Average Rent in Bathurst by Neighborhood ( Map Areas)
As of early 2025, the median weekly rent in Bathurst ranges from $340 for a 2-bedroom apartment in Kelso to $580 for a 3-bedroom house in Gormans Hill, with an overall median of $420 per week across all property types. The market is tight — vacancy sits at ~1.5% — and properties typically lease within 10–21 days.
1. Average Rent by Neighborhood — Cost Breakdown
Weekly rents in Bathurst vary significantly by suburb, property type, and proximity to the CBD. The table below is based on listings from Domain, realestate.com.au, and local agency data (Jan–Mar 2025).
| Neighborhood | 2‑Bedroom Unit/Apt ($/wk) | 3‑Bedroom House ($/wk) | 4‑Bedroom House ($/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathurst CBD | $400 – $450 | $480 – $550 | $580 – $680 |
| Kelso | $320 – $380 | $380 – $480 | $470 – $560 |
| West Bathurst | $340 – $390 | $380 – $460 | $480 – $570 |
| South Bathurst | $350 – $410 | $400 – $490 | $510 – $600 |
| Eglinton | $370 – $430 | $430 – $520 | $540 – $640 |
| Windradyne | $310 – $360 | $340 – $430 | $430 – $520 |
| Llanarth | $380 – $440 | $450 – $530 | $560 – $660 |
| Abercrombie | $340 – $390 | $380 – $470 | $480 – $570 |
| Gormans Hill | $410 – $470 | $500 – $580 | $620 – $730 |
| Robin Hill | $390 – $450 | $460 – $550 | $570 – $670 |
Source: Domain Rent Report Q1 2025 & realestate.com.au Neighbourhood Profiles.
2. Best Neighborhoods for Different Needs
Choosing the right suburb depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Below is a comparison of top areas for specific needs.
| Priority | Best Suburb | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Windradyne / Kelso | Lowest median rents; good bus routes; Kelso Shopping Centre nearby. |
| Family-friendly | Eglinton / Llanarth | Quiet streets, top-rated primary schools, playgrounds, and low crime. |
| University proximity | Bathurst CBD / Gormans Hill | Walking distance to Charles Sturt University campus and TAFE. |
| Professional couples | Robin Hill / South Bathurst | Modern townhouses, cafes, and quick access to the highway. |
| Scenic & acreage | Gormans Hill / Abercrombie | Larger blocks, valley views, rural feel yet close to town. |
Source: MySchool ACARA data and Walk Score.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Secure a Rental in Bathurst
- Research & shortlist — Use Domain, realestate.com.au, and local agency sites. Set up alerts for your preferred suburbs (e.g., Bathurst CBD, Kelso, Eglinton).
- Prepare documents — Gather 100 points of ID (passport + driver licence), 3 months of payslips or tax returns, bank statements, and previous rental references.
- Attend inspections — Most properties require in-person inspections. Book via the listing agent. Be prepared to apply immediately — good properties go within 48 hours.
- Submit application — Complete the standard NSW Tenancy Application form. Pay the application fee ($25–$35 per person). Agents in Bathurst typically process applications within 1–3 business days.
- Pay holding deposit — If approved, pay 1 week's rent as a holding deposit (refundable if the lease falls through due to the landlord's reasons).
- Sign lease & pay bond — Sign the Residential Tenancy Agreement. Pay 4 weeks' rent as bond (lodged with NSW Rental Bonds Online within 10 business days).
- Condition report — Complete the incoming condition report (photographs recommended) within 7 days of moving in.
4. Key Agencies, Offices & Where to Go
The following are major real estate agencies and government offices in Bathurst that handle rentals, bonds, and tenancy disputes.
| Agency / Office | Address | Phone | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| LJ Hooker Bathurst | 99 William Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | (02) 6331 7000 | Rental listings, lease management |
| Ray White Bathurst | 130 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | (02) 6331 5555 | Property management, tenant placement |
| Raine & Horne Bathurst | 155 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | (02) 6331 7777 | Rentals, sales, property management |
| PRD Bathurst | 53 William Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | (02) 6331 9000 | Residential & commercial rentals |
| Elders Real Estate Bathurst | 121 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | (02) 6331 3333 | Rural & residential tenancies |
| NSW Fair Trading (Bathurst Service Centre) | Level 1, 145 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | 13 32 20 | Tenancy disputes, bond advice, complaints |
| NSW Rental Bonds Online | Online via nsw.gov.au | 13 32 20 | Bond lodgement & refunds |
Source: Service NSW & individual agency websites.
