Ben Chifley's House

Ben Chifley's House is a Victorian Italianate residence on Busby Street with original furnishings, a bull-nosed verandah, and cast iron columns from the 1880s. The home is fully furnished with the former Prime Minister's personal belongings and shows what domestic life looked like in that era.

The house was built in the 1880s as a family residence and became the home of Ben Chifley and his wife Elizabeth from 1914 until his death in 1951. During his years as Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951, this was his personal retreat outside the capital.

The house displays objects from daily life in the 1940s, such as rationing cards in the kitchen and vintage cooking equipment. These items show how Australian families lived and worked at home during that time.

The house is open to visitors and located in central Bathurst within easy walking distance of the town center. Allow enough time to explore the rooms and examine the personal items displayed throughout.

The house preserves a handbag that belonged to Mrs. Chifley, which she received during an official visit to London. This handbag matches the style that was presented to Princess Elizabeth during a state visit.