It was a relatively easy 194km drive on the Kidman Hwy to Cobar.
Copper was discovered here in 1870.
The original mine closed down in 1920 due to an underground fire that burnt for 16 years. It was later re-established the 1960’s. At its peak there were over 10,000 living in town then after the WWI with the dropping demand the population dwindled to less than 1,000. Mining is still happening but mainly for Gold, silver, zinc and lead. Although the ore grades are still mined at above World averages. After lunch from the bakery we settled in at the camp ground $30 unpowered.
We then set out to have a look around. We stopped at the Heritage Park that had some information in mining and a sculpture to commemorate the lost lives.
We drove out to Peak Hill and read the interpretive signs on how things used to be.
On our way back we went up to Fort Bourke Lookout which offered an excellent view of the town and the deep open pit a 150m deep hole.
Apparently there are 2 graves on the golf course that's left from the original cemetery. We returned to camp for dinner and retired early to the warmth of our caravans.
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