Peak Hill, Milthorpe & Bathurst

I had only highlighted one attraction in this region as I knew that I would be spending most of my time driving. This attraction was the Peak Hill Open Cut Mine which I had never heard about prior to my research. After my stop in Forbes, I continued my journey to Peak Hill which is a town with a population of 800.

The gold mine at Peak Hill operated between 1893 and 1917. It was then excavated for gold between 1996 and 2002. There are a few walking paths that provides viewing areas over the 5 open cuts and a great view of the region. It's also free! Free is always a good thing. It was a very very cool experience and I can't believe how deep the cut was and that's not even that deep compared to the ones out in WA!












The good old toilet.

On my way to Bathurst, I stopped by Parkes to view the CSIRO 'Big Dish'. This wasn't on my original radar, however on my way to Peak Hill from Forbes, I saw the sign and thought it might be a worthwhile visit. I think the best part was actually the cafe and the food was reasonably priced (considering it was the only cafe in probably a 10km radius and it was at a tourist attraction!).







It was taking a lot longer to Bathurst than I had anticipated as I had wanted to visit Hill End. Instead I decided to stop in Orange and Milthorpe.


Bird on my car bonnet.





Orange was a little underwhelming and so was Milthorpe. I had read really good things about Milthorpe and is known for 'the very picture of country NSW'. I am not sure about that, but I really enjoyed the drive to and from Milthorpe.



Bathurst was the largest city I had been in since Wagga Wagga and the last time I visited was in Year 5 when I learnt about the Gold Rush!




Bathurst was another night of free camping and unlike Wagga Wagga, it was right next to a major road and was a little sketchier. There were quite a few campervans but it just felt a little weird being in the middle of a park. Although next to the park was actually a few cows.... The bathroom was really dirty with so many dead bugs. Ecck! I stopped for takeaway pad thai and it tasted amazing! I spent my last night on the road sitting in the boot of my car eating pad thai and watching the sunset.





This is my fourth trip as part of #take12trips. To see previous trips please click here