bathurst heritage drive

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1. Start at the Visitor Information Centre where two examples of early transport can be seen; a fully restored original Cobb & Co Coach*. This coach travelled to the Turon goldfields in the 1860s when Bathurst was headquarters of the Cobb & Co Coach company. Directly across the highway to the right is Bathurst Showground where local agricultural shows have been held since 1877. Many of the pavilions and the caretaker’s residence are listed on the State Heritage Register. 2. Exit the car park turning left on to the highway. Proceed to 2 nd set of traffic lights (William St) & turn right. Just inside the fence of the Bathurst City Community Club on the corner is a plaque marking the point from which explorers like Sturt and Oxley set out to discover inland NSW. Early buildings on this site included soldiers’ barracks and the first gaol. Drive to end of the street and veer left into Stanley St. Stop in the parking area and walk through Bicentennial Peace Park*. The stone Cairn in front of the Heritage Wall was erected by the community in 1930 to commemorate Governor Macquarie’s proclamation of the townsite in 1815. The Heritage Wall around it was built in 1988 as part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations and honours the city’s early citizens. Stephen Hart’s sandstone sculpture Conversation’ was also installed in that year. 3. Follow the path to the Flag Staff* re-instated on 7 May 2015 to celebrate Bathurst’s 200 th birthday. The glass pyramid at the base of the flag pole houses the original proclamation cairn. Glass panels around the viewing platform feature etched Wiradyuri designs of Girawu (the Tree Goanna) and Biladurang (Platypus) dreaming along with handprints and birthdates of regional Aboriginal children and elders. 4. Continue along Stanley Street & through the roundabout. No 1 George St on the left was built in 1860 for local banker and station owner, John Ford. Old Government Cottage at the rear is possibly one of the oldest remaining buildings in Bathurst. The gardens were restored with historic plantings in 2015. Directly opposite is Ohkuma Garden* celebrating Bathurst’s relationship with its Japanese sister city, Ohkuma. This was completed in 1998 by gardeners from the township and Bathurst Regional Council’s staff. The nearby Azumya (resting place) was erected to mark the 10 th anniversary. A plaque in the garden marks the evacuation of Ohkuma and relocation of its people after the 2011 tsunami. Near the Ohkuma Garden are the Pillars of Bathurst*, built using restored cast iron verandah posts that have an historic connection with the Royal Hotel in William St. The Pillars were installed in 2015 to acknowledge the contribution of past citizens to the story of the region. From here explore ‘A Delightful Spot’* walking trail. 5. Return to the roundabout, turn left & cross the Macquarie River. The river flats were originally the hunting grounds and location of Wiradyuri sacred sites. As the European population increased these lands were gradually taken over leading to conflict between the two groups and eventually to the declaration of martial law in 1824 with soldiers dispatched to Bathurst. The Wiradyuri leader, Windradyne, rose to power at this time. 6. At the next roundabout turn right into Gilmour St & continue to the highway. Just past Tandora St on the hill to the left is Holy Trinity Church, the first consecrated church west of the Blue Mountains. Services began here in 1826 and still take place. Optional side trip: At the highway turn left, then left into Boyd St. Travel approx 7kms to Heritage Park which was an Army Training Camp* from 1940-1947 & a Migrant Camp* from 1948–1952. 7. At the highway turn right & drive over Evans Bridge. At the traffic lights turn left into Havannah St & travel to Keppel St turning left into the Railway Station precinct. The station was built in 1876 when the rail line arrived in Bathurst. The residence on the left hand corner was built for the station master in 1880. The steam engine on display is associated with Ben Chifley who worked on the NSW Railways in the early 1900s before he entered politics. Bathurst Heritage Drive This tour will take around 60-90 minutes to drive but longer if you stop to explore the sights. Follow the blue Heritage Drive signs located along the route.

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Page 1: Bathurst Heritage Drive

1. Start at the Visitor Information Centre where two examples of early transport can be seen; a fully restored original Cobb & Co Coach*. This coach travelled to the Turon goldfields in the 1860s when Bathurst was headquarters of the Cobb & Co Coach company. Directly across the highway to the right is Bathurst Showground where local agricultural shows have been held since 1877. Many of the pavilions and the caretaker’s residence are listed on the State Heritage Register. 2. Exit the car park turning left on to the highway. Proceed to 2nd set of traffic lights (William St) & turn right. Just inside the fence of the Bathurst City Community Club on the corner is a plaque marking the point from which explorers like Sturt and Oxley set out to discover inland NSW. Early buildings on this site included soldiers’ barracks and the first gaol. Drive to end of the street and veer left into Stanley St. Stop in the parking area and walk through Bicentennial Peace Park*. The stone Cairn in front of the Heritage Wall was erected by the community in 1930 to commemorate Governor Macquarie’s proclamation of the townsite in 1815. The Heritage Wall around it was built in 1988 as part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations and honours the city’s early citizens. Stephen Hart’s sandstone sculpture ‘Conversation’ was also installed in that year. 3. Follow the path to the Flag Staff* re-instated on 7 May 2015 to celebrate Bathurst’s 200th birthday. The glass pyramid at the base of the flag pole houses the original proclamation cairn. Glass panels around the viewing platform feature etched Wiradyuri designs of Girawu (the Tree Goanna) and Biladurang (Platypus) dreaming along with handprints and birthdates of regional Aboriginal children and elders. 4. Continue along Stanley Street & through the roundabout. No 1 George St on the left was built in 1860 for local banker and station owner, John Ford. Old Government Cottage at the rear is possibly one of the oldest remaining buildings in Bathurst. The gardens were restored with historic plantings in 2015. Directly opposite is Ohkuma Garden* celebrating Bathurst’s relationship with its Japanese sister city, Ohkuma. This was completed in 1998 by gardeners

from the township and Bathurst Regional Council’s staff. The nearby Azumya (resting place) was erected to mark the 10th anniversary. A plaque in the garden marks the evacuation of Ohkuma and relocation of its people after the 2011 tsunami. Near the Ohkuma Garden are the Pillars of Bathurst*, built using restored cast iron verandah posts that have an historic connection with the Royal Hotel in William St. The Pillars were installed in 2015 to acknowledge the contribution of past citizens to the story of the region. From here explore ‘A Delightful Spot’* walking trail. 5. Return to the roundabout, turn left & cross the Macquarie River. The river flats were originally the hunting grounds and location of Wiradyuri sacred sites. As the European population increased these lands were gradually taken over leading to conflict between the two groups and eventually to the declaration of martial law in 1824 with soldiers dispatched to Bathurst. The Wiradyuri leader, Windradyne, rose to power at this time. 6. At the next roundabout turn right into Gilmour St & continue to the highway. Just past Tandora St on the hill to the left is Holy Trinity Church, the first consecrated church west of the Blue Mountains. Services began here in 1826 and still take place. Optional side trip: At the highway turn left, then left into Boyd St. Travel approx 7kms to Heritage Park which was an Army Training Camp* from 1940-1947 & a Migrant Camp* from 1948–1952. 7. At the highway turn right & drive over Evans Bridge. At the traffic lights turn left into Havannah St & travel to Keppel St turning left into the Railway Station precinct. The station was built in 1876 when the rail line arrived in Bathurst. The residence on the left hand corner was built for the station master in 1880. The steam engine on display is associated with Ben Chifley who worked on the NSW Railways in the early 1900s before he entered politics.

Bathurst Heritage Drive

This tour will take around 60-90 minutes to drive but longer if you stop to explore the sights. Follow the blue Heritage Drive signs located along the route.

Page 2: Bathurst Heritage Drive

8. From the station follow Keppel St to Bentinck St. The ornate lamp standards here and throughout the CBD were installed in 1924 when electricity was connected. The Elephant & Castle Hotel on Seymour Street corner has continually traded since 1849. Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, the oldest regional gallery in NSW and Bathurst Library are located on the left hand side as you travel up the block.

9. Turn left at the roundabout then left at the next corner into Piper St. Continue to Havannah St. In the the 1800s this area was known as Milltown* because of the number of mills built here. A community arose for the mill workers with its own pubs, stores, police station, schools and churches. One of the mills in this area was Crago Mill, seen at the end of Piper St (continue across Havannah St to see it).

10. Turn right into Havannah St, then left into Rocket St. Turn right into Bant St then right into Busby St & park in front of No 10 – Chifley Home and Educational Centre. Guided tours 11.30am & 1pm closed Thursdays. Chifley Home was the only marital home of former Prime Minister Ben Chifley & his wife Elizabeth. The house and its contents reflect the life of a humble man who rose to the highest rank in the country. Tours commence from the Education Centre at Number 12. Its replicated 1940s sitting room provides visitors with a unique, hands on experience of a bygone era.

11. Proceed along Busby St then veer right at the Give Way sign into Brilliant St. Travel along to 2nd roundabout at William St corner. St Stanislaus College on the left was established in 1867 making it the oldest Catholic boys secondary schools in Australia. Many of the homes in this area are of historical significance, including Bishops Court (Seymour St) where Anglican bishops resided and The Lindens, James Rutherford of Cobb & Co’s home (corner of William & Brilliant Streets).

12. Turn left into William St & proceed to Panorama Ave. Charles Sturt University located on the right was originally the site of one of the first experiment farms in NSW (1895). From 1951-1969 it was the site of Bathurst Teachers’ College until the establishment of Mitchell College of Advanced Education. In 1989 it became the Mitchell Campus of Charles Sturt University. The three storey red brick building opposite the entry houses NSW Land and Property Information. Mapping operations moved from Sydney in 1976 providing many locals with employment.

13. Continue to Mount Panorama & turn right on to the motor racing circuit. NB This is a public road with 2 way traffic & normal speed limits apply. Mount Panorama* was initially constructed in the 1930s as a scenic drive but over the years has become Australia’s premier endurance motor racing circuit. The first event held here was the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in April 1938. Various events are staged here each year, the most notable being the Bathurst 1000 in October. McPhillamy Park at the top is a great spot to stop and take in the view. Bathurst Goldfields on your right below Forrest’s Elbow is a reconstruction of a gold mining village, an educational facility for school groups and open to the general public at designated times.

14. At the bottom of Conrod Straight stop at Murray’s Corner & visit the National Motor Racing Museum – open 9am-4.30pm closed Tuesdays. See the amazing display of vehicles and memorabilia capturing the history of motor racing in Bathurst. In front of the museum is a monument to one of Bathurst’s favourite sons, Peter Brock, ‘King of the Mountain’, who won the Bathurst 1000 an incredible nine times throughout his career.

15. Travel back along Panorama Ave & turn left into Browning St. Cross the Mid Western Hwy & continue to Brooke Moore Ave. The magnificent entry to the Bathurst Gaol was hand carved from Katoomba sandstone. The building, designed by colonial architect James Barnett, was built at a cost of £120,000. It was completed in 1888 and remains a medium security facility. Riots in 1974 caused a temporary closure.

16. Turn right into Brooke Moore Ave then left on to Mitchell Hwy. At the next corner turn right into Alexander St. Off to the far left is Bathurst Cemetery where many well-known Bathurstians are buried. Among them is Ben Chifley in the Catholic section, his wife, Elizabeth with her family in the Presbyterian section and James Rutherford of Cobb & Co fame in the family vault within the Anglican section.

17. Continue to Suttor St roundabout & turn left. At Bradwardine Rd turn right & travel to Eglinton Rd. On the left at the T-intersection is Llanarth. This homestead was once owned by John Smith, an important pastoralist and magistrate. The house is nestled on four and a half acres among 150 year old cedar, cypress and Budwilli trees.

18. Turn left on to Eglinton Rd & continue to Westbourne Dr. Turn left & proceed to Ophir Rd. Around 3 kms along this road is Abercrombie House, open for guided & self-guided tours at various times. If the house is not open an information bay is just near the front gate. Abercrombie House was originally named Mount Pleasant by the Stewart family who received land grants in this area in 1827. Building began in 1870 and it took around 8 years to complete the 52 room mansion. Today it is home to the Morgan family who have spent over 40 years restoring and preserving it. 19. Return to Eglinton Rd via Westbourne Dr & turn right travelling towards the city. Scots All Saints’ College (one of the oldest private schools in the region) can be seen on the right. The college was originally established as a boys’ school in 1874 moving to this location in 1923. Esrom House, the white two storey building at the front is the original school building. In 1977 All Saints’ became co-educational when it was amalgamated with Marsden Girls’ School.

20. At Commonwealth St turn right then left at the next corner into Howick St passing the Bathurst Base Hospital on your left. This beautifully restored building was constructed in the 1880s. In January 2008 a new facility was opened but the heritage buildings were retained and are still in use.