5. Safety & Crime Overview by Area
Bathurst is generally a safe regional city. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data for the 12 months to September 2024, Bathurst LGA recorded the following rates per 100,000 population:
- Domestic violence related assaults: 312 (NSW regional average: 345)
- Break and enter (dwelling): 278 (NSW regional average: 301)
- Motor vehicle theft: 89 (NSW regional average: 97)
- Malicious damage to property: 441 (NSW regional average: 469)
Neighborhood safety comparison:
| Neighborhood | Relative Crime Rate | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Llanarth | Lowest | ★★★★★ |
| Gormans Hill | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Abercrombie | Low | ★★★★☆ |
| Eglinton | Low–Medium | ★★★★☆ |
| South Bathurst | Medium | ★★★★☆ |
| Robin Hill | Medium | ★★★☆☆ |
| Bathurst CBD | Medium–High (theft from vehicles) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Kelso | Medium | ★★★☆☆ |
| Windradyne | Medium–High | ★★☆☆☆ |
6. Rental Timeframes & Waiting Times
In the current Bathurst rental market (2024–2025), speed is critical. Below are typical timeframes based on data from local agencies.
| Stage | Average Time | Fastest (peak season) | Slowest (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property listing to first inspection | 3–5 days | 1–2 days | 7–10 days |
| Application processing | 1–3 business days | Same day | 5 business days |
| Lease signing to move-in | 3–7 business days | 1–2 days | 14 days |
| Total: listing to occupancy | 10–21 days | 4–7 days | 21–28 days |
Source: Internal agency surveys from LJ Hooker Bathurst & Ray White Bathurst (2024–2025).
7. Vacancy Rate — Current Data & Trends
Bathurst's rental vacancy rate has remained below the national average for three consecutive years. As of February 2025:
- Bathurst LGA overall vacancy rate: 1.5% (down from 1.8% in Jan 2024)
- National average (Australia): 2.5% (source: SQM Research)
- NSW regional average: 2.1%
- Lowest vacancy suburbs: Bathurst CBD (0.9%) and Gormans Hill (1.1%)
- Highest vacancy suburbs: Kelso (2.0%) and Windradyne (2.2%)
Source: SQM Research Vacancy Rate Data — Feb 2025 & Domain Rental Vacancy Report Q1 2025.
8. Nearby Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
Proximity to healthcare is a key consideration for many renters. Bathurst is served by two main hospitals and several medical centres.
| Facility | Type | Address | Emergency Dept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathurst Hospital | Public (NSW Health) | 88 Howick Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | Yes — 24/7 |
| St Catherine's Hospital | Private (Catholic Healthcare) | 64 Broughton Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | No — inpatient & surgical only |
| Bathurst General Practice & Medical Centre | Private GP clinic | 208 George Street, Bathurst NSW 2795 | No — walk-in GP hours |
| Charles Sturt University Health Clinic | University-affiliated | Panorama Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795 | No — allied health & counselling |
Source: NSW Health & Catholic Healthcare.
9. Major Roads, Commuting & Transport Links
Bathurst is well-connected by road and regional rail. Below are the major arteries and typical commute times.
| Road / Route | Type | Connects | Average Speed (peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Highway (A32) | National highway | Sydney (2.5 hrs) / Lithgow / Orange | 80–100 km/h |
| Mitchell Highway (A32) | National highway | Dubbo / Bourke / Queensland | 90–110 km/h |
| Durham Street (B55) | Urban arterial | Bathurst CBD to Kelso & Eglinton | 50–60 km/h |
| William Street | Urban arterial | CBD to South Bathurst & Gormans Hill | 50–60 km/h |
| George Street | Urban main street | CBD core, retail & commercial | 40–50 km/h |
| Stewart Street | Urban connector | Bathurst Hospital to Charles Sturt University | 50–60 km/h |
| Bradwardine Road | Rural arterial | Gormans Hill / Abercrombie to CBD | 60–80 km/h |
Source: Transport for NSW & Google Maps.
10. Rental Fines, Penalties & Legal Costs
Tenants and landlords in Bathurst are subject to NSW Fair Trading regulations. Below are common fines and penalties applicable in 2025.
| Violation | Penalty (AUD) | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Late rent payment (more than 14 days) | Up to $300 or termination notice | Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) s.85 |
| Unpaid bond lodgement (by landlord) | $2,200 (penalty notice) | RTA 2010 s.162 & Reg 2019 cl.20 |
| Failure to provide condition report | $1,100 (landlord penalty) | RTA 2010 s.30 |
| Illegal eviction / lockout | $5,500 + compensation | RTA 2010 s.81 & s.207 |
| False or misleading tenancy application | Up to $2,200 or lease voided | Fair Trading Act 1987 (NSW) s.42 |
| Breach of quiet enjoyment | Up to $1,500 compensation | RTA 2010 s.50 |
Source: NSW Fair Trading — Rental Penalties & NCAT Decisions.
