01 September 2023
7 mins Read
Nestled in the rolling hills and a perfect day or weekend away from Bathurst, Hill End is a charming and historic town that invites visitors to step back in time and explore the gold rush era. With its cobbled streets, heