Begin at the Bathurst Courthouse and investigate the history of law and order in colonial Australia. Explore the architectural significance of this landmark and its role in shaping early Australian society. Continue to the Bathurst Historical Society Museum, where students participate in an investigation to locate and identify key moments in Bathurst’s history from the 1800s to the 1900s. Encounter stories of convicts, early medical practices, meteorological technology, and bushrangers, and learn how significant individuals and gangs influenced and at times threatened the development of Australia. Conclude the program with an interactive treasure hunt in Machattie Park.

Visit the sites of the old and new Bathurst Flagstaff, the location where Governor Macquarie proclaimed Bathurst an official settlement. Learn about the historical controversy surrounding the true location of the flagstaff and the important role the local Wiradyuri Aboriginal community played in Bathurst’s early history. Explore the Wiradyuri Wars, examine their impact on the Bathurst settlement, and discuss the ongoing relationship between European settlers and Aboriginal Australians in the Bathurst region.

Experience life in early colonial Australia through a hands-on, immersive program. Interact with characters from the past and get your hands dirty building mud bricks, cooking damper, operating original goldfields machinery, and panning for gold. Explore the contributions early migrants made to Bathurst and other colonial settlements, as well as the struggles faced by different groups, including early migrants, Aboriginal Australians at first contact, women, and children. Examine Bathurst’s social and economic development and learn about the geology of gold. Conclude the experience by completing a case study on the impact of gold on colonial Australia and the growth of Bathurst.

Explore the natural history of our planet and learn about gold, minerals, and their practical uses. Discover Earth’s structure, the geological timeline, the history of life on Earth, including dinosaurs and fossils of scientific significance.

Sofala is one of Australia’s oldest surviving gold rush towns, located along the Turon River. Known for its well-preserved historic buildings, narrow winding streets, and gold mining heritage, Sofala offers a rare glimpse into 1850s life. Explore this charming village, its history, and enjoy the riverside setting, experiencing an authentic goldfields landscape.

Scenic World offers the thrill of a ride on the steepest incline railway in the world. The 415m descent will take you through a cliff side tunnel into ancient rainforest. Discover Over two kilometres of boardwalk through the ancient rainforest and take the time to look around and find some fascinating facts about the local flora and history of the valley.