsw.gov.au and the friendly staff will help you.

What are the travel times between Bathurst and other major towns in the area?

Travelling by car:

  • Blayney – 30 minutes
  • Lithgow – 45 minutes
  • Orange – 50 minutes
  • Cowra – 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Mudgee – 1 hour 30 minutes

 

Where can I park and enter the festival?

General public parking can be found in the streets around the event precinct.

Designated accessible parking can be found on William Street and George Street.

All day parking is available in along George and Keppel Street next to Machattie Park, as well as the Bathurst RSL carpark off Rankin Street.

Find out more here.

  

Feedback & Involvement

How do I register as a food or beverage vendor?

Food and beverage vendor applications for the 2024 Festival are now open. You can apply to be a vendor and find more details here.

How do I register as a market stall holder?

Market stall applications for the 2024 festival are now open. You can apply to run a stall and find more details here.

How can my business be part of the Bathurst Winter Festival?

Restauranteurs, bar and café owners, hoteliers, retailers, entertainers, museums, tour providers or local attractions can all be part of NSW’s longest running Winter Festival simply by registering in the Program of Events.

To be included in the official Bathurst Winter Festival Program of Events businesses are encouraged to host their own event, activity or promotion anytime throughout the 16 days that the festival runs. These additional festival events encourage visitors and locals to explore the Bathurst Region and extend their stay during during what is usually a quiet time of year for local businesses and tourism providers.

If you're stuck for ideas, we encourage you to give us a call on 02 6333 6111 and we're more than happy to help. 

Other ways to be involved include:

As an artist, how can I exhibit at the my work at the festival?

Expressions of interest for entertainers, musicians, artists and ideas are now open. Apply here.

Applications for the 2024 Art in the Park exhibition will open soon. Find out more here.