My Patch: Bathurst, NSW

Bathurst is a beautiful country town and a great combination of rich history meeting modern society. There's plenty to see for everyone but if you have a need for speed then it's a destination that needs to be plugged into your GPS.

Bathurst is synonymous with motor car racing. The home of Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000, the town is a must-see for motor-car enthusiasts.

And for those wanting to dodge the large crowds but still get a taste of the action, the circuit is open to motorists all year around when there are no races on. There's also the National Motor Racing Museum, which has a terrific display of memorabilia telling the stories of drivers and events.

Bathurst also holds a lot of history that doesn't involve motor-car racing, which can be seen in the various museums and historic attractions around the town. Places to visit for history buffs include Abercrombie House, Chifley Home, Old Government Cottage, and Miss Traill's House and Garden. All are well-preserved pieces of heritage that take visitors back in time to what life was like in the 1800s.

In terms of museums, there's plenty for both adults and children between the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum, the Bathurst Rail Museum, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and Ash's Speedway Museum. Each features a terrific range of items and memorabilia showcasing the region and its history.

For all the foodies out there Bathurst offers a wide range of options, with many cafes, pubs and restaurants to try out. The Kings Hotel, Bathurst RSL, The 1880 Hotel, Panthers Leagues Club, The Oxford Hotel and many more have your pub grub and entertainment covered. There's also a range of cuisines including the standout Tamarin Indian, one among several Indian restaurants in addition to Thai, Chinese and Lebanese restaurants.

Among the cafes, The Grind, attached to the RSL, is a personal favourite; the donuts are a must-try. Country Coffee is another go-to: it's central, the staff are lovely and it's always a good feed.

From caravan parks to hotels and motels, and even some luxury accommodation and Airbnb options, there's something to suit all travel budgets. Many of the pubs have accommodation - like The Panorama and The Victoria - and luxe options include the Wool Store: five New York loft-style apartments in a refurbished heritage building.

Another great perk of visiting Bathurst is how central the town is to other attractions around the Central West region. It's only a short drive to some very popular destinations including Mayfield Gardens and Jenolan Caves. bathurstregion.com.au