Spread the love

Bathurst will celebrate over 200 years of its rich history, paying homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region, at the third annual Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2019.
Rare and lost trades and crafts will be showcased over one weekend at Australia’s oldest inland
European settlement. Blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip cracking and making, glass
artistry, lace making, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, cigar box guitar making and violin making are among many unique talents to be demonstrated by local and guest artisans.
Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Graeme Hanger OAM, said the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail offers
visitors from near and far a cultural and educational experience.

“Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail showcases the destination’s heritage along with the old trades and
crafts which literally built Bathurst and which we are helping keep alive today. Four of Bathurst’s most historic venues will be activated and used to host 100 artisans practicing their rare trades, including a focus on restoration and conservation,” said Cr Hanger.

“This is a real celebration of the town’s heritage and is an incredible once-a-year opportunity to
discover and learn about historic trades and crafts and their contribution to our modern world.”
“We know that events play a key role in attracting both new and returning visitors to the Bathurst
region, bringing with them additional business to our restaurants and cafes, local tourism operators, attractions and accommodation providers.”

The two-day event is held at sites that are not always open to the public, including:

• Agricultural Research Station: formerly the ‘Bathurst Experiment Farm’ of the late 1800s,
this hidden gem holds 11 National Trust listed buildings and will showcase a diverse line up of
activity. Learn about agricultural and farm trades, be entertained by musicians, heavy horses
and kelpie dogs. See demonstrations of blacksmithing, stone walling, whip cracking and
more.
• Uniting Church Hall: built in 1837, one of the oldest buildings in Bathurst will showcase soft
trades and feature demonstrations of gem polishing, basket making workshops, embroidery,
bead and wire craft and lace making.
• Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall: originally the site of the first technical school in
Bathurst, the CWA Hall will feature artisans and demonstrations such as knitting, crocheting,
felting workshops and candle wicking.
• Walshaw Hall: built in classic arts and crafts style, Walshaw will showcase artisans
demonstrating musical instrument making, hand printing, gold smithing, book binding, and
glass working.
The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail is an important program for the Bathurst community and is part of a strategic marketing effort to boost tourism into the region.

“It’s amazing, though not surprising, to see how many people are intrigued by the history of the
Bathurst region and community,” said Councillor Hanger.

“Bathurst has seen more than 895,000 visitors bringing over $213 million in to the local Bathurst
economy. We’re excited to build on these numbers as we continue to bring to life the tradition and
historical tales of the region through events such as this.”

Early bird tickets are available online for just $12 per person for the weekend, or you can purchase
tickets on the day for $15 per person. Children under 16 years are free. To purchase tickets or for
more information visit: www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurstheritagetradestrail