Chi. Explores
Some of the best places aren't the ones you'll find at the top of a Google search.
Chi. Explores is where we share the cafés, restaurants, walks, shops, experiences and hidden gems worth knowing about across the Central West – recommended by the women who know the region best.
The places you'd tell a friend about.
Share the story behind your work
Help locals connect with the human side of what you do – the why, the people, the heart. It’s simple, free while Chi. Connects grows, and designed to help locals discover the meaning and intention behind your business.
El Guapo Cantina, Bathurst
Eclectic, colourful, and full of that cosy, authentic Mexican‑leaning energy. Hear more from hosts Kerry and Michael, who are a huge part of the El Guapo Cantina magic.
Provence Boulangerie, Orange
A French‑leaning bakery with a steady local following and a window full of pastries that stop you in your tracks.
Winter nights out: 4 cosy Bathurst dinner spots for your next catch-up
While we’re busy uncovering more hidden corners across the Central West, these four dinner favourites are exactly where you’ll find us settling in this month.
River Café, Bathurst
The space has a great, relaxed garden party vibe that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.
Coffee that fuelled our July: 6 Bathurst spots we love
As the morning winter fog rolls across our towns, these 5 local cafes are keeping us warm, connected, and completely fueled.
Church Bar, Bathurst
There’s something about sharing pizza in a church that just works – the warmth from the oven, the echo of conversation, the way the building wraps around you.
The Victoria, Bathurst
Between the front bar, the dining rooms, Little Alberts, and The Backyard, there’s always something happening!
Café West, Bathurst
An easy, everyday spot locals rely on for great coffee, tasty breakfasts, and quick lunches.
The Church Block Cafe, Bathurst
The Church Block Café sits quietly on the old church grounds in Eglinton, just outside Bathurst.
Spilt Milk Bar, Orange
A humming gelato bar in Orange – bright, lively, and packed from the moment it opens. Hear from owner, Sarah…
Kisuya Japanese, Bathurst
One of those Bathurst favourites that’s always fresh, bright and beautifully consistent. The space is light and easy – dress up or down and it still feels right.
Moubar Vintage, Bathurst
Moubar Vintage is Bathurst’s courtyard hole‑in‑the‑wall coffee spot in the vine‑covered Brooke Moore Centre courtyard.
The Beekeepers Inn, Vittoria
Love the location – the live bee display, free honey tasting, the shop, antiques, and genuinely great food and coffee. And of course, the geese!
Ironbark Espresso Bar, Blayney
Ironbark is Blayney’s steady espresso spot – simple, welcoming, and built around great coffee and standout pastries.
The Black Crow, Bathurst
The Black Crow is the kind of spot that feels like having a coffee in your own living room.
Ly Café, Bathurst
A small café with a mighty presence – Ly Café brings warmth, kindness and community into one heartfelt space. Read more from owner, Nicky…
Norma Joan, Bathurst
A cosy Bathurst favourite built around great food, great wine and proper local pride. We heard from Michael, the heart behind Norma Joan…
The Hub, Bathurst
The Hub is a long‑time Bathurst staple with a steady, familiar rhythm – a space that’s become part of the town’s everyday flow.
Know somewhere we should explore?
A café that gets the coffee right. A restaurant you keep returning to. A local favourite that's somehow stayed under the radar.
Tell us about it. We’d love to explore it.