Walk through 200
Years of History in
the Heart of Bathurst.
What if you could discover the story of Bathurst in a single walk?
1. Wiradyuri Country
The image from the “We Bleed the Same” exhibition is used with permission of Dinawan Uncle Bill Allen, and the artist, Tim Bauer ©, and exhibition curator Lix Deep-Jones.
From the enduring connection of the Wiradyuri people to Country, to gold rush fortunes, bushrangers, grand public buildings and pioneering achievements, the story of Australia’s oldest inland European settlement is waiting to be explored in the centre of the city.
Located in the Bathurst Town Square, the Story of Bathurst invites visitors to journey through the events, people and places that have shaped our region. Through a series of interpretive panels, artwork and historical insights, the experience brings together fourteen themes that tell the story of Bathurst’s past and present.
As you move through the Town Square, you’ll discover stories of resilience, innovation and community spirit. Learn about the significance of the Macquarie River (Wambool), the impact of Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s proclamation of Bathurst in 1815, the region’s agricultural beginnings, the excitement of the gold rush and the development of a thriving inland city.
The Story of Bathurst is located in the Robin McLachlan Heritage Walk. Named in honour of local historian Dr Robin McLachlan OAM, the walk recognises a lifetime dedicated to preserving and sharing Bathurst’s heritage. Robin’s passion for local history helped ensure the stories of our community continue to be told for future generations.
Through the interpretive themes, visitors can explore the people, places and events that have shaped the Bathurst Region. The panels highlight stories of First Nations heritage, exploration and settlement, agriculture, gold, transport, industry, education and community life. Together, these stories reveal how Bathurst evolved from a frontier settlement in Wiraddyuri Country into one of regional Australia’s most significant and historic regional cities.
What makes this experience unique is that it isn’t confined to a museum. The story unfolds in the very place where history happened. The streets, buildings and landmarks that surround Town Square provide a living backdrop to many of the stories being shared.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a history enthusiast or a local resident looking to reconnect with the region’s past, the Story of Bathurst offers a deeper understanding of what makes this place special.
Next time you’re in the city centre, take a moment to slow down, follow the walk and discover the stories hidden in plain sight. You may find that Bathurst’s past is closer than you think.
DISCOVER MORE
Explore the Story of Bathurst and the Robin McLachlan Heritage Walk and uncover the stories that have shaped Bathurst for generations.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bathurst was proclaimed by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1815 and is recognised as Australia’s oldest inland European settlement—a milestone that continues to shape the city’s identity today.