In our new series, Timeless Towns, we're hitting the road explore towns brimming with history and architectural beauty. Our first stop: Bathurst, NSW!

This captivating town is not only Australia's oldest inland settlement, but also a centre of prosperity during the gold rush. From colonial-era cottages to grand Victorian mansions, a walk through Bathurst's streets is a journey through time.

The Wiradjuri Beginnings

For over 40,000 years, the Wiradjuri people thrived on the land that Bathurst now occupies. Their deep connection to the environment and rich cultural heritage shaped the region's identity long before European settlement.

Early Beginnings: Georgian & Georgian Revival (1815-1850s)

In 1815, Governor Lachlan Macquarie, seeking to expand the colony westward, established Bathurst as the first inland settlement in Australia. Bathurst unsurprisingly reflects Georgian influences in its early buildings. Simple structures made from locally sourced sandstone and convict brickwork dominated. The Georgian Revival period, from the 1830s onwards, saw a renewed interest in these classic forms, evident in churches like Holy Trinity Church, Kelso (1834).

Bathurst's Boom: Victorian Architecture (1850s-1900s)

The discovery of gold in the 1850s fuelled Bathurst's growth, reflected in its architectural shift. The Victorian era saw a surge in grander buildings constructed from the iconic Bathurst red brick. Grand buildings rose, hotels overflowed, and the iconic Bathurst gold rush became a defining chapter in Australian history. Public buildings like the Bathurst Court House (1880) and All Saints' Cathedral (1849-1971) stand as testaments to this period's grandeur.

Key figures like architect Edward Gell (1818-1899) left their mark on the city, designing over 150 buildings in various Victorian sub-styles. Look for Italianate features like decorative cast iron lacework and wide verandahs in buildings like the former Masonic Hall (1889). The Second Empire style, characterized by a mansard roof and symmetrical facade, can be seen in the Bathurst Hospital complex (1860s onwards).

Beyond the Grand: Worker's Cottages and Commercial Architecture

Bathurst's architectural story isn't just about grand public buildings. The city boasts a rich collection of worker's cottages and terrace houses, many built in the Victorian era. These modest dwellings provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Bathurst residents.

Commercial architecture also adds to the city's charm. The Bathurst Times Office (1891) exemplifies the Victorian Italianate style with its decorative facade. Explore George Street to discover a mix of Victorian and later commercial styles, reflecting Bathurst's evolution as a regional center.

A City Steeped in History

Bathurst offers a unique glimpse into Australia's colonial past and its gold rush era. Whether you're exploring the Bathurst Regional Museum, strolling down the heritage-listed streets, or catching a race at the world-famous Mount Panorama circuit, Bathurst's history comes alive at every turn.

So, next time you find yourself in Bathurst, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of its past. From its Aboriginal origins to its golden years, Bathurst continues to be a captivating destination with a story waiting to be told.

Embrace your Home's Heritage

Is your home from the Georgian, Victorian or Federation era? At Restoration Online, our range of home fittings and hardware are designed to complement heritage homes and embrace their authenticity. From tapware to suit a traditional Georgian bathroom, to front door hardware for a Victorian terrace, you'll find everything you need for your heritage home.

View our Georgian products here

View our Victorian products here

View our Federation products here

Don't hesitate to contact us if you need help finding hardware or fittings for your heritage home!