LOWER DURHAM & HAVANNAH STREETS WALKING TOUR

The area around lower Havannah Street, the Macquarie River and lower Durham Street was vital to the early development of Bathurst as a village and town. The Chinese grew vegetables along the riverbank. People grazed their cows, sheep, horses and bullock teams in the area. Visitors camped around the area after crossing the river on […]

CATHEDRAL TOUR

This is a rare opportunity to see some of the hidden treasures of St Michael & St John’s Cathedral. This guided tour will explain some of the significant architectural features, including the recently completed renovations, and explore the rich history of the faith that built this place of worship over the past 150+ years. Afternoon […]

BATHURST ON SHOW

Bathurst’s historic Showground holds fascinating stories of the structures and people associated with the ground and the importance of the annual Show. The first Show at this site was held in 1878. The Showground has been described as probably the finest group of traditional rural showground pavilions and ancillary buildings in Australia. Discover some of […]

FROM TIPPERARY TO LIMEKILNS: THE CHIFLEYS OF LIMEKILNS

Wattle Flat Catholic Cemetery 3787 Sofala Road, Wattle Flat

Kim Bagot-Hiller presents It’s a long way from Tipperary to Limekilns: four months by ship and three years to Bathurst and then to Limekilns to be exact! Sailing out of Liverpool, England in 1858, Patrick Chifley at the age of 26 emigrates from County Tipperary, Ireland, setting foot in Sydney on 24 September. Less than […]

Free

PEERING BENEATH THE SHELL: THE STORY OF A BIRD EGG COLLECTION – EXHIBITION & CURATORIAL TALK

Bathurst District Historical Society Museum and Bookshop East Wing, Bathurst Courthouse, Russell Street, Bathurst

What stories can a bird egg collection tell? When you peer beneath the shell there are fascinating stories of what our world was like 100 years ago, what is gone, and what remains. They open the cracks to introduce the people who collected them, and why. Then there are the unexpected hidden tales quietly waiting […]

DEBATE AND SOLIDARITY ON KEPPEL STREET

Bathurst District Historical Society Museum and Bookshop East Wing, Bathurst Courthouse, Russell Street, Bathurst

Before the Federation Convention of 1896, held in Bathurst, political debate was taking place, influenced by the discussions of the day. What do the flour mill workers of Keppel Street and shearers have in common? Unionism and the fight for workers’ rights. It was on Keppel Street where meetings at the Masonic Hall would take […]

A SUNDAY DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY – MOUNT DAVID VILLAGE

A Sunday Drive in the Country - Mount David Village - back by popular demand! Visit the small historic village of Mount David, situated in the Oberon LGA. The area is steeped in gold mining history and is also known for sapphires. Hear stories of the once thriving village of three general stores, a butcher, […]

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF BATHURST WAR MEMORIAL CARILLON

Saturday 11 November, 2023 marks the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon. Constructed through the efforts of the people of Bathurst and the surrounding district, the Carillon has been at the heart of commemorations, celebrations, and civic events. However, it wasn’t until November 2020 that the instrument became a true […]

Stone and Measure – The Building of the Masonic Hall

KeyStone 1889 99 Keppel St, Bathurst

Few companies in Bathurst have left a lasting gift to the community, The Bathurst Masonic Hall Company is one that has. On Tuesday 20 November 1888, a meeting of shareholders of The Bathurst Masonic Hall Company Limited was held to discuss the purchase of land from Mr E. Webb. Located on Keppel Street opposite the […]

PEERING BENEATH THE SHELL: THE STORY OF A BIRD EGG COLLECTION – EXHIBITION & CURATORIAL TALK

Bathurst District Historical Society Museum and Bookshop East Wing, Bathurst Courthouse, Russell Street, Bathurst

What stories can a bird egg collection tell? When you peer beneath the shell there are fascinating stories of what our world was like 100 years ago, what is gone, and what remains. They open the cracks to introduce the people who collected them, and why. Then there are the unexpected hidden tales quietly waiting […]

TRACKS & STEAM

KeyStone 1889 99 Keppel St, Bathurst

Hear the whistle of the steam, smell the coal in the air, feel the rhythm of the click and clack as the train leaves the platform heading down the tracks. Anticipation is in the air as Keppel Street awakens and the Railway comes to life with the hustle and bustle of people. On 4 April […]

HONOUR AND COMMEMORATE: ILLUMINATED ADDRESSES OF BATHURST EXHIBITION & CURATORIAL TALK – CANCELLED

Bathurst Historical Museum East Wing Courthouse, 162 Russell Street, Bathurst

CANCELLED - How did we honour and commemorate persons and events of prominence or importance before the humble certificate? Illuminated addresses were once a popular way and an important element to celebrate achievements and to thank individuals for their contribution to an organization. Beautifully handwritten and adorned with ornate illustrations depicting the recipient’s history. Come […]