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Peak Gold Mines — Image credit: Great Cobar Heritage Centre

Agritourism

Peak Gold Mines

Eight kilometres South of Cobar, on the Kidman Way, is the site of Peak Gold Mines. The original Peak Gold Mine was opened in 1896 and in 1906 was purchased by the Great Cobar Copper Mining Co. At this time, underground mining only proceeded to a depth of approximately 90 metres. At the Peak a viewing platform enables visitors a closer view of a modern-day working mine site. Peak Mines has also developed the "Golden Walk" which takes the visitor past the "Conqueror" mine shaft and the remains of an old stamper battery, Circa 1890's. The stamper, used to crush gold bearing ore by the original operators, is located at the present Peak Gold Mine site. A working model of a similar battery stamper is on the first floor of the Cobar Heritage centre in the gold room. Close by from an observation platform the visitor can view The Peak Gold Mine in action only 100 metres away.

Cobar NSW

8.6 km away

The Old Reservoir Cobar — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Natural Attractions

Cobar Old Reservoir

Cobar's 'Old Res' is on the outskirts of town and offers a short adventurous drive to a picturesque location, where campers often like to stop for the night and locals are found enjoying water sports activities and riding. It is a lovely location to rest for a while after a long drive. Bring a picnic and stretch your legs. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a walk around the reservoir. A perfect place to star gaze on clear nights.

Cobar NSW

11 km away

Travellers in front of the Cobar Sign — Image credit: Oh Shoot Photography

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Cobar Sign

The Cobar Sign serves as Cobar's red carpet into this small outback town. After a long drive, Cobar is an oasis for the traveller. The Cobar Sign sits on the remains of the original Great Cobar Copper Mine workings. The mine was one of the largest mining and processing operations in the world at the time and would have been a magnificent sight. Huge smelters, a 64-metre chimney stack and electric generators supplied lighting for the whole town. Over 2000 employees were engaged in mining, wood carting and smelting at the height of the activity. The main mine shafts of the Great Cobar, located south of the Museum building and now fenced off, have deep shafts running down to 430 metres. The sign is an authentic creation by local metalwork students. Students from Cobar High School produced this sign as part of a project led by the school and working with Cobar Shire to install it. The metal cut-out miners were added at a later date.

Cobar NSW

11 km away

Walking along the Federation Walking Track

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Federation Walking Track

Pack a water bottle and runners and wander off down the Federation Walking Track to be immersed in quiet bush land on the outskirts of town. The Track commences at The Great Cobar Museum and moves south around the Newey Reservoir where there is a great opportunity to view Cobar's abundant bird life and enjoy a picnic. Recently refreshed interpretative signage are dotted along the Track, making this the ideal time to learn and appreciate the story of Cobar's mining history, old townships, people and local flora and fauna of the Cobar region. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy taking in the pieces of information and surrounding bird life sounds. Make sure you bring a bottle of water and walking shoes, it is approximately a 6 kilometre round trip back to the Museum.

Cobar NSW

11 km away

Cobar Miners Heritage Park — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cobar Mining Heritage Park

The Cobar Mining Heritage Park is just over the road from The Great Cobar Museum. This significant outdoor exhibit of Cobar's mining heritage is set among beautifully manicured gardens. Families can enjoy exploring the mining installations around the park and picnic area on the lush green grass. The most significant feature of the Cobar Mining Heritage Park is the recently opened Cobar Miners Memorial, which sits prominently at the Park's entrance. The memorial commemorates those who have died in the local Cobar mines and those who have died from mining-related diseases. There are stories, photographs, maps and the names of those who have died as a result of accidents in the mines of Cobar. There is also an interpretation board to honour those who have lost their lives due to industrial disease. Visitors can walk into the memorial and over its grassed surface. The Cobar Mining Heritage Park features a two-metre bronze sculpture of a miner, a restored stamper battery from the Mount Boppy Mine, a loader from the CSA Mine, a head frame and winder from the Chesney Mine and the Miners Memorial bell tower.

Cobar NSW

11 km away

The Iron Ring Monument — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Iron Ring Monument

Cobar is a proud and resilient town. Born out of tough times, the Iron Ring Monument symbolises the ability of the people to band together - it is a bond that can never be broken. To be an Iron Ringer is an honour bestowed only on those born and bred in the town. The Iron Ring monument is located next to the Cobar Miners Memorial and pays tribute to the past and to the hopeful future of a strong and united community. It makes a great photo opportunity - frame yourself in the Iron Ring and consider its powerful message.

