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Hill End Historic Site

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Alerts for Hill End Historic Site: closed areas, fire bans

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Updated: 24/10/2014 12:01 AM

“History comes alive in Hill End; you can really feel the past”

Step back in time at Hill End Historic Site and discover the enduring legacy of colonial New South Wales and the roaring early days of the gold rush.

Explore the town on a self-guided tour starting at the Hill End Visitor Centre and museum. You’ll find streetscapes and buildings little changed since the village’s 1870s goldmining heyday.

Join a tour of impressive Craigmoor House for an intriguing peek into the past, try your luck gold panning at the Fossicking Ground, and experience the subterranean world of a colonial goldminer on a guided tour of Bald Hill Tourist Mine.

Spend a couple of days uncovering the layers of history at this remarkable site, home to a thriving community and artists’ retreat. You can camp at one of two campgrounds or stay in heritage accommodation in town.

Highlights
  • Campers at Glendora campground. Photo: Debby McGerty Copyright:NSW Government

    Glendora campground

    The Glendora campground is close to the centre of Hill End and has modern facilities. The camping here is ideal for large groups and the wildlife…

  • Looking over the lawn to the Hill End visitor centre. Photo: Debby McGerty

    Hill End Visitor Centre

    Stop at Hill End Visitor Centre to discover all that Hill End Historic Site has to offer. Have a picnic, book a tour, drop in at the museum, then…

  • Village walking track, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: Boris Hlavica

    Village walking track

    Take an easy self-guided walk and discover the historic heritage of Hill End on Village walking track.

  • Dog on the back of a ute outside the Royal Hotel. Photo: Boris Hlavica

    Royal Hotel

    Transport yourself back to the glamour of the gold rush at the historic Royal Hotel ­‑ an ideal base to explore the abundant heritage at Hill End…

 

Why you should visit

Hill End Historic Site is a special place, here are just some of the reasons why:

Artistic inspiration
Artists have long gravitated to picturesque Hill End. Since the Second World War the scarred landscape has drawn artists such as Russell Drysdale, Donald Friend, John Olsen and Brett Whiteley to capture the striking scenery on canvas. The Hill End Artist in Residence Program at the Jean Ballet Gallery continues this tradition with contemporary artists still making the pilgrimage to Hill End. Why not take a walk in the same landscape that has moved so many artists – you might be inspired to create your own piece of art.

A past to cherish
The gold rush hit nearby Bathurst in 1851 and Hill End, swept up in the frenzy, was settled in 1852. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later, however, that large-scale mining began. After most of the mining population had moved on, it was the Gold Centenary Celebrations in 1951 that were the catalyst for Hill End being recognised for its significant heritage value.

Hill End has been conserved and restored so it isn’t too difficult to imagine life in the shoes of the town’s past residents. There are some wonderful examples of gold rush-era buildings, with corrugated roofs and lacework verandahs. The original streetscapes are also home to the visitor centre, where you can find a resident specialist genealogist to help you trace your roots.

Mine for gold
Ever wondered how gold is separated from the rock it’s found in? Or want to know what a steam boiler or battery stamp’s used for? Hill End is full of places where you can learn all about mining gold. Visit the Colonial Gold Mining Company’s roasting kilns and battery buildings and check out the impressive collection of carriages and work machinery at the visitor centre. And don’t forget to book one of the many tours available while you’re there to make the most of your visit.

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Alerts

closed areas

Hosies Store closed for maintenance – Hosies store
Hosie’s Store is currently closed to allow maintenance and repair works to be carried out. It is anticipated that Hosie’s Store will not be closed for an extended period of time. For further information, please contact the Hill End Visitor Centre on (02) 6337 8206.
Warrys Cottage – Warrys Cottage
Warrys Cottage is currently closed to the public. For further information, please contact the Hill End Visitor Centre on (02) 6337 8206.

fire bans

A park fire ban applies in the park. (Ends Tuesday 31 March 2015)
A park fire ban is in place in this park. The park fire ban remains in affect unless otherwise extended or removed. During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamite) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:
  • They’re under direct control of an adult
  • The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  • There’s an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)
Penalties apply for non-compliance. Find out more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities visit the NSW National Parks safety page.

Getting there

 Car

Get directions to key locations for Hill End Historic Site:

Get driving directions

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 Opening times

Hill End Historic Site is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

 Close to

Hill End Historic Site is close to:

  • Bathurst (85km)
  • Mudgee (75km)

 Bike

Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

Weather and climate

 Visiting through the seasons

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Hill End Historic Site. Here are some of the highlights:

Spring (Sept, Oct, Nov)

  • Flowers are at their best this time of the year – enjoy cherry blossoms and blooms in the historic cottage gardens

Autumn (Mar, Apr, May)

  • With sunny, dry days and crisp evenings, it’s a great time of year for a camping holiday at Hill End – head to the Village campground or the larger Glendora campground. You could even sign up as a Campground Host.

Winter (Jun, Jul, Aug)

  • The winter light is renowned among artists and photographers – you may even get some shots of snow

 Temperature

Summer

  • The average temperature ranges between 15°C and 27°C
  • The area’s highest recorded temperature in summer is 40.1°C

Winter ­

  • The average temperature ranges between 1°C and 15°C
  • The area’s lowest recorded temperature in winter is -8.9°C

 Rainfall

  • The wettest month on average is January, the driest months on average are April and May
  • The area’s highest recorded rainfall is 108.7mm in one day

Safety

Please note that uncovered mine shafts exist throughout the Hill End area and unstable creek banks and tunnels exist in a number of areas, especially at Golden Gully. Particular care should be taken when walking at night as there is no street lighting in the area, so please be sure to carry a torch.

It can get very cold at Hill End, especially outside the summer period, so come prepared with warm clothing and rain gear.

Petrol, diesel, ice and groceries are available at the General Store.

Contacts

Hill End

Phone: (02) 6337 8206
Street address: Hill Street, Hill End NSW 2850
Opening hours: 9:30am-4:30pm (closed 12:30pm-1:30pm), daily (closed Christmas Day)

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Golden Gully, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: Debby McGerty