11. Real Rental Cases & Scenarios
Below are three anonymised real-world rental situations from Bathurst in 2024–2025, illustrating typical costs, timelines, and challenges.
Case 1: First-time renter — Kelso
Property: 2-bedroom apartment, Kelso | Rent: $360/week | Applicant: Single professional, age 24.
- Listing to inspection: 3 days
- Application to approval: 2 business days
- Bond paid: $1,440 (4 weeks) + 2 weeks rent in advance ($720)
- Total move-in cost: $2,160
- Outcome: Lease signed for 12 months. Tenant reported high satisfaction with property condition and agent communication.
Case 2: Family relocation — Eglinton
Property: 4-bedroom house, Eglinton | Rent: $570/week | Applicants: Couple + 2 children.
- Listing to inspection: 5 days (competed with 14 other groups)
- Application to approval: 4 business days (required additional income verification)
- Bond paid: $2,280 (4 weeks) + 2 weeks rent in advance ($1,140)
- Total move-in cost: $3,420
- Outcome: Approved after providing rental ledger from previous landlord. The family noted the tight competition in family-sized homes.
Case 3: Professional couple — Gormans Hill
Property: 3-bedroom townhouse, Gormans Hill | Rent: $540/week | Applicants: Dual-income couple, no pets.
- Listing to inspection: 1 day (property listed Thursday, inspected Saturday)
- Application to approval: same day (submitted via 1Form with pre-verified documents)
- Bond paid: $2,160 (4 weeks) + 2 weeks rent in advance ($1,080)
- Total move-in cost: $3,240
- Outcome: Lease signed within 48 hours of listing. The agent cited "strong application quality" as the reason for rapid processing.
Source: Anonymised case files from LJ Hooker Bathurst & PRD Bathurst (2024–2025).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average rent in Bathurst?
A. As of early 2025, the median weekly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Bathurst ranges from $340 to $450 depending on the neighborhood. A 3-bedroom house averages between $380 and $580 per week. Bathurst CBD and Gormans Hill are the priciest, while Windradyne and Kelso offer more affordable options.
Which neighborhood in Bathurst is the most affordable?
A. Windradyne and Kelso are currently the most affordable suburbs in Bathurst. In Windradyne, 3-bedroom houses start around $340 per week, and in Kelso, 2-bedroom apartments can be found from $320 per week. Both areas offer good value with access to schools and shops.
What is the vacancy rate in Bathurst?
A. Bathurst's rental vacancy rate has remained tight at approximately 1.2% to 1.8% throughout 2024–2025, well below the national average of 2.5%. This means competition for rentals is high, and properties are typically leased within 10–21 days of being listed.
Is Bathurst a safe place to live?
A. Bathurst is generally considered a safe regional city. The overall crime rate is below the NSW regional average for most property crimes. Neighborhoods like Llanarth, Gormans Hill, and Abercrombie report the lowest incidents, while Kelso and Windradyne have slightly higher rates but remain well within safe norms.
What are the best neighborhoods for families in Bathurst?
A. Top family-friendly neighborhoods include Eglinton (parks and schools), Llanarth (quiet streets, good schools), Gormans Hill (larger blocks, scenic views), and South Bathurst (established community, proximity to amenities). These areas offer low crime, quality schools, and family-oriented community services.
How long does it take to find a rental in Bathurst?
A. In the current market, successful applicants typically secure a rental within 10 to 21 days from application submission. The process — from inspection to lease signing — averages 5–10 business days. Properties in high-demand areas like Bathurst CBD or Gormans Hill can be leased within 48 hours of listing.
What documents do I need to rent in Bathurst?
A. Standard rental applications in Bathurst require: 100 points of ID (passport + driver licence), proof of income (payslips or tax returns for the last 3 months), rental history references (previous landlord or agent), a completed tenancy application form, and a $25–$35 application fee per person.
What are the rental fees and deposits in Bathurst?
A. Rental deposits in Bathurst are typically 4 weeks' rent, as per NSW Fair Trading regulations. Holding fees are capped at 1 week's rent. Letting fees (if applicable) range from $150 to $330 for lease preparation. Bond lodgement with NSW Rental Bonds Online is mandatory within 10 business days.
Official Resources
- NSW Government — Renting a Home
- NSW Fair Trading — Housing & Renting
- NSW Rental Bonds Online — Bond Lodgement
- NCAT — NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
- Domain — Rental Listings Bathurst
- realestate.com.au — Bathurst Rentals
- SQM Research — Vacancy Rates & Data
- NSW BOCSAR — Crime Statistics
- Transport for NSW — Roads & Public Transport