Bathurst

Bathurst is just less than 100km west of Katoomba on the great Western Highway. In 1862, Bathurst became the headquarters of the famous Cobb and Co. stagecoach company, and a restored coach is now on display at the Visitor Information Centre. Bathurst is the home of Ben Chifley who was Australian Prime Minister from 1945 - 49.

Now well known for the motor racing circuit on Mount Panorama.

Abercrombie Caves
South of Bathurst is the Abercrombie Caves which has a very large limestone archway.

Abercrombie House
This museum houses collections of stamps, photos, and artifacts of the British Monarchy in it's 52 rooms. Ophir Road, Bathurst (02 6332 1444).

Australia Fossil and Mineral Museum
Fossils, minerals and a complete T-rex skeleton. 224 Howick Street Bathurst (026331 5511).

Bathurst 1000
Bathurst is best known for is a car race the Bathurst 1000, raced over a distance of 1000 kilometres. Motor-cycle racing started in Bathurst as early as 1911, but the 500 arrived only in 1963, when it was transferred from Phillip Island in Victoria. The circuit is at the top of Mt. Panorama which is 874 metres above sea level. The track is 6.213 kilometres in length and has a height variation of 174 metres, with slopes as steep as 1 in 6.

Bathurst District Historical Museum
Local historical artifacts including the trunks carved by surveyor Evans and items that belonged to Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Bathurst Court House, Russell Street.

Bathurst Goldfields
The Bathurst Goldfields is an area that you can practice gold panning. 428 Conrod Straight (02 6332 2022).

Chifley Home
This modest home has great significance as it is the former childhood home of Ben Chifley,the Australian Prime Minister elected in 1945. The home is open for viewing on weekends. 10 Busby Street, Bathurst (02 6332 1444).

Hill End Historic Site
A former goldfield with many original buildings with a National Parks visitor centre in Old Hill End hospital. 86km northwest of Bathurst.

Machattie Park
A Victorian park in the centre of Bathurst and best seen between February and April when the begonias bloom. Keppel Street.

Miss Traill's House
This georgian Bungalow built in 184 is one of the oldest houses in Bathurst and was owned by Ida Traill. The house has displays and artifacts from four generations of her family, and the cottage garden is a delight. 1321 Russell Street, Bathurst (02 6332 4232).

National Motor Racing Museum
The National Motor Racing Museum is near the start and finish line of the circuit. Murray's Corner. (02 6332 1872).