Distance from Bathurst 34kms north of Bathurst
Preferred route Gilmour Street to Sofala Road via Peel

History
Originally a farming area, Wattle Flat became a thriving gold town in 1855, when gold was discovered in the area. The population soared during this time to some 40,000 miners. The town was centred around 5 hotels, 2 stores, 2 schools, a Church of England and a Catholic church.

Present
Today Wattle Flat is a beautiful country village with many examples of its past evident in the remains of abandoned mines and diggings, miners' cottages and substantial stone buildings that are still standing. The native woodland provides a backdrop for the flat grazing lands of the region as well as a home for many native animals.

What to do & see
Explore the streets of the village with the brochure ‘A Stroll Through Wattle Flat' (available at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre) providing historical background of the many buildings scattered around. Stock up with supplies while enjoying the warmth and friendly service at the General Store. Join the carnival atmosphere of ‘The Bronze Thong' bush race meeting held every January at the Wattle Flat Racecourse. For the nature lover the nearby Heritage Lands contain the only evidence of the ‘Argyle Apple' (eucalyptus cinera) in the Central West. Bushwalkers will love the ‘Buurree' Walking Trail that meanders through the Heritage Lands. A relatively easy 3 hour walk takes you to the hill top for spectacular views of Wattle Flat and Sofala. 4WD enthusiasts can make their way through the reserve via the various tracks found there.

Facilities/Services
General store, fuel, public phone, active church, public toilets, picnic tables.

Accommodation includes self-contained cottages and B&B. Other establishments operate at nearby Sofala.

Another old gold mining village, Wattle Flat has a collection of historic buildings and a large bush Common. A regeneration project is underway to revegetate areas damaged during the gold rush. The annual Bronze Thong Races provide a classic bush race meeting with music, craft stalls and the odd group of horses galloping by on a track which spends most of its life looking very much like a paddock. Wattle Flat also has a shop with a cafe.

Wattle Flat Village Map