COBAR plans to paint the rainbow 50 shades of grey next month with its fabulous Grey Mardi Gras Festival.
Celebrating all things baby boomer, the festival will bring the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s to the far west town from April 12-15.
So far the bumper program includes rockabilly dance classes followed by a dance night, a street parade, exhibitions and sport days as well as art and craft workshops.
There’s even rumours of retro markets, a show and shine and a special Gig on the Grass event.
Cobar Shire Council project officer Angela Shepherd said there was also a dinner with themed food.
“Our curator has been going through old magazines to design the menu,” she said.
We think it’s safe to say pineapple might be involved.
Strong support
And if you’ve ever been to one of Cobar’s festivals, you’ll know the entire town will get behind it – especially if there’s a street parade involved!
The Saturday parade down the main street is set to include retro cars, caravans and even a group of seniors on their decorated mobility scooters.
Ms Shepherd said there was plenty of room for everyone, with low-cost camping and caravan parks as well as plenty of motels.
Cobar is a three-hour drive west of Dubbo along the Barrier Highway. The mining town is famous for its big Cobar sign, the Big Beer Can and its big welcomes to travellers.
It’s hoped the event will grow into an annual celebration as big as the Parkes Elvis Festival.
If you go…
The Copper City has a number of gems to explore.
Dig into Cobar's history at the Great Cobar Heritage Centre. The museum documents the town's journey through time with themed rooms and displays over two levels. Mining history and Indigenous culture make up a large part of the exhibits.
Make sure you strike up a conversation with the staff - they're full of stories about the town - both past and present - and may even spill the beans on the Miner's Ghost, rumoured to haunt the building.
Just outside of town, you can watch a working mine in action at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout. It overlooks an open cut gold mine, and if you go at sunset you'll be greeted to a sensational view.
No matter what time of year you visit, Cobar always has something on. Shows, rodeos, plays, sheep dog trials… there really does seem to be something for everyone dotted throughout the year. Cobar is also well known for its generous community, with regular fundraisers organised for charities, sporting groups and people in need. Think lip sync battles and a local version of Dancing With the Stars.
And don't forget about food. From steaks so large they can barely fit on the plate to authentic Italian and Thai, this town will not leave you hungry.
West of Cobar is the Mount Grenfell Historic Site. Pack a picnic and soak up the natural beauty of the national park. Keep an eye out for emus and kangaroos. The site is also famous for Ngiyampaa rock art. It’s a short walk to this important Aboriginal site, and well worth the visit.
More details - (02) 6836-2448, cobar.nsw.gov.au