Situated 90km north west of Bathurst, Hill End was settled in July 1851, just after the first payable gold was discovered at Ophir. The area was renowned for the riches of its gold mines. In the early 1870s rich gold discoveries rapidly turned Hill End from a small rural and mining community into one of the largest inland towns in NSW, with its population growing to 8000.
Approximately 62,200 kg of gold has been mined from Hill End over the years. Half of this was reef gold and the other half alluvial. The famous Holtermann nugget was discovered in October 1872. The nugget was 144 cm high x 61 cm wide and weighed 286 kg. It had an estimated gold content of 3000 ounces and estimated value at that time of £10,000.
Present
Today a visit to Hill End offers insight into life in an 1870s mining and commercial centre. The village has excellent museums, interesting souvenir and craft shopping, gold fossicking, mine tours and beautiful scenery. NSW National Parks and Wildlife has listed Hill End as an historic site and protects a selection of buildings and artefacts’ within and around the legendary historic gold mining village.
What to do & see
Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore the Bald Hill underground mine in between panning for gold. Two essential destinations while visiting are the Hill End Visitor Centre and Museum and History Hill. Also take the opportunity to walk around the village and see some of its historic buildings such as The Great Western Store and Craigmoor.
Visit the Royal Hotel, the single surviving pub, featuring log fires, courtyard bistro and beautiful gardens. Other attractions include camping, fishing, walking trails in magnificent scenery and cemetery tours.
Facilities/Services
Hill End offers a range of visitor facilities including a general store & café, hotel, post office, police station, gallery, gold mining museum, attractions, petrol (diesel not available) and a variety of accommodation styles including B&B, hotel, self contained cottages and camping areas with amenities.