Page 3: Bathurst Heritage Drive

21. At the next roundabout turn right into Mitre St & continue for two blocks to Keppel St. Turn left & drive over the hill. The third house on the left is Blair Athol, designed by James Hine who also drew up plans for the caretaker’s cottage and band rotunda in Machattie Park. It was built in 1892 and has been extensively restored by recent owners with magnificent gardens now surrounding the house. 22. At the next corner turn left into Hope St. Continue to Russell St & turn right. On the corner of Russell & Peel Sts is Miss Traill's House and Garden, which is open for tours most weekends between 12 & 3.30pm. Miss Ida Traill was a descendent of early settlers in the Bathurst region. The house was built in 1845 by the Rev Thomas Sharpe and is now the only domestic building of its age and style in the city. Upon Miss Traill’s death in 1976 the house and its contents were bequeathed to the National Trust. 23. From here proceed to Stewart St & turn left. At the next corner turn right into Howick St then right again at the 2nd roundabout into George St. On the corner is Bathurst Presbyterian Church (formerly called St Stephens Presbyterian Church) the oldest continuously used Presbyterian Church in Australia. Further along on the left is the parkland known as Kings Parade. In the next block stop and take the time to walk through beautiful Machattie Park* where a gaol stood until 1888. Throughout the park are many monuments and structures from times gone by: the band rotunda; fernery; begonia house; and fountains. A plaque outside the fernery commemorates a visit to the area by Charles Darwin in 1836. The last structure built in Machattie Park was the Begonia House*, officially opened in 1936. From mid February to early May its magnificent display of blooms attracts hundreds of visitors. 24. Turn left into Keppel St at the end of the block & continue to William St. On the right hand corner is St Michael & Johns Catholic Cathedral. Built c1858 it is one of the many buildings in Bathurst designed by architect Edward Gell. 25. Turn left into William St & drive to Russell St lights. Turn left & park in front of the courthouse – be aware of parking restrictions here. Bathurst Courthouse* is one of the most impressive public buildings in country NSW. A local myth existed for many years that the plans were intended for Bathurst in South Africa but it was in fact designed by colonial architect James Barnett and was definitely intended for this city. The wings on either side were built first in 1877 and originally housed the Post and

Telegraph offices while the main building wasn’t completed until 1880. Court proceedings are still conducted here. Bathurst District Historical Society Museum is now established in the left wing and the right wing is home to Mitchell Conservatorium Inc. 26. Walk to the Council building on the corner of William & Russell Sts. Plaques embedded in the footpath form Victors’ Walk, commemorating past winners of the Bathurst 1000 since it commenced in 1963. To the left of the building’s entry is a life size water feature representing the Holterman Nugget that was discovered at Hill End in 1872. 27. Directly opposite is Kings Parade. The War Memorial Carillon* in the centre was erected by the people of Bathurst in memory of those who died in WW1. It was dedicated on Armistice Day 1933 and has since become a living monument to all who have served in any field of conflict. Anzac and Remembrance Day services are held here every year. To the right is the Boer War Memorial dedicated in 1910 to men from the district who fought in that war. To the left is the Evans Memorial commemorating the discovery of the Bathurst Plains by surveyor George Evans in 1813. Behind the Carillon the modern All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral stands. The first cathedral was constructed in 1845 but was declared unsound and replaced by this building in 1971. The Warrior’s Chapel from the original building has been retained within the cathedral and the bell tower at the front was completed in July 2009. 28. Return to William St & turn left –walk or drive. The two storey building on the opposite side of the street (next to the Knickerbocker Hotel) is the Royal Hotel. Originally a single storey inn built in the late 1830s or early 40s additions have been made over the years including the extra floors, lace detailing and iron balustrades added in the 1890s. It became a very popular inn and a fashionable place to stay, with Dame Nellie Melba and Henry Parkes believed to have been among its guests. 29. Continue to Howick St lights & turn left again. If possible park near the Australian Fossil & Mineral Museum open 9am-4.30 closed Wednesdays . Parking restrictions apply. The Museum is housed in what was originally Bathurst’s first purpose built public school opened in 1878. It is home to the world class Somerville Collection that consists of beautifully displayed fossils & minerals from all over the world and a full size T-rex skeleton.

We hope you enjoyed your drive around Bathurst - Australia's oldest inland European settlement. This is just a small part of Bathurst’s history and heritage.

At the Visitor Information Centre you’ll find a range of information sheets on the topics marked with * above. Last reviewed 17/2/20

Bathurst Visitor Information Centre

1 Kendall Avenue, BATHURST NSW 2795 P: 1800 68 1000 W: visitbathurst.com.au

Page 4: Bathurst Heritage Drive

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