Bathurst Region

Bathurst Region Family

Families in Bathurst Region can share stories and creative play, try gymnastics, explore rail history, find school-holiday activities and connect with practical care. There are also local and regional pathways for early childhood development, parenting support, disability services and youth wellbeing.

✨ Play, learning and school-holiday activities

Bathurst Library – Kids & Teens

Books, building and school-holiday sessions give children several ways to participate at Bathurst Library. During school terms, families can attend Storytime or Baby Rhyme Time, which is designed for children aged six months to three years. The free Lego Club welcomes children aged 5–12, while current holiday activities are advertised with their own age guides. Find the library at 70–78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, or call (02) 6333 6281.

PCYC Bathurst

Active options include KinderGym for children aged 18 months to five years, along with gymnastics and ninja activities. During NSW school terms, little ones can also join Learn to Play sessions with a parent or guardian. PCYC Bathurst runs sports programs in the school holidays, making it worth checking the current program before each break. The club is at the corner of Morrisset and Commonwealth Streets; phone (02) 6331 2191.

Bathurst Rail Museum – Kids Central

Kids Central is a creative play gallery where families can enjoy a reading nook and large Brio train layout. A model railway and other children’s activities extend the visit beyond the play space. Practical facilities include ramps, wheelchair access, baby-change facilities and pram parking. The museum is at 126 Havannah Street, Bathurst; consult its official website for current entry prices and opening days.

Bathurst Goldfields Resort – September School Holiday Tour

For a planned holiday outing, Bathurst Goldfields Resort has published a family tour for Wednesday 30 September 2026, from 1 pm to 3 pm. The afternoon combines history and exploration in the goldfields re-enactment village. Families sign in at the office and souvenir shop at 428 Conrod Straight, Mount Panorama. Check the event details and booking arrangements before attending.

🌟 Creative opportunities for young people

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery – Youth Advocates

Local young people aged 15–24 can build experience in the visual arts through projects, workshops, studio visits and event management. The Youth Advocates program offers a more involved pathway than a general gallery visit, with expressions of interest accepted through Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. BRAG is at 70–78 Keppel Street, Bathurst; enquiries can be made on (02) 6333 6555.

🧸 Early education and flexible care

Scallywags Long Day Care and Preschool

Operated by Bathurst Regional Council, Scallywags provides early education and care for children from six weeks to five years. It operates on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm. Families need to enquire about vacancies before enrolling and may join the waiting list when a place is unavailable. Information about Child Care Subsidy arrangements is provided on the service page.

Bathurst Family Day Care

Approved educators provide home-based education and care in small groups across Bathurst Region and surrounding local government areas. A maximum of four children aged 0–5 may be in care, and available arrangements can include full-time, part-time, casual, before- and after-school, holiday, emergency and overnight care. Contact the coordination team about educator vacancies before enrolling on (02) 6333 6560 or at fdc@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

💛 Development, health and early-years support

Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service (BECIS)

BECIS supports children with disability aged 0–8, together with their families and carers. Available help includes early intervention, speech pathology, family and carer support, programs and resources. The service can also help families connect with other appropriate supports.

PlayConnect+ at BECIS

PlayConnect+ provides a face-to-face playgroup option for families of children with disability or developmental delay. The Bathurst session is listed for Mondays from 10 am to 11.30 am at Bathurst Early Childhood Intervention Service. Contact BECIS on (02) 6338 4453 to confirm current session details before visiting.

Western NSW Local Health District – Child and Family Health

Families with children from birth to five years can receive free support from child and family health nurses, usually at home or through a local community health clinic. Services include routine growth and development checks, breastfeeding assistance and parenting information. Bathurst Health Service also provides local paediatric services; phone (02) 6330 5311.

Building Strong Foundations (Waalan Baaalas)

Based at Bathurst Community Health Service, this Aboriginal-specific multidisciplinary program works with families who have children from birth to five years. It supports children’s health, growth and development, and provides free home visits for newborns. Families can call (02) 6330 5677 for information.

Sustaining NSW Families

This free, voluntary NSW Health home-visiting program serves the Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo area. Support begins during pregnancy or shortly after birth and may continue until the child turns two. Entry requires a referral and eligibility assessment; a maternity provider, doctor or child and family health nurse may make the referral. The area coordinator can be contacted on 0437 215 173.

🤝 Family and youth wellbeing

Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub

The Bathurst and Orange service provides free support for children under 12 experiencing mild to moderate emotional, social or behavioural challenges, as well as their families, carers and kin. Parents and carers can contact the team directly, without a diagnosis or Mental Health Treatment Plan. Depending on availability and individual needs, support may be provided at the hub or another location. Phone (02) 6369 2500.

Veritas House – Targeted Family Service

Families living in the Bathurst Regional Council area with at least one child aged 0–17 can access parenting programs and individualised family support. Assistance may include action and case planning, links with community and other services, parenting support, and skills for managing stress and conflict. Contact Veritas House on 1300 011 973 or (02) 6332 3882.

headspace Bathurst

Young people aged 12–25 can access free, voluntary short-term help with mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, physical and sexual health, and work or study. Appointments may be offered in-centre, by outreach or through telehealth, with support for parents and families available when needed. The wheelchair-accessible centre is at 102 Keppel Street; phone (02) 6941 9021.

📌 A few checks before you go

• Confirm age and eligibility: programs range from baby sessions to services for young adults, and some supports have referral or assessment requirements.
• Book or enquire early: childcare places, holiday programs, tours and expression-of-interest opportunities may have limited availability.
• Check current details: confirm session dates, costs, term schedules and holiday timetables directly with the provider.
• Discuss access needs: ask about physical access, communication support, sensory considerations or alternative service locations before attending.
• Check supervision: clarify whether a parent or guardian must remain, particularly for early-years play and activity sessions.

👉 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Bathurst Region, you are warmly invited to add your own listing or submit an update so local families can find accurate, useful information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on bathurst.nsw.guide.