Sally Rummery
If you’ve ever visited the regional city of Bathurst in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, you’re likely to have seen Machattie Park.
Famously visited by Charles Darwin in 1836, the park takes up the town’s original square, replacing the old gaol and giving the small city a feeling of oasis.
The park’s design was drawn up by local architect, James Hine, as part of a community competition and was later brought to life by horticulturalist, Alfred Patterson who worked as its head gardener for 17 years.
The park has a distinct Victorian style in its design and with the erection of the band rotunda and grand fountain in 1890 and 1891 a certain sense of pride in the region was established. An aviary and fernery showcased exotic species of plants and birds and the Bathurst’s District Band’s music was enjoyed in the rotunda on summer nights. The pond was home to dozens of species of birds including swans, and at one time a pelican. The park’s integrity to its original design has seen it become well known as one of Australia’s most intact Victorian parks, of its era.
Built from the rubble of the original gaol, Jan Page and Mary Smith, members of the Bathurst Family History Group say the park has been an incredible addition to the town.
Through the centuries, the park has remained a fundamental hub for the local Bathurst community and a tourist destination for others. With its stunning arrays of annuals and paths lined with massive trees from all around the world, the park creates an atmosphere of calm despite its central location. An air of mystery and depth is given by the fernery and begonia house and the pond gives a sense of being a part of nature as a home to different animals.