Fast facts
- Old mining town of the ‘Far West’ that retains its historical character
- Arid landscape with true Outback highlights
- 706 km west of Sydney, population 5,500
Why go there
Mining has long been the lifeblood of Cobar, and the wealth that followed its discovery influenced the many fine buildings still in existence. Among the many reminders of its past glory is the Great Cobar Open Cut, originally an open-cut 150-m deep mine but now a local swimming hole.
History
It is thought that Cobar is an anglicised version of the Aboriginal word “gubar”, the ochre used in making body paint for Corroborees, traditional Aboriginal ceremonies. Pastoralists began to settle the area in the mid-1860s and development started with the discovery of copper in 1870.
Mining continued until the 1920s, and at its peak, Cobar had a population of 10,000 people and its own stock exchange. Mining again became prominent from the 1980s with the opening of a silver-lead-zinc operation.
Things to do
- Visit the past at the Great Cobar Heritage and visitor information centre.
- Explore the many fine examples of Aboriginal rock art at Mt Grenfell.
- Relax on the open balcony of the 1898 Great Western Hotel, reputedly the longest balcony in the State.
Events
- Nymagee Outback Music Festival, Nymagee, 98 km south of Cobar, celebrates sounds of the country in October.
- The Festival of the Miner’s Ghost, also held in October, gives voice to Cobar’s heritage.
Don’t miss
- The self-guided Cobar Heritage Walk and Centenary of Federation Walking Track.
- The panoramic view of the town from Fort Bourke Hill.
- Demonstrations of radar-tracking at the Commonwealth Meteorological Station.
- Mount Drysdale, a former gold-mining town, 34 km north of Cobar.
- Cobar Miners Heritage Park, which features a 2-m statue of a miner.
