Amazing to see the humble abode of the holder of highest office in the country. Learn about what sort of man Chiff was.The new interpretative centre adds an extra dimension to the house museum.
Ben Chifely lived here with his wife Elizabeth from 1941 to 1951. The home gives an interesting insight into Ben Chifleys background, values and achievements. The house and its contents are pretty much a 1940s-50s time capsule. All the objects in Chifleys home are original e.g. owned and used by them. The Bathurst council has purchased the conjoined house and turned this part into an education centre with DVD on Chifley, a few rooms of memorabilia, and photographs from his years as PM.You need to time your visit for the tours which are scheduled at 10am and 2pm Saturday -Monday. If you arrive outside these hours you are not able to view the actual Chifley home, as it is kept locked.The tour takes about 1-1.5 hours all up, and was run by a very informed guide.Wheelchair access to the original home would be possible but quite tricky as there is limited circulation space.I would recommend the tour, but if the times don't fit, it is still worth dropping out there. On the vacant block adjacent to the home is a zig zag wheelchair accessible path with information boards detailing the history of Ben Chifely and the home. (Accessible 24/7)Further information can be found at: http://www.chifleyhome.org.au/home/welcome
Thank you so much for the enthralling visit to Chifley Home in January. To see where the Prime Minister Ben Chifley and his family lived, even during his administration, was amazing.I am only sorry it was so short and we promise to return for another visit in 2015!
I won't take another 20 years to visit. The guides were extremely helpful and informative. The home is well preserved and is a testament to one of our most beloved Prime Ministers.
Ben Chifley's small and unpretentious family home remains preserved in time. It's pristine, untouched condition is a credit to its safe-keepers and that makes for an enjoyable visit as you step back through the decades and visit Ben and Elizabeth at home.Those with even a skerrick of interest in Australian history will find this immensely interesting. It truly is a genuine slice from our past as all the furniture, fittings and appliances are from Chifley's time and were actually used by the Chifleys.If you're in Bathurst, this visit and tour is well worth the hour or so of your time. The house is located within a 5 min drive of the Bathurst CBD and there's easy parking in the street.
A step back in time with everything left, just as it was when Elizabeth and Ben Chifley lived there,next door house is a gallery of wonderful old photos as well.
This is a place that visitors interested in political history would find very interesting. The house is well kept and the guides were very informative.
Went to the Chifley Home and found it quite interesting but had a sense that something was being held back. Found out afterwards that Ben Chifley had a long standing mistress who was with him when he died but whoops we just didn't mention that in an hour long tour!
The house is in original condition and the tour is very informative showing a very simple lifestyle of Ben Chifley and his wife who lived in the home from 1914. As the rooms are not roped off in any way you cannot view on your own you must participate in a tour. We were the only couple undertaking the tour and understood that they rarely had large numbers so a very individual experience can be had.
On a recent trip to Bathurst we took the opportunity to visit Ben Chifleys house. We had pre- arranged a guided tour and found this to be the best way to fully appreciate the history behind the home and the Chifley family. We started with a video presentation and then walked through each room assisted by the guide who shared special stories and provided little tid bits of information. Eventhough it is a small site I would still recommend you set aside a couple of hours just so you can see and appreciate all the items contained within.