NSWMining
Cobar
Copper put this waterhole on the map.
1870Copper discovery · mining town develops
WHAT STARTED IT
Copper-bearing rock near a waterhole led to a mining rush around 1870. Aboriginal guides showed the mineralised outcrop to European workers, helping set the development of the field in motion.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Mines, smelters and a settlement grew together. The town endured changes in metal prices and mine fortunes, with later operations exploiting copper, gold and other metals.
TURNING POINTS
1870Copper discoveries bring mining activity.
1871Further nearby ore bodies are identified.
1872The first ore goes out by dray to Louth on the Darling and by steamer to Adelaide; the company builds water tanks along the roads to Bourke and Louth.
2022The Cobar Sound Chapel opened, adding a distinctive permanent sound-and-art work to the mining town.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A working mining and pastoral service town. The Great Cobar Museum tells the story of the community that grew around its mines.