Local Area

Fascinating mining heritage and great natural attractions make Cobar an enthralling destination at the crossroads of Barrier Highway and Kidman Way. Gaze into enormous open cut mines, visit museums and explore colonial buildings. There are also wonderful natural attractions and Aboriginal rock art sites that will captivate you.

The Heritage Centre contains a museum in the former Great Cobar Copper Mine building. Take a riveting journey from the time of the local Aboriginal Ngiyampaa people to the mining era. Discover historic artefacts, such as a gold stamper battery and a seat at the controls of a massive excavator.

Fort Bourke Hill Lookout offers an incredible view into a huge open-cut mine. The hilltop is the historic site of the New Cobar Gold Mine, Cobar’s first gold mine. Peak Gold Mines now operates the mine at Fort Bourke, and the viewing platform also offers views over Cobar itself.

From the Heritage Centre the Cobar Heritage Walk takes in the town’s historic buildings including several from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as early miners’ cottages. One of its leading architectural lights is the Great Western Hotel, which has the longest wrought iron balcony of any hotel in the state, more than 100 metres.

If you are travelling through the Far West, why not pop in for a quick visit or an extended stay at our other sister properties along the way, located in various locations such as Wilcannia, Ivanhoe, White Cliffs and Broken Hill. Also under the group is Tri State Safaris our award winning tour company offering 1 day tours to 12 day extended tours. You can find all all this information on our group website Out of the Ordinary Outback. Or by calling 1300 688 225 and you will be able to book our other properties by calling. Plan your next outback adventure today! 1300 688 225

Parks & Recreation:

Cobar has plenty of outdoor spaces allowing a wide range of recreational activities.

  • Cobar swimming pool is open from March to October each year.  It has a 50m pool, diving boards, a heated multipurpose pool, a children’s water feature play area and new water slide for your enjoyment.
  • Newey Reservoir – easily accessible water storage area suitable for various water sports (dependant on water level), bird watching, fishing, BBQ facilities available.
  • Old Reservoir – second water storage area accessible via unsealed road, a haven for native bird and animal life.
  • Devils Rock – a significant Aboriginal site – situated near the old reservoir.
  • Drummond Park – located in the main area of town with ample parking nearby, picnic tables and BBQ facilities plus children’s playground.
  • Monthly Markets in Drummond Park – on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9am until 2pm (except January).

History:

  • Great Cobar Heritage Centre – A well preserved snapshot of Cobar and rural Australian history in one of Cobar’s landmark buildings.
  • Cobar Town Walk – pick up a mud map from the visitor information centre and wander around the streets learning about the history behind local buildings and streets.
  • Cobar Miner’s Heritage Park – opposite the visitors centre and right next to our motel. Learn about the historic mining equipment.
  • Just a few kilometres east of Cobar, visitors can get a panoramic view of the town and the New Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine at Fort Bourke Hill.
Cobar Heritage Park Bronze Miner Sculpture
Cobar main street
Cobar Heritage Park
Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine at Fort Bourke Hill
Cobar NSW 2835
Miners Heritage Park, Cobar