We set out this morning and travel west towards the Blue Mountains, stopping at the beautiful Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah for morning tea. Surrounded by cool-climate gardens and spectacular mountain scenery, it is a lovely place to pause before continuing our journey.

We then travel onwards to Bathurst, where we enjoy lunch before visiting Ben Chifley’s Cottage. During our self-guided visit, we gain a fascinating insight into the life of former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley and the remarkably modest home he shared with his wife, Elizabeth.

This afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bathurst, taking in some of the city’s notable landmarks including the historic Courthouse, Boer War Memorial and Carillon.

No visit to Bathurst would be complete without experiencing Mount Panorama, and we finish our afternoon sightseeing with a lap of the legendary motor racing circuit before checking into Rydges Mount Panorama.

Tonight is a special highlight of our tour as we make our way to magnificent Abercrombie House for a wonderful Yulefest celebration. This historic Scottish baronial mansion provides the perfect setting for a festive mid-winter feast, as we enjoy an evening filled with atmosphere, delicious food and Yulefest cheer.

Following our celebration, we return to our hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Rydges Bathurst Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we check out of our accommodation and begin our day with a visit to the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama.

Celebrating Australia’s rich motor racing heritage, the museum houses an impressive collection of cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and displays that bring the history of Australian motorsport to life. It is a fitting conclusion to our time in Bathurst and at the legendary Mount Panorama circuit.

We then travel to the historic town of Portland, where we stop to view the impressive Portland silos and enjoy morning tea. We also take a short drive through the township before continuing our journey through Lithgow and into the Blue Mountains.

Arriving in the picturesque village of Leura, we enjoy lunch before having free time to explore at our own pace. With its boutique shops, inviting cafés, galleries and charming village atmosphere, there is plenty to enjoy during our afternoon visit.

Later, we farewell the Blue Mountains and begin our journey back to Sydney, bringing our Bathurst Yulefest getaway to a close after two wonderful days of history, sightseeing and festive mid-winter cheer.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch