Things to do in Cobar

The Great Cobar Heritage Centre

Celebrating its Centenary this year, the Heritage Centre was built in 1910 as the administration building for the Great Cobar Copper Mine.

This impressive Edwardian structure now houses the Cobar’s Heritage Museum.

Back in 1968, the Cobar Shire Council purchased this magnificent building for $1.00 from Cobar Mines.

What a beautiful gift!  The Centre focuses on mining, agriculture and Aboriginal history. It is a must see.

We recommend you start your journey here. Collect a mud map and absorb some wonderful sights, sounds and history of a great little town.

Mining Heritage Park

Across the road from the Heritage Centre is the Cobar Mining Heritage Park.

It was created to commemorate the miners who lost their lives throughout  Cobar’s mining history.

There are two great walks – the Cobar Heritage Walk and the Centenary of Federation Walking track.  Detailed maps of both walks are available to ensure you enjoy all of the points of interest along the way.

The Heritage Walk takes around one hour, while the Walking Track takes two hours comfortably.

Good exercise and an excellent experience, at the same time!

Bus Tour

One of the best experiences in Town is the tour conducted by Tour Operator, Ian Settree.

I know someone who learned more about Cobar in two and a half hours than he did in the the previous year (me).

The package includes a town tour and a surface tour of Peak Gold mines and the open cut mine on Fort Bourke lookout.

Tours take two and a half hours and operate from 10am Mondays to Saturday. Bookings are made at The Great Cobar Heritage Centre on 02 6836 2448

The Old and New Reservoirs

See the Old Reservoir that used to supply the Town water.

Then enjoy the new Reservoir, or the New Tank, as it’s known to the locals.

With its great picnic area and shaded areas, it is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

Enjoy the local birdlife and relax with some water sport.

The Weather Station

Visit the Local Weather Station.

Enjoy the short guided tour from 8.40am and 9.30am.

Watch the launching of the weather balloon at 9.15am (EST).

The tours and balloon release are one hour later during daylight savings.

Enquiries on 026836 2149.

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout & New Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine

It is a short drive on a sealed road up Fort Bourke Hill to view Cobar and its surroundings.

A viewing on platform overlooks the open pit of the Peake Gold Mine and the entrance to the underground mine.

Fort Bourke Hill is 300 metres above sea level and Cobar’s mineral belt becomes obvious as you line up the head-frames running north to south.

Access to the lookout is possible by contacting the Cobar Heritage Centre on (02) 6836 2448.

Great Cobar Copper Mine

The Great Cobar Copper Mine was one of the largest in the world in its time.

Its main mine shafts  run to 430 metres and are now fenced off, south of the Heritage Centre.

The remains of the smelter foundations are visible from the top of the hill, east of the Heritage Centre.

Great Cobar Open Cut

It was created more than a century ago using picks and shovels and horse and cart.  

Men removed rock from this quarry to be used as backfill for the underground

 mine stopes using the cut and fill method. 

 The depth of the main hole is 150 metres, but at its deepest the open cut extends down to a depth similar to that of the Great Cobar Mine.

Mt Drysdale

At the turn of the century the thriving gold mining township of Mount Drysdale had a population of over 5,000 and rivalled Cobar as one of the fastest growing settlements in the area.

It is now a private property.  Located 34 kilometres north of Cobar on the Kidman Way, tourists are welcome to visit.

Visitors to Mt Drysdale can walk around the old mine shafts and view the remains of this amazing bygone community.

The property is rich in Aboriginal sites and features some of the best examples in Australia of original rock wells used by the indigenous people of the area.

Permission for access to Mt Drysdale is required. Phone: 02 68 363462 Michael and Shirley Mitchell.

Mt Grenfell Historic Site

Mt Grenfell has wonderful examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art by the local Wongaibon people.

 The site is 67 kilometres north-west of Cobar.

The first turn-off is 40 kilometres along the Barrier Highway. The road is then un-sealed for the next 27 kilometres.

This road is good, though access by caravans or buses is not recommended.

Three art sites, featuring interpretive signage and within easy walking distance to the main parking area make this site accessible for every visitor.

At the main entry carpark area, picnic and barbecue facilities with tank water are provided.  A 5km walking track leads to a lookout offering superb views.

Visitors to the site do not require permission to enter.

The Old Reservoir and Devil’s Rock

Devil’s Rock is an ancient rock formation new the Old Resevoir featuring strongly in Aboriginal legend.

It was here that the Ngemba people carried out their ceremonial rites. Access to Devil’s Rock is via a 1 kilometre walking track from the Old Res.

A large variety or bird-life and wild-life can be observed in this area.

For more information about Cobar check the Cobar Shire website.