Trunkey Creek was proclaimed the village of ‘Arthur’ in 1873, and retained that name until 1988 when it was changed to ‘Trunkey’. Some say the name came from a prospector who had a particularly large nose and had been nicknamed ‘Trunkey’, so the creek he had been working in became known as ‘Trunkey’s Creek’.
Present
Today Trunkey Creek is a rustic rural village and still home to many highly skilful bushmen with the region producing some of Australia’s top quality merino wool. With only 100 residents remaining in the modest village, it is large in character with many reminders of the exciting days of the gold rush era.
What to Do & See
The hills surrounding Trunkey Creek are honeycombed with abandoned mine shafts and mullock heaps, crumbling mud huts and brick chimneys from the days of the gold rush. Gold extracted from the quartz rocks is still found here today among the old mullock heaps.
If you are visiting Trunkey Creek, take the time to explore the Golden Age Hotel built in 1869, the Police Station and Courthouse built in the 1870s, and the old general store built in 1879 - all eloquent and historic reminders of our pioneering past.
The Trunkey Creek Show is a wool festival, sheep and horse show held every year on the Saturday of the October long weekend, with visitors attending from across Australia. Those attending always enjoy the pioneer craft demonstrations given by experienced bushmen, showing wood skills, earth, mud and stone wall building, blacksmithing and gold panning.
Abercrombie Caves, 13 kilometres from Trunkey Creek, were discovered by settlers in the 1820s, and were a hideout for bushrangers of the Ribbon Gang. It is an attractive collection of limestone caves, with an array of stalagmites and stalactites.
A few kilometres south of Abercrombie Caves are the Grove Creek Falls. After rain this spectacular water fall tumbles over sheer cliffs to rocks some 70 metres below. The Grove Creek Observatory is also situated nearby.
If you are feeling adventurous, just 15 kilometres west of Trunkey is the popular Copperhannia Nature Reserve, featuring many different trails for walking or mountain bike riding.
Facilities/Services
Why not experience a country service in one of the Catholic, Anglican or Presbyterian churches while staying in a B&B or hotel style accommodation to get the most out of your stay. Or, if you want to count the stars, camping is also an option.
Rest areas, picnic areas, sports ground, public toilets, telephone and fuel are all within reach.
