Bathurst Goldfields, the long-standing heritage tourism site located at the base of Mount Panorama, has entered a new chapter – and a subtle rebrand – under new ownership.
By Kellie Evans
Now known as Bathurst Goldfields Resort, the site was purchased in March by Adelaide-based mother and son team, Steve and Sue Pearce. With backgrounds in events, property and interior design, the Pearces aren’t from a traditional tourism background, but say the unique mix of history, education, accommodation and events made this a rare and appealing opportunity.
“We were looking at properties all over the country,” Steve said. “When the Goldfields came up, it caught our attention straight away – but to be honest, at first we thought it might be too big a project. It’s a diverse business with a lot of moving parts. But once we flew up and saw it in person, we knew it was right. We made an offer that same day.”
The Pearces say the goal is not to reinvent the Goldfields, but to build on the strengths that have made it successful for decades. Education remains a key focus, with school camps and immersive gold rush programs continuing under the guidance of the existing team.
“We’re very aware that the education side of this business is what many people associate with the Goldfields,” Steve said. “It’s been developed over many years and delivered by a fantastic team. Some of the staff have been here for decades. Michael Cutts, one of our guides, has worked here for 48 years, and others have been here 15, 20, even 30 years.”
That team, and the knowledge they bring, was a major part of the Pearces’ decision to keep the education programs running as they are.
“There’s no need to change something that’s already working so well,” Steve said. “Our focus is on supporting the team and making sure the property has what it needs to keep growing.”
The new name – *Bathurst Goldfields Resort* – is part of a broader strategy to raise the profile of the site beyond just education. While school groups remain a key part of the business, the Pearces are keen to expand into events, weddings and leisure stays.
“We felt the old name didn’t really reflect everything that’s here,” Steve said. “A lot of people know the Goldfields from school camps, but they don’t realise there’s also accommodation, large function spaces, and beautiful grounds with incredible views. The name change is subtle but helps us shift the perception to a wider offering.”
To support that shift, the new owners have already begun a wide-ranging refresh across the site. All accommodation is being updated with new interiors, and a number of outdoor spaces are being upgraded to improve the experience for guests and event organisers alike.
“We’re doing a full cosmetic refresh of the rooms that are available for holiday accommodation,” Steve said. “We’re also adding new gathering spaces – a barbecue area, a fire pit, and a small recreation zone near the motel. For the function centres, we’re upgrading the outdoor areas with better lighting, furniture, and heating to make them more comfortable year-round.”
The signage across the site has also been updated to reflect the new branding, and a new website is in the works. A stronger marketing push is also planned to promote the site to couples, event organisers and regional visitors.
“People are already getting married here and using the site for major functions, so we’re not starting from scratch,” Steve said. “But we want to make it easier for people to see what’s on offer, and to really position the property as a destination.”
Despite the changes, the owners stress that the site’s character and community connection remain central.
“This isn’t a full overhaul,” Sue added. “It’s a refresh. The bones of the place are great – we just want to make it more comfortable, more usable, and more appealing for people who might not have considered it before.”
The Pearces are also putting a strong focus on staff culture, saying they want the team to feel proud of their workplace and supported in their roles.
“When the team is happy and feels connected to the business, it flows on to how guests are treated,” Sue said. “We want this to be a place that people feel good about – whether they’re working here, visiting for a weekend, or getting married.”
While renovations are ongoing, the site remains fully operational and bookings are continuing as usual.
With updated facilities, a strong team, and a clear direction for the future, Bathurst Goldfields Resort is setting itself up for long-term success – honouring its past while embracing what’s next.
Photo credit: David Roma Photography, Images Supplied
