It’s hard to picture NSW without its picturesque beaches and beautiful landscapes, but the state is home to some abandoned ghost towns that have faded into obscurity with the passage of time. These towns offer a rare glimpse into the past, complete with old buildings, deserted streets, and an eerie atmosphere to boot. If you’re looking to explore beyond the familiar, well-loved towns of NSW, hop in the car and hit the road — here are some historic ghost towns in NSW.
1. Hill End
In its heyday, Hill End was a gold rush boom town but it steadily declined when the gold ran out. The heritage-listed historic site is still a fascinating place to explore with well-preserved gold mines and Victorian buildings. The History Hill Museum is a must-visit in town along with the Heritage Hill Centre which houses photographs and artefacts from the past. You can also book a ghost tour for extra thrills ahead of your trip. Read more about it and plan a trip with our guide to Hill End.
2. Newnes
Newnes is an abandoned oil shale ghost town located 45 km northeast of Lithgow in the Wolgan Valley. Once operational in the early 20th century, the site is now surrounded by the beautiful Wollemi National Park, perfect for scenic walks, wildlife, camping and lookouts. The town flourished briefly when oil shale was first discovered in the area but due to the low quality and quantity of shale, it was soon abandoned. Today, only the remnants of its industrial past remain including bricks, walls, and old coke ovens.
3. Joadja
Another former shale mining ghost town, the village of Joadja is located 31 km north-west of Mittagong in NSW. While the site doesn’t have much to offer today, it still boasts an award-winning distillery and fully guided tours for those interested in learning more about its history, and the guide might even share a ghost story or two. The town operated until 1911 and has been slowing decaying ever since. Check available dates for site tours here.
4. Hartley
Hartley is a quick 2-hour drive from Sydney between Mt Victoria and Lithgow. Although a thriving township in the 1830s not much remains today at the historic site except a few churches and some largely deserted buildings. Maintained by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, visitors eager to discover this ghost town can wander through 17 buildings in the town including churches, hotels, and public buildings, or grab a bite from the visitors’s centre. See more here.
5. Silverton
Silverton is a historic mining town located just 25 kilometers northwest of Broken Hill in the heart of Outback NSW and it’s easily the most well-known ghost town in Australia. Popular for its appearances in iconic Australian films like Furiosa and Mad Max 2, today it’s home to a family-run camel farm called Silverton Outback Camels, an old hotel, and the famous Mad Max 2 Museum. Only a handful of people reside here today but Silverton’s rich history continues to draw visitors from around the country.
6. Yerranderie
Yerranderie is one of NSW’s most carefully preserved ghost towns and a popular destination for history lovers. Once a prosperous silver mining town, it declined following the collapse of the industry in 1927. Today, visitors can explore the historic spot and its remaining relics including the post office, tailor shop, general store and some cottages. You can also take a tour of the nearby silver mining fields including Silver Peak Mine and Wollondilly Mine or spot local wildlife like kangaroos, wombats and wallabies in the area. Read all about it here.
7. Kiandra
Kiandra is an abandoned gold-mining town that was once home to over ten thousand people. Though the town’s gold rush was short-lived and depleted in less than a year, it became popular as the birthplace of Australian skiing. Today, little remains of the town but visitors can still explore an old house, a cemetery, some cottages, and some signage along a self-guided walk. Learn more about it here.