Discover Cobar

Cobar combines insights into mining history with walks, nature watching and a distinctive sound installation. A notable place to start is the Federation Walking Track: it begins at the Great Cobar Museum and heads south around Newey Reservoir. This makes it possible to shape a stay in Cobar around a range of interests—from learning about the town to spending time in the bushland and by the water.

Walking and enjoying the outdoors at Newey Reservoir

The Federation Walking Track passes through peaceful bushland on the outskirts of Cobar. Along the way, information boards explain Cobar’s mining history, former settlements, the people, and the region’s flora and fauna. This lets you learn about different aspects of the area as you walk, rather than treating the track simply as a break for exercise. Those with a particular interest in nature can also enjoy birdwatching and picnics.

A range of activities are also enjoyed at Cobar Newey Reservoir, including fitness walks, kayaking, fishing, cycling and birdwatching. Its diverse birdlife is an added draw for anyone who likes to combine their stay with time spent observing nature. Picnic tables and a covered pavilion provide a place to take a break by the reservoir. Whether you’d rather go for a walk, watch birds or choose an activity on the water, these interests can help you decide how to spend your days in Cobar.

Explore mining history at several locations

The Great Cobar Museum can be explored independently. Its exhibition includes an interactive feature with a “job title” and a “payment window”—a different way to learn about mining history than the information boards along the walking track. The museum also provides access to the open-cut mine, which is part of the original mining works, and a view over the original mine and the slag heap. The museum, track and lookout offer different ways to explore Cobar’s mining history.

More exhibits can be seen at Cobar Mining Heritage Park, including a two-metre-high bronze sculpture of a miner, a restored stamper battery from Mount Boppy Mine, a loader from CSA Mine, and the headframe and winch from Old Chesney Mine. Cobar Miners Memorial commemorates the people who lost their lives in the local Cobar mines. Together, these places show different aspects of the subject—from mining equipment to remembering the people who lost their lives in the mines.

Art and nature as further highlights

Cobar Sound Chapel adds a permanent sound-installation artwork to the town. To experience it, contact the Visitor Information Centre before you arrive, check availability and book an appointment. Keep this requirement in mind if you want to include the Sound Chapel among your planned experiences. This allows you to make a visit to the artwork a distinct focus of your trip, alongside mining, landscape and birdlife.

If you’d also like to explore other destinations in this selection, you’ll find Booroorban, Nashdale, Mylestom, The Channon, Thurgoona, Clarence Town, Mogo and Upper Colo here.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.