If there’s one place that is the quintessential gold rush locale in NSW it’s the Bathurst region. This is where a series of gold rushes in colonial Australia began, enticing a wave of fortune-seekers and transforming the nation into a land of opportunity. Towns like Gulgong and Sofala sprang to life, brimming with miners, traders, and entrepreneurs. When the gold ran out, these towns were abandoned for greener pastures, but curious travellers can still experience remnants of their faded glory without needing a time machine. One such spot is the beautifully preserved Hill End, an atmospheric town that is the absolute place to be if you want to experience a taste of the gold rush era with heritage buildings, old shops, cobbled streets, and fascinating museums. Here’s how to plan an adventure to the historic site.
Hill End, Bathurst
In 1872, Hill End was at its peak. The world’s largest gold specimen, the Holtermann Nugget, was found in the Hill End goldfields turning it into a hotbed of activity for those looking for a piece of prosperity. To this day, this is the largest single piece of reef gold ever discovered. The vibrant town also boasted bustling shops, 28 pubs, an oyster bar, and a population of 8,000 residents.
But then the mines ran dry and almost all the residents moved on. While only a small handful of around 120 people call it home today, the remnants of this once-thriving community have become a historical treasure and it’s now known as one of the greats in NSW. The town is best explored with a camera in hand — here are some of the best things to see and do in Hill End.
1. Visit the History Hill Museum and underground mine
The History Hill Museum is a Hill End highlight. Privately owned and run by Malcolm Drinkwater, it’s a fabulous spot to visit if you want to see what life was like in the town at the turn of the 19th century. Here you can discover 10,000 gold rush and colonial-era artefacts, steam engines, gold scales, and items of colonial history. There is also a 175-metre underground mine with a shaft exit to explore for a truly immersive experience. You can book a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace. Find out what’s on here.
2. Discover the historic buildings in town
The allure of Hill End lies outdoors so a walk down its main streets is highly recommended. While many buildings have been demolished, some have also been carefully restored. Grab yourself a self-guided walking tour pamphlet from the Hill End Heritage Centre and go for a walk around town to get a true taste of the yesteryears. Some of the original Victorian buildings that still stand include the local hospital, the Royal Hotel, the Methodist Church, the post office, and the Northeys Store. You can download a convenient walking map here.
3. Stop by the Hill End Heritage Centre
The interactive exhibits and historical information at the Hill End Heritage Centre provide an excellent orientation to any Hill End Historic Site. Located in the heart of the ghost town, the self-guided heritage centre offers photographs, artefacts and interactive demonstrations that will give you an insight into the bygone years of the gold rush. Explore the remains of a miner’s cottage, an old red Blitz fire truck, and a historic mining trolley at this delightful spot.
4. Grab a bite at Hill End General Store and Cafe
Hill End’s historic General Store & Café can be found in the heart of the village on Beyers Avenue. Sit down for a cup of coffee and tuck into delicious sandwiches, and homemade treats surrounded by historic photos, and grab some groceries on your way out. The Great Western Store is another original building to check out where you can find a number of rare photographs from the gold rush era including a display of the ‘Holtermann Collection’. Another must-visit spot is the Royal Hotel, the only remaining pub out of the 28 that once existed in Hill End.
5. Camp overnight at Hill End
If you want to stay a while, you can set up camp at either the Village Campground or Glendora Campground. Conveniently, the Village Campground is less than a kilometre from the town centre so you have easy access to anything you may need. The Glendora campground is also close to the town centre and offers 60 campsites with modern facilities that include picnic tables, barbecue facilities, showers and toilets.
If you prefer your creature comforts, you can also opt to stay in one of the five lovingly restored buildings that are maintained by NSW National Parks including the elegant Post Office Residence and Stables, the cosy Sydney Hotel Cottage or the Hill End Pines Cottage. Find more accommodation options here. Find more information about Hill End here.
Keen to do something special for Halloween this year? Hill End is also famously a literal ghost town with plenty of spooky sightings and ghostly legends. Book a ghost tour here.
How to get there
Hill End is a 4-hour drive from Sydney and just an hour’s drive from Bathurst. Although there’s no direct public transport route, you can opt to catch a direct train from Central Station to Bathurst Station which would take around 3.5 hours and then hire a car to Hill End. Spring and summer are considered the best time to visit so get planning. Whether you’re a history buff or in need of a serene escape, Hill End offers a captivating glimpse into Australia’s gold rush past.