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Historical Attractions in Central NSW

Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, BathurstCredit: Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum

Dinosaur display at the Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, Bathurst.

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Historical Attractions in Central NSW

Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, Bathurst Credit: Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum

Dinosaur display at the Australian Mineral and Fossil Museum, Bathurst.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

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Did you know David Attenborough described the Canowindra Grossi as the most significant fossil discovery in the world? Or that Jenolan Caves is the planet’s oldest cave at 340 million years?

With the recent discovery of Australia’s biggest dinosaur skeleton, it’s a reminder to discover our own backyard. Central NSW encourages travellers to explore the wonder of Gondwana, a journey into Ancient Australia, at eight easily accessible attractions and experiences in the region. 

Let these locations inspire future planning to explore Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Canowindra, and Condobolin. Deep underground cave systems, fossil museums with dinosaur skeletons and the first signs of life, and ancient Aboriginal cultural sites abound. 

Top eight Ancient Attractions in Central NSW:

  • Jenolan Caves, Oberon: At 340 million years old, they are arguably the world's oldest caves and the largest underground caves in Australia. Featuring a labyrinth of stalactite-lined limestone chasms, formed by underground rivers, a magical guided tour is the best way to see Binoomea or 'Dark Places' as it’s known by the Gundungurra tribes of Australia. www.jenolancaves.org.au 
  • Ages of Fishes Museum, Canowindra: One of only two fish fossil museums in the world it tells the story of over 360million years ago, the Devonian Period. Home to the Canowindra Grossi, this fish fossil had limbs and an ability to breathe air, a key species in the process of evolution. Long before dinosaurs, these rivers teamed with bizarre, armoured fishes and huge predators with jaws like crocodiles. Thousands of their fossils were found at Canowindra. www.ageoffishes.org.au/

Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW

Small group enjoying a tour through the River Cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains.

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Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW

Small group enjoying a tour through the River Cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains.

#lovensw #newsouthwales
  • Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, Bathurst: The collection contains over 5,000 objects with the centrepiece being a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, a large collection of fossils in amber and unique Australian opalised fossils. This is the permanent home of the Somerville Collection with some of the rarest specimens of mineral crystals and fossils from around the world. www.museumsbathurst.com.au   
  • Abercrombie Caves, Bathurst: Set in a peaceful valley, Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve is a spectacular place to visit and a unique opportunity to experience the hidden depths of NSW. It boasts the largest natural arch in the southern hemisphere, as well as a number of other grand, richly decorated caves. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 
  • Detour Adventures Wiradyuri Ngurambang 4WD Cultural Tour, Oberon and Bathurst: A leading 4WD tour operator Detour Adventures have created educational and engaging tours with the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation. Their full day tour visits significant Aboriginal sites such as Windradyne’s grave, Wahluu (Mt Panorama), Borenore Caves and Maiyingu Marragu (hand painting caves) plus lunch on country. www.detouradventures.com.au

Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra Credit: Destination NSW

Young girl enjoying a visit to the Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra.

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Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra Credit: Destination NSW

Young girl enjoying a visit to the Age of Fishes Museum, Canowindra.

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  • Fossick for ancient gems and gold, Hill End: Visit History Hill, an underground mine and museum, join a gold panning tour with Simmo’s Off-road or Detour Adventures, or visit Ophir Reserve and Hill End Tambaroora Commons Fossicking Area. www.historyhill.com.au 
  • Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange: Local Indigenous man, Gerald Power, takes people off the beaten track in Orange to learn about Wiradjuri history dating back over 50,000 years. Visit ancient ceremonial and cultural sites and enjoy bush tucker tastings. Costs $75 for 3-4 hours. www.indigenousculturaladventures.com.au
  • The Wiradjuri Study Centre, Condobolin: This hub for the study and understanding of Wiradjuri culture provides a range of services and sells arts and products. www.wiradjuricc.com 

Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying a cultural tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures owner and founder Gerald Power in Orange.

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Indigenous Cultural Adventures, Orange Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying a cultural tour with Indigenous Cultural Adventures owner and founder Gerald Power in Orange.

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