Bathurst
Bathurst, the oldest inland settlement in Australia, was named after British Colonial Secretary Lord Bathurst. It is often referred to as Gold Country. This is because it was the site of the first gold discovery and where the first gold rush happened in Australia. Approximately 200 kilometers west of Sydney, the city has a historic center with many buildings remaining from the gold rush period of the mid-1800s.
Bathurst’s participation in Australia’s history can clearly be seen in the number of landmark monuments, buildings, and parks. Historical buildings range from workers cottages, terrace houses, mansions, slab huts, industrial, commercial buildings and grand civic structures.
At the heart of the city is a square named Kings Parade. From 1849 to 1906, it was a market area until its designation as a public recreation ground and the site for the soldiers’ memorial. Carillon, the Bathurst War Memorial, is a 30.5 meter tall tower structure located at the center of Kings Parade.
The town of Bathurst may be rich in history, but today, its name is synonymous with motorsport as it is the site of the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit. Every year, it hosts 3 major motorsport events; the Bathurst 12 Hour motor race on February, the Bathurst Motor Festival every Easter, and the Bathurst 1000 Motor Race each October. During these times, the town swells with visitors and motorsport enthusiasts.
