Old Bathurst Hospital

Old Bathurst Hospital is a colonial-era building on Howick Street with high ceilings, arched windows, and sandstone exterior. The symmetrical facade and structured layout show the design principles of Victorian hospital construction.

Medical services in Bathurst began in 1817 when an assistant surgeon arrived to treat settlers and convicts. The present building was constructed later in the 1800s following modern hospital design principles.

The building shows the beginnings of modern Australian hospital design, meant to house patients in bright, spacious rooms for recovery. Visitors can see today how the architecture reflected ideas about healing from that era.

The restored building is accessible to visitors today and houses an education center and consulting offices. The site sits next to the modern healthcare facility, making it easy to explore both during a single visit.

The complex was designed with input from Florence Nightingale, who personally reviewed and approved the architectural plans. Mature trees on the grounds date from the 1880s and are part of the original landscape design.

Location: Bathurst

GPS coordinates: -33.40600,149.57200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01