Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023 the Bathurst Winter Festival will run from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 July. A full calendar of events can be found here.

1 – 16 July 2023

6 – 21 July 2024

5 – 20 July 2025

Festival entry free, plus 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 - Adult $15, Child $12, Toddler $8, Skating Aid $8. We recommend pre-booking your ice skating session to avoid disappointment. Book online here.
• Giant Ferris Wheel - $5 per person. Purchase from the onsite ticket box.
• Kaleidoscope - Child $10, Adult $15. Purchase from the onsite ticket box.
• Additional Rides - $5 per person. Purchase from the onsite ticket box.

The Winter Playground is open 9am - 9pm daily, 1 - 16 July 2023.

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.
• Kaleidoscope Mirror Maze - Open 10am - 9pm daily.
• Giant Ferris Wheel - Open 9am - 9pm daily.
• Additional Rides - Open 9am - 9pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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

The 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

Travelling by car:

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

• 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 win glass, if you've attended a previous Bathurst Winter Festival.

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.

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.

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 1 July, 4pm - 9pm (Opening Night)
• Friday 7 July, 4pm - 9pm (Brew & Bite)
• Saturday 8 July, 12pm - 9pm (Brew & Bite)

Assistance animals accepted at all times.

We even have a day dedicated to dogs! Bring your fur baby along on Pet Day.

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.

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.

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

Yes, market stalls will feature is at:

• Brew & Bite - Friday 7 July, 4pm to 9pm and Saturday 8 July, 12pm to 9pm
• Kids Day - Wednesday 6 and Wednesday 12 July, 9am to 5pm
• Pet Day - Sunday 16 July, 9am to 5pm

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

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

Rides and Kaleidoscope - Purchase from the onsite ticket box. 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.

No, there will be no ATMs on site.

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

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.

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 key 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 next to the event precinct, at 361 Howick Street, (02) 6330 5311.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can find a list of accommodation providers throughout the region here.

You can book a temporary caravan site, bring your own or hire a caravan, or stay like a local in a home.

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.

Travelling by car:

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

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.

Market stall applications for the 2023 festival are now open. You can apply to run a stall and find more details here.

Food and beverage vendor applications for the 2023 Festival are now open. You can apply to be a vendor and find more details here.

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:

• Sponsoring or partnering with the festival
• Attending as a market stall or food/beverage vendor
• Having an activation space at the festival
• Booking a Corporate Skating Session

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

Applications for the 2023 Art in the Park exhibition are now open. Find out more here.