Lake Bathurst - Places to See

Historic Buildings in Lake Bathurst
The town has several surviving buildings from the 19th century. The old school house, which was built in 1881, is a now a private home but it is easily observed from the road at the Goulburn end of town. It operated continuously until it was closed in 1969.

The railway station dates from 1885 but all that is left is the platform. Restored and relocated in the grounds of the Lavender Garden Tea Rooms is the Lake Bathurst Railway Station Waiting Room. It has been converted into a small museum with a photographic display of early Lake Bathurst.

St John's Anglican Church was consecrated in 1860 and it is still operational.

Lake Bathurst Lavender Garden Tea Rooms and Accommodation
The church hall (1919) now houses the tea rooms which are surrounded by landscaped lavender gardens (in full bloom from December). They are open weekends and public holidays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. There are light lunches, Devonshire teas, lavender products including pure lavender oil. Tours are also available, for groups of 12 or more, which take in the village, a private collection of motoring memorabilia, the lake, and World War II fuel stores. Accommodation can be arranged. They operate from Monday to Saturday with full commentary by an expert guide but advance bookings are essential, tel: (02) 4849 4475.

The Lake Itself
The local Aborigines knew Lake Bathurst as 'Bundong'. Governor Macquarie camped beside the lake in 1820. There is a memorial to this event at the hamlet of Bundong.

The lake, a wetland haven for wading birds, can be seen (quite a distance from the road) by taking the turn at Glenovel Road at the far end of the village (the turn to Gilmour Inn Farmstay) and following the dirt road for a couple of kilometres. It is clearly visible on the right hand side of the road. As it is on private property closer access is only through Lake Bathurst Lavender Gardens (see above).

Magellan Observatory
Magellan Observatory is located in the rolling hills of Lake Bathurst. There is a 46-cm diameter telescope and self-contained accommodation. It is located in Covan Creek Rd which heads off the Braidwood Rd just north of the village, tel: (02) 4849 4489.

Tarago
Tarago is located 7 km south of Lake Bathurst. It was known as Sherwin's Flats until the railway arrived in 1884 when it took the name 'Tarago' which had previously been used as the name for Lake Bathurst. As far as can be determined Tarago is an Aboriginal word meaning 'country'.

The town has a number of interesting historic buildings include the railway station (1884), the Anglican Church, St Josephs Catholic Church (on the hill above the town) and the Loaded Dog Hotel. The Loaded Dog was originally known as the Lake Bathurst Hotel and dates back to 1848. There is some confusion about this as the Lake Bathurst Hotel dated from 1912.