A Fun and Educational Experience: Visiting Bathurst’s Museums and Galleries

As a family, we’re always looking for fun and educational experiences to enjoy together. That’s why we were excited to visit the museums and galleries in Bathurst, a historic city in New South Wales, Australia. We knew that Bathurst’s museums and galleries offered a range of exhibits and activities that would appeal to everyone in our family.

Bathurst Regional Art Gallery

Located right next door to the Library on Keppel Street. Our first stop was the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery. As soon as we walked in, we were struck by the vibrant and diverse collection of art on display. We spent hours exploring the gallery’s many rooms and admiring the works of local and visiting artists. We were especially impressed by the multimedia installations, which added an exciting and interactive dimension to our experience.

The gallery also offers a range of educational programs for children and adults. While we were there, we took part in a guided tour that provided fascinating insights into the history and context of the art on display. Our kids also had a blast participating in a hands-on art workshop, where they were able to create their own artworks inspired by the exhibits they had seen.

While you are at the Art Gallery, why not pop into one of the fantastic Keppel Street Cafes and restaurants?

Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum

Next, we visited the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, which is housed in a beautiful 19th-century heritage building. The museum boasts an impressive collection of fossils and minerals from across Australia and the world. We were amazed by the sheer variety and beauty of the specimens on display, from sparkling crystals to giant dinosaur skeletons.

The Somerville Collection at the Bathurst Fossil and Mineral Museum is a truly remarkable display of minerals and crystals from around the world. This collection is named after Warren Somerville, who was a local mineral collector and enthusiast. The collection features over 2000 specimens of minerals and crystals, including some of the rarest and most valuable specimens in the world.

The museum also offers a range of interactive exhibits and activities, which kept our kids engaged and entertained. They particularly enjoyed the fossil dig, where they were able to excavate their own fossils and learn about the process of paleontology.

Bathurst Rail Museum

Our final stop was the Bathurst Rail Museum, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the history of the railway in Australia. The museum is housed in the original Bathurst Railway Station, which dates back to 1876. We were able to explore the beautifully restored station building and learn about the development of rail transportation in Australia through a range of exhibits and artifacts.

Our kids were especially excited to climb aboard the vintage steam locomotive on display outside the museum. They were able to explore the engine room and even pull the whistle, which was a real highlight of their visit.

Overall, our family had an amazing time visiting Bathurst’s museums and galleries. We were able to learn about art, science, and history in a fun and interactive way, and we all came away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around us. We would highly recommend a visit to Bathurst’s museums and galleries to any family looking for a memorable and enriching experience.