Cobar
Located in the Orana Region of New South Wales, Cobar was a 130km drive from our previous overnight stop in Nyngan. Established in 1870 to mine the rich copper ore discovered there, the town still relies on mining for its existence.
The huge Cobar sign is on of the first thing you see when arriving in town. A car park next to the sign allows easy access to take photos, as well as have a break and relax at the picnic tables in the area.
Fort Bourke Lookout Peak Gold Mines
Only a three minute drive from town, the Fort Bourke Lookout at Peak Gold Mines provides an insight into the size of the local mining industry. The view looks over the old open cut mine, where you can see the entrance to the underground section at the bottom. We watched a truck drive down the decline until it entered the underground section.
Fort Bourke Lookout Over the New Cobar Mine Site 
Truck Driving Down the Decline 
Truck Entering the Underground Mine Site
Cobar Miners Heritage Park
Currently undergoing a major upgrade, the Miners Heritage Park was temporarily closed during our visit. Many of the exhibits are visible from the road, but you are not able to read any information boards about them. The upgraded site looks like it will be great, from what we could see.
Cobar Miners’ Heritage Park Being Refurbished 
Statue at the Miners’ Heritage Park 
Underground Loader
Stele Monument
Across the road from the Heritage Park, a stele commemorates Campbell, Hartman and Gibb, who discovered the copper deposit and established the town.
Great Cobar Heritage Centre & Cobar Visitor Information Centre
Also closed for refurbishment during our trip was the Heritage Centre. Only the silhouettes of miners in the gardens were visible.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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