What are the opening hours?

Monday 11am - 3pm Friday 11am - 3pm Saturday 11am - 3pm Sunday 11am - 3pm

Chifley Home & Education Centre

Name: Chifley Home & Education Centre
Address: 10-12 Busby Street, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, AU
Telephone: +61263336152
Rating: 5

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Chifley Home & Education Centre

In a quiet residential street in Bathurst is one of the country’s most unique house museums.
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In a quiet residential street in Bathurst is one of the country’s most intimate museums — the former home of Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his wife, Elizabeth.

05/08/2026

Local Government Week

Chifley Home has been a museum run by Bathurst Regional Council since it was opened by then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1973. The Education Centre was opened in 2012 by then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Ben Chifley, as well as being elected to Federal parliament, was also elected to local government. He was elected to Abercrombie Shire Council in 1933 and stayed on until 1947 (even while Prime Minister and Treasurer), serving as shire president from 1937-1939. Abercrombie Shire covered Rockley, Perthville and parts of South Bathurst from 1906-1977.

📷 Ben Chifley by Reg Campbell. Gough Whitlam at the opening of Chifley Home. Julia Gillard at the opening of the Education Centre.

Visit Bathurst NSW

19/07/2026

Sunday Shop Spotlight

Put the kettle on and settle in for lovely cuppa with these new mugs at Chifley Home and Education Centre! 🫖🫖

Available in bone china $15 or double-walled glass $25.

Visit Bathurst NSW Bathurst Regional Council

10/07/2026

Elizabeth Chifley's father, George McKenzie, could be called a man of means - he owned an impressive French-made car, a De Dion Bouton; was able to afford a trip for his family to visit his homeland Scotland in 1889; and his property portfolio included the purchase of 10 Busby Street for £200 in 1903. It was leased out until 1914, when tenancy was gifted to Elizabeth and Ben on their marriage.

Visit Bathurst NSW Bathurst Regional Council

26/06/2026

New exhibition // Tracks to Power: Ben Chifley's Political Genesis

To coincide with the 150th anniversary of the railway arriving in Bathurst, Chifley Home presents Tracks to Power: Ben Chifley’s political genesis. This exhibition looks at Chifley’s work with his union, and his role as a leader in the community. His later political reputation was built upon his analytical and leadership skills, alongside his work for his community, all developed during his time as a locomotive driver.

Chifley’s skills were developed to the point where he felt comfortable realising an early ambition of standing for Parliament. While he sought preselection for a parliamentary seat, he acted as a witness in industrial arbitration hearings, a forum where his debating and analytical skills shone. He was also a key figure in the 8 Hour Day campaign, fought against conscription during the First World War, and lead his colleagues during the Great Strike of 1917.

The exhibition includes text and supporting objects that help explain how Ben Chifley rose to the highest office in the land. Exhibition is free with museum entry.

Visit Bathurst NSW Bathurst Regional Council Bathurst Regional Council Events Central NSW Tourism

05/06/2026

It's always so lovely to have a steam loco back in Bathurst! We feel like Ben would have loved it.

07/05/2026

We were absolutely stoked to welcome Museums of History NSW for their SOLD OUT presentation at Chifley Home and Education Centre today!

The talk was fascinating, and the objects on display were even better. It was such a wonderful opportunity to see items from their collection, some of which related directly to Bathurst and even right within the Chifley Home.

Visit Bathurst NSW Bathurst Regional Council

24/04/2026

Lest we forget.

Text in video reads:
On 15 August 1945, Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced the end of the war against Japan. “Let us remember those whose lives were given that we may enjoy this glorious moment and may look forward to a peace which they have won for us.
Let us remember those whose thoughts, with proud sorrow, turn towards gallant, loved ones who will not come back.

On behalf of the people and the Government of Australia I offer humble thanks to the fighting men of the United Nations whose gallantry, sacrifice and devotion to duty have brought us to victory. Nothing can fully repay the debt we owe them nor can history record in adequate terms their deeds from the black days that followed September 1939 and December 1941, until this moment.”

Lest we forget.

22/04/2026

Very cool to see Bathurst right at the beginning of this clip from NFSA - National Film and Sound Archive of Australia!

20/04/2026

We will be open every day over the ANZAC Day long weekend, 11am-3pm

Visit Bathurst NSW Bathurst Regional Council Central NSW Tourism

14/04/2026

We are really looking forward to welcoming Museums of History NSW to Chifley Home & Education Centre in a few weeks for a fascinating presentation from their experts, with an opportunity to view original collection material such as wallpaper, trade catalogues and architectural pattern books.

Book now! https://events.humanitix.com/making-home-a-short-history-of-houses-interiors-and-gardens-in-nsw

10.30am, Thursday 7 May

Bathurst Regional Council Central NSW Tourism Bathurst Heritage Matters Bathurst District Historical Society Arts Outwest

Address

10-12 Busby Street
Bathurst, NSW
2795

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 3pm
Friday	11am - 3pm
Saturday	11am - 3pm
Sunday	11am - 3pm

Telephone

+61263336152

Website

https://museumsbathurst.com.au/chifley/

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