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Bathurst is a large regional city located about 200 km from Sydney in the Central Tablelands. The Wiradjuri are the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the area. As the oldest inland settlement in Australia, Bathurst has a rich history. There are several museums in the area, including Miss Traill’s House and Garden and the Chifley Home and Education Centre.

The Old Government Cottage was opened in 1965 as a house museum. This was part of the sesquicentennial celebrations for Bathurst. At the time, it was believed that the building was part of the Government House, which was built in 1817. Later investigations confirmed that Government House had been located nearby and had been demolished. Another theory was that it was the residence of the Commandant of the Bathurst Settlement, which was established by Governor Macquarie in 1815. But this was also ruled out.

The origins of the cottage remain a mystery, but due to its mistaken identity, the property was retained and restored. It is a rare intact example of an early colonial home in Bathurst. The build date ranges from the late 1820s as a possible tanner’s cottage. In 1850, the property was purchased by Miss Anne Falloon, who was a proprietress of a school for young ladies.

In 1964, the building was purchased by Bathurst City Council and the Bathurst District Historical Society. The cottage was in a dilapidated condition, and was being used as dog kennels.

Extensive renovations have taken place over the decades. The building has three main rooms and an attached storeroom, a small cellar used to keep food cool and there is a baker’s oven attached to the rear outside wall.

A particular delight is the garden that has been created in the cottage grounds. The cottage is open on the 4th Sunday of each month from 12 pm to 4 pm, and is located at 16 Stanley Street, on the western side of the Macquarie River. For more information, visit the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum here.

Photo: Old Government Cottage, Bathurst