Cobar Shire is situated in the centre of New South Wales at the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and the Kidman Way and has excellent road, rail and air links to most of Australia's capital cities. With an area of 45,609 square kilometres, the Shire is approximately two-thirds the size of Tasmania. It is home to approximately 4,647 people. The Shire's prosperity is built around the thriving mining - copper, lead, silver, zinc, gold - and pastoral industries, which are strongly supported by a wide range of attractions and activities, that make it a major tourist destination. In addition to the functions normally associated with rural authorities, Cobar Shire Council is also responsible for the operation of the following; - Great Cobar Outback Heritage Centre - Lilliane Brady Village Nursing Home and Hostel - Cobar Youth and Fitness Centre - Cobar Memorial Swimming Pool - Cobar Shire Library - Far West Family Day Care & In Home Care - Cobar Outside of School Hours Care The Shire of Cobar also includes the villages of Euabalong, Euabalong West, Mt Hope, Nymagee, Canbelego and Murrin Bridge.