Fast facts
- The eastern edge of the Outback
- Famous for its copper mines
- Nine hours’ drive north-west of Sydney
Why go there
In 1870, the Great Cobar Copper Mine was the largest copper mine in Australia and one of the biggest in the world. Around Cobar, gold was also mined extensively. Remnants of this rich mining tradition can be seen in the old mines and at Fort Bourke Hill.
Many grand old homes and historic buildings are hidden in the back streets, and the heritage museum is one of the State’s finest museums of its kind.
On the banks of the Bogan River, Nyngan is a friendly town, located an hour’s drive away from the geographical centre of New South Wales.
Things to do
- Venture down Cobar’s side streets and discover the colonial architecture of the old courthouse and police station.
- Have a drink on the longest iron-lace verandah in New South Wales – at the Great Western Hotel in Cobar.
- See Aboriginal rock art at Mount Grenfell, where three main rock shelters feature more than 1,300 images.
- Discover the cairn that marks the geographical centre of NSW, an hour south of Nyngan.
Don’t miss
- Learning about Cobar’s mining and pastoral history at the renowned Great Cobar Heritage Centre.
- Viewing the open-cut mine and the surrounding landscape from Fort Bourke Hill viewing platform, the site of Cobar’s first gold mine.
Events
- Cobar Races, Cobar, in April.
- Cobar Show, Cobar, in May.
- Festival of the Miner’s Ghost, Cobar, in October.
- Nymagee Outback Music Festival, Nymagee, in October.
