Do your children know a bodger from a blacksmith? Love watching professional sand sculptors at work, or want to learn a new craft such as how to knit socks? With over 100 artisans and craftspeople attending from across Australia, there’s something for everyone in the family at this year’s ‘Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail’ on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March. And kids go free!
The huge two-day program features a fair at the historic Bathurst Showground and children under 18 are offered free entry, so it’s a great value day out. There will be stalls, entertainment, displays, demonstrations, live music, old-fashioned food, and some fabulous add-on experiences to further explore Bathurst’s iconic attractions.
Must dos for families:
- Meet a bodger – learn about rare and lost trades, including a bodger, who was a traditional craftsman that lived in forests and made chairs and furniture from timber.
- Ride an authentic Cobb & Co coach – also crack a whip, learn to crochet, sew, and watch a professional sand sculptor at work.
- Meet the makers and learn their craft – there will be potters, toymakers, photographers, cobblers, candle-makers, Aboriginal tool makers, violin makers, spinners, weavers and more.
- New ‘Heritage Trail’ – ticket holders receive 50% off entry to seven iconic heritage venues including Abercrombie House, Miss Traill’s House and Garden, the Bathurst Rail Museum, Chifley Home, Bathurst District Historical Society Museum and Old Government Cottage. Available as a self-drive, or via the free shuttle buses operating both days.
Rare and lost trades are making a big comeback as people are drawn to the beauty, passion, and health benefits of learning a craft. There’s also a trend toward sustainability and hand-made items and toys that are made or mended, not discarded.
As Australia’s first inland city, and just 2.5hrs drive from Sydney, Bathurst is the ideal location for this annual celebration. It is a signature event of the Autumn Colours Heritage Festival, held annually throughout the Bathurst region, Wiradjuri Country. The event is supported by the NSW Government through the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
For more information and tickets to go www.bathurstregion.com.au
Event details:
- Tickets: Tickets are $20 (online early bird entry) or $25 at the gate for unlimited entry over both days. All accompanied school age children are free. Tickets are valid for entry to both days of the Trail.
- Date and time: 10am-4pm on Sat 16 and Sun 17 March 2024
- Venue: Bathurst Showground, 28 Kendall Ave, Bathurst. The free shuttle bus departs from here to seven other venues around the region.
