For a great weekend away try Bathurst NSW Australia

For a great weekend away try Bathurst NSW Australia

Two hundred kilometers from Sydney, in Australia, is the city of Bathurst, New South Wales. In 2006 a population census was conducted which established that there were 28,992 residents. The area was originally inhabited by the Aboriginal Wiradjuri tribe.

Any visitor will find exceptional shopping malls, superb restaurants, a large variety of accommodation and a thriving business sector. The people are well known for their welcoming hospitality. Bathurst is the continent's oldest inland city. It was in existence before the first colonial settlement was formed.

During 1815, it was granted status as a town. Following the discovery of gold, the area experienced an extremely prosperous and rapid growth between the 1850s and the 1860s. It is currently one of Australia's fastest developing cities and can be easily accessed by plane, train or car. Its fascinating history and heritage has made it a popular tourist destination.

An old 1876 school building, which underwent a major refurbishment, is home to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. It houses an internationally acclaimed collection of minerals and fossils. The biggest attention-grabber is an imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex which has a length of 10 meters.

Another star of the show is a well preserved 40 million year old lizard. The museum is divided into two sections which, in total, have 2,000 exhibits. These sections are the MasterFoods Fossil Gallery and the Minerals Gallery. The latter has the most amazing collections of rare minerals.

If you are an avid fan of trains, you must take a trip to the John Matthews Sporting Complex where you will find the Bathurst Miniature Railway. The track is 600 meters long and you can even have a ride on the train if the weather is good. Make sure you wear proper shoes or they won't let you board the train.

Just outside the city is the well-known Mount Panorama Racing Track. Established in 1938, it was originally called the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive. It has now become the official base of motor racing in Australia. It began as a simple dirt track and is now among the three major racing circuits worldwide. Its length is 6.2 kilometers and it lies 874 meters above sea level.

The Jenolan Caves are not to be missed. Here, you can see incredible formations in beautiful brown, milky white, pink and orange colors. There are thirteen caves (four adventure caves and nine show caves) open to the public. Guided tours are available on each day of the year. Also on offer are themed and specialty tours, exciting night tours, and adventure caving. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced caver, there's an adventure to suit your capabilities. If you are a beginner, you will be accompanied by a guide.

A visit to the Bathurst Gaol is also recommended. Designed by James Barnet, this daunting building first admitted prisoners during 1888. The massive gate was meticulously hand-carved in sandstone. On top of it is an ornate sculpture of a lion's head. The lion has a key in its mouth. Legend has it that if the key drops, all prisoners will be freed.

POST COMMENT

Volkswagen Avondale: the leader in Phoenix area PEI Summerside Accommodation and Hotel Beach Umbrella and be protected by sunscreen The best Rolex Replica and Fake watch - help you feel more successful on this Christmas A Holiday In Sotogrande The Deen, Perth, Australia - Review Replica Breitling Watches just want you to be Fashion on this Christmas Christmas Spending In 2010 Turkish holiday rentals Rate Of Foreclosure Drops In Phoenix Retirement saving is not possible if not started now!! Arrowtown A Scintillating Paradise How to Make a Halloween Party for Adults