The Pub Route

The town today pays homage to this history through fascinating museums and colonial buildings, preserved open-cut mines and memorials. Several historic pubs are still in operation, and a wonderful legacy of hospitality is still on show in the town and surrounding villages.

A fascinating town rich in mining heritage and natural environment, Cobar’s riches were discovered in 1870 when three tank sinkers journeying from Condobolin to Bourke, and guided by two Aboriginal men, came to Kubbar, a natural well, which was found to contain copper.

Copper put the region on the map. Back then, the Great Cobar Copper Mine was Australia’s leading producer of copper, with more than 1,000 workers operating the huge smelters and its 64 metre chimney stack. Today, remains of the smelter foundations are visible from the hill near The Great Cobar Museum.

Cobar is a thriving outback oasis town which sits at least 130 km from the nearest township (Nyngan to the east) and has a population of over 4,000. Visitors to Cobar marvel at the shady green parks, swimming pool grounds, flourishing reservoirs and golf course fairways. There are many spaces you can truly relax and escape the heat in summer, and plenty of welcoming and cosy pubs, clubs, restaurants, and community facilities to enjoy in winter.

Follow the self-guided Cobar Heritage Walk to see the town’s historic buildings, including several from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as early miners’ cottages. Then stop by the heritage-listed Great Western Hotel, a classic rural Australian corner pub with wide, shady verandahs and iron lacework.

Cobar Pubs

Take a pub crawl through history & make a Pub Stop in Cobar!

Visit Cobar along these adjoining Pub Routes. Discover more routes and pub history.

Cobar Attractions

Visitor Information

Make this building your first stop on arrival to Cobar, you will be greeted by the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre inside the museum. The Great Cobar Museum, completed in 1912, was originally the administration offices of the Great Cobar Copper Mine. Visitors can explore the deep history of Cobar’s mining, people, pastoralism, community and hard work.

The Cobar Sound Chapel is a permanent sound installation artwork set in an old disused water tank and inspired by the vast landscape of the Australian outback. It is described as a cross disciplinary artwork, combining sound, architecture, art, poetry and the natural environment in a unique and site-specific context. Come to The Great Cobar Museum to book this experience.

The ancient Aboriginal rock paintings at Mount Grenfell are some of the largest and most important in Australia. This site is an important traditional meeting place with ceremonial significance. Extensive rock art at the site contains ochre and kaolin paintings of human and animal figures as well as hand stencils. Pack a picnic and immerse yourself in this natural setting. This location is approximately an hour’s drive from Cobar but well worth the visit to see this important site. Make sure you prepare for your trip out there as there is limited to no reception.

Just a short distance from town, drive up to Fort Bourke Lookout and take in the spectacular view of the open cut as well as a view across Cobar and its surroundings. From up here, you can watch the mining activity from the well-constructed viewing platform.

The Cobar Mining Heritage Park is just over the road from The Great Cobar Museum. This significant outdoor exhibit of Cobar’s mining heritage is set among beautifully manicured gardens. Visitors can enjoy exploring the mining installations around the park and the picnic area located on the lush green grass. The Cobar Miners Memorial located within the Park commemorates those who have died in the local Cobar Mines.

In the warmer months, follow the lead of locals and head to the ‘Old Res’ to swim, kayak and fish, or stretch your legs on a stroll around the reservoir’s banks. More watersports await at the Newey Reservoir, a glorious waterway that attracts all manner of birdlife. Bring a rug and enjoy a picnic under a shady tree.

Useful Links

Road condition reports

Hotels of the Cobar Shire – Past & Present

Take a journey back in time and discover the historical pubs of the Cobar region