Katoomba to Bathurst

Katoomba to Bathurst.

Today you are going on a historical journey. Imagine you are catching the coach to go from Katoomba to Bathurst. In the 1800’s it would take you four days ( we will be a lot quicker) . First stop would be on the end of day 2 and you would be in Hartley. There are still some of the original buildings and ,in non COVID days, you could stay the night. Have a quick stroll, stand in front of the Courthouse for your photo and we will be on our way.

Next stop will be Bracey lookout. A view of Lithgow. An amazing rock formations and an interesting road. You realise we only took you here so you could have the experience of the pioneers in a coach. Lucky we had rubber tyres and suspension to avoid some of the bruises.

Onward to where the first steel was made in Australia. All that is left of the blast furnace is its walls and its footprints on the ground and a memory of its history. …….Italian workers and a strike. The steelworks cooling pond has been converted to a wetland areas.

Another walk down memory lane is the Lithgow Small Arms factory. Arms are still being made for the defence forces . It was opened in the 1900’s and at its peak, employed 6000 people. You can find every sort of firearm ever made here . There is a display of 900 pistols and rifles ,part of 1500 donated to the museum. A favourite would have to be the walking stick pistol. It evokes memories of spies in the olden days.  When there was a downturn in production, management diversified products to include mix masters,sewing machines, tools and even handcuffs. This kept industry in the area.

Although we followed the old coach road, it is now a modern road ( thank goodness).

Portland used to be a centre for concrete manufacture. It is now a sleepy country town and the silos have been painted with some of the characters who worked in the factory. Horses danced next door.

You’ve made it. We are in Bathurst. Tonight and tomorrow we are staying in an old hat factory that has been converted into studio apartments.