Cobar NSW

11 km away

Drummond Park — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Drummond Park

Drummond Park encompasses just over a hectare of manicured lush green grass, mature shady trees and quality play equipment for children to let some energy out. The perfect location to rest a while after a long drive. Easy parking around three sides allows vehicles with caravans and trailers to pull up close to the park boundary. There are quiet picnic tables set amongst the tall gum trees along Linsley Street, a perfect spot to enjoy the birds and view of town life. Bring a picnic and use the park's well-equipped barbeque facilities or plan your next function in the undercover pavillion. Toddlers and young children will love the fenced undercover play space with soft flooring and a mini bike track. Older children will love the bigger play equipment, the flying fox, the skate park facility and the Cobar Youth and Community Centre close by. The park design allows for picnickers with both age groups to set up in between the play areas.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Great Western Gallery — Image credit: Great Western Gallery

Shopping and Markets

The Great Western Gallery

The Great Western Gallery is a great little stop in Cobar right beneath the Great Western Hotel verandah. The gallery is open five days a week and exhibits the work of 20 local artists and crafters, including knitters, crocheters, metal and woodworkers, quilters and card makers. The Gallery has recently undergone some restoration work to enhance the visitor experience with new carpet and a fresh coat of paint. All visitors are welcome in this cosy little artists' corner of Cobar. You might even find that perfect piece of local art to take home with you.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

The Big Beer Can — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Landmarks and Buildings

The Big Beer Can - Cobar

Located above the entrance to the Grand Hotel, the Big Beer Can stands about five meters tall and is two-and-a-half metres across. Built in 1990, it immediately took the Guinness World Record for the largest beer can anywhere in the world. The can, which is accessible at all times, is so large that if filled with actual beer, it could hold about 22,000 litres.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Cobar Railway Station — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cobar Railway Station

The railway line reached Cobar in 1892, officially opening on July 2. The buildings in the railway yard once included an engine shed, goods shed, turntable and carriage shed. The passenger station building consisted of a general waiting room, ticket and parcels office, and ladies’ waiting room, together with lamp room, yards and sheds. The station master’s residence was a five-roomed house on Bourke Road. The Cobar line became highly profitable and at one time was second in revenue only to the Newcastle line. This quiet end of town was once a thriving hub for transport in Cobar. When the trains pulled in, horse-drawn taxis lined up for customers while coaches and wagons took goods and passengers to settlements and properties further out. Sidney Kidman was a partner in one of the coach lines that competed for this business. There were several hotels nearby, including the Terminus and the (Great) Railway Hotel. The line was extended to the CSA Mine in 1918. The mine’s closure in 1920 saw this line fall into disrepair until the mining revival of the 1960s. A further extension out to the Elura / Endeavor Mine in the 1980s. The last passenger service ran on 22nd September 1975; the next day, road coaches replaced the train. The Railway building is now home of the Cobar Arts Council who hold events there.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Beer Can — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cobar Heritage Walk

Come into the Visitor Information Centre at The Great Cobar Museum to collect a tourism guide and head out on a fact-finding mission into Cobar's past. This walk takes you around places of local significance and provides a time-walk of selected heritage buildings, the occupants and their stories. You can also join Kay Stingemore, Curator of The Great Cobar Museum, in an audio tour by downloading the files from the website. Enjoy learning the history in between ducking in and out of Cobar's businesses to meet the friendly staff. Have lunch at the pub or one of the cafes along the main road and marvel at how resilient this outback town is and how intact the heritage streetscape remains.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

The Newey — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Cobar Newey Reservoir

Cobar Newey Reservoir is on the outskirts of town and a mecca for locals enjoying recreation such as fitness walks, kayaking, fishing, cycling and bird watching. Better known as the Newey, it is a picturesque location, where bird life is abundant. The perfect location to rest a while after a long drive. Bring a picnic and use the barbeque facilities. There are picnic tables and an undercover pavilion. The track is sealed all the way into the Newey with plenty of parking available. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a walk around the path to the right to learn about the bird life of the Newey. If you are feeling adventurous, continue your walk around the Newey to join the Centenary of Federation Walk, a trail of interesting information on the flora and fauna of the area and also history of Cobar. Make sure to pack some runners as it is a 6 kilometre return walk which will take you into town at Lewis Street next to the Open Cut.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool slide — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool

Take pleasure in a refreshing swim at the nearby pool and unwind in the shade on the luxuriously grassed sections. Families with young children will find plenty of space for splashing around. With welcoming staff, well-maintained facilities, and a pristine pool, it's the perfect place to beat the daytime heat and have an enjoyable outing. The water slide is also a crowd pleaser.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Cobar Bowling and Golf Club — Image credit: Cobar Bowling and Golf Club

Entertainment Venues

Cobar Bowling and Golf Club

The Cobar Bowling and Golf Club, the 'Golfie', is a modern, much-loved facility that has provided the people of Cobar with a quality club and sporting venue for over 70 years. Each week, the Golfie features entertainment, raffles, major sporting events on the screens, a big open fireplace, a courtesy bus seven days per week and an ambience you can't miss on a Friday evening. Ma's Chinese Restaurant offers Chinese, Australian and Thai meals. Dine in at their comfortable restaurant within the Club or grab some take-away. The restaurant also caters for special events and large groups. Take in all the Club has to offer, and enquire with the team about bowling or golf while you stay in town. Two competition-class Bowling Greens complement the Club's sports offering. Competitions are run Thursday and Sunday, and Friday nights are reserved for Barefoot Bowls. The 18 Hole Sand Green course is located a short walk across the road from the Club. On Saturday and Sunday, the Ladies and Mens Competition is held. The course offers picturesque surrounds and grassy fairways and in Cobar this is a little oasis. The Club has just added a children's playground.

Cobar NSW

12 km away

Dalton Park — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Parks and Gardens

Dalton Park

Dalton Park is a hidden reserve in the back streets of Cobar, it features mature shady trees and quality play equipment for children to explore. Children will love the flying fox and swing. The park is a nice place to plan a function in the natural setting. It features new barbeque facilities and undercover seating as well as a toilet block within easy walking distance. Pack a picnic, stop in town for a coffee and something delicious to take with you as you explore more Cobar attractions.

Cobar NSW

13 km away

Great Cobar Copper Mine — Image credit: Great Cobar Heritage Centre

Agritourism

Great Cobar Copper Mine

Founded as the Great Cobar Copper Mining Co in 1870, it was one of the largest mining and processing operations in the world at the time. The Great Cobar Mine situated on a slight ridge and facing West over the Cobar township, would have been a magnificent sight. Huge smelters, a 64 metre chimney stack and electric generators supplied lighting for the whole town. Over 2000 employees were engaged in mining, wood carting and smelting at the height of the activity. The main mine shafts of the Great Cobar, located south of the Museum building and now fenced off, have deep shafts running down to 430 metres. Remains of the smelter foundations are visible from the top of the hill, east of the Heritage Centre.

Cobar NSW

13 km away

Cobar Sound Chapel — Image credit: Samantha Smith

Landmarks and Buildings

The Cobar Sound Chapel

The Cobar Sound Chapel is a permanent sound installation artwork set in an old disused water tank and inspired by the vast landscape of the Australian outback. It was completed in early 2022 and is a creation by renowned composer and sound artist Georges Lentz, in collaboration with Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Glenn Murcutt, the musicians of The Noise String Quartet, as well as Cobar Indigenous visual artist Sharron Ohlsen. The Cobar Sound Chapel is an intimate sound space, a marriage of music, architecture, art, poetry and nature. In 2023, it won the Adaptive Reuse award in the 2023 NSW National Trust Awards.

Cobar NSW

14 km away

The Kidman Way — Image credit: Great Cobar Heritage Centre

Natural Attractions

The Kidman Way

Travelling along the Kidman Way you will witness a changing landscape, meet characters and enjoy a relaxing journey. The Kidman Way touring route takes you through the heart of New South Wales, taking in Jerilderie in the south to Barringun in the north. Travel by car, caravan or motorhome, by yourself, with friends or family, there is something for everyone along the road.

Cobar NSW

14 km away

Cobar Miners Memorial — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cobar Miners Memorial

The Cobar Miners Memorial was officially opened in June 2021 in the Cobar Miner's Heritage Park, it forma a central focus as part of a collection of artefacts and memorials on the Barrier Highway entry to the Cobar township. The Cobar Miners Memorial commemorates those who have died in the local Cobar Mines. The memorial embraces you on entry to the park, with its tough in-situ concrete walls and the focus, the large steel plate entry portal. A minimal abstract expression of the mine head, and steel rusting, bolted and braced both dramatic and curious to the passer-by. A steel spike piercing through the roof as a snorkel to the sky provides a natural vent for the space. Within the underground chamber, the stories are told, and the victims are memorialised in the symbolic tag board of brass plaques. This is a poignant reminder of the fact that these miners did not tag off on the shift that day. On the eve of the miners death, Museum Staff place an everlasting daisy on their tag which remains on for the month in memory of them.

Cobar NSW

15 km away

The Great Cobar Museum — Image credit: Oh Shoot Photography

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Great Cobar Museum and Visitor Information Centre

The Great Cobar Museum is located in the former offices of the Great Cobar Copper Mine. Visitors can explore the deep history of Cobar in the all-new exhibitions while admiring the restored beauty of the grand old building. The exhibitions tell a story of mining, people, pastoralism, community and hard work that starts thousands of years ago and leads to the near past. There is something for everyone to marvel at, whether it is the gold gleaming in the rock, or the evidence of hard work put in by miners, farmers and womenfolk. There are tales of a bushranger turned respectable businessman, of the ingenuity of the indigenous people, and of the fun everyone had when the hard work was done for the day. After going through the museum, visitors can buy a souvenir in the well-stocked shop. The friendly staff will provide maps and information about the area and your next destination.

Cobar NSW

15 km away

The Great Cobar Open Cut — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Great Cobar Open Cut

The Great Cobar Open Cut was created by men who were employed over 100 years ago to undertake the back breaking job of digging the huge hole. Using picks and shovels and horse and cart, the men removed rock from this quarry to be used as backfill for the underground mine stopes in the "cut and fill" method. Gravel was used to build up the floor level after mining to gain access to higher ore bodies. 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. The Great Cobar Open Cut can be viewed safely from behind a fence. It is not accessible to the public.

Cobar NSW

15 km away

Walk the Walk panels — Image credit: Cobar Shire

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Walk the Walk - Self Guided

Walk the Walk is a one-kilometre walk of Cobar's business district highlighting some of the stories of the town's forebears who helped to shape the local retail economy, as well as places of significance to the community. This is a casual walk which starts and concludes at The Great Cobar Museum and moves down along Marshall Street. Along the way, you can read the interpretive panels available and duck into shops and cafes to experience the range of offerings and very friendly business owners. Make sure you stop and say G'day to the town businesses, enjoy the cafe experience and peruse a range of gifts and souvenirs on offer.

Cobar NSW

15 km away

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout — Image credit: Cobar Shire Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout and Open Cut Mine

Just minutes from town, take a sealed road up to Fort Bourke Lookout and view Cobar and its surroundings. See the open pit and entrance to the underground mine from a well-constructed viewing platform. The rich Cobar mineral belt is clearly visible in a straight line from North to South (line up the head-frames). Cobar's water comes from Burrendong Dam 400 kilometres away and is pumped from Nyngan via a 135-kilometre pipeline into storage tanks on top of Fort Bourke Hill. Fort Bourke Hill stands to the east of the Cobar township and rising to 300 metres above sea level, it offers the visitor a wonderful vista of the Cobar landscape. To get to Fort Bourke Hill, turn off the Kidman Way, two kilometres south of Cobar. Drive up the left-hand side of the water tanks to the radio towers, park in the car park, and walk through the single gate to the viewing platform for one of the best views of Cobar, particularly at sunset.

Cobar NSW

25 km away

Mount Grenfell Historic Site — Image credit: Destination NSW - 157691

Natural Attractions

Mount Grenfell Historic Site

Mount Grenfell Historic Site in Cubba protects Ngiyampaa rock art. It’s a short walk to this important Aboriginal site, and a more challenging one to a scenic lookout. For thousands of years before Europeans settled in this part of NSW, Ngiyampaa people regularly gathered around the semi-permanent waterhole and took shelter in the overhangs of what is now Mount Grenfell Historic Site. In the surrounding rocky ridge, you can see richly coloured paintings of human and animal figures, representations of the natural environment, and hand stencils which are of ceremonial significance to traditional owners. Nowadays, this extensive Aboriginal rock art is protected within the park and can be reached following the short, easy Mount Grenfell art site walk. Another more challenging hiking trail, Ngiyambaa walking track, takes you further into this gorgeous landscape of red dirt, mallee bushland, open grasslands and the rocky rise of Mount Grenfell itself. The scenic view from the summit, across this low-relief plain, is vast and wide.

Cubba NSW

66 km away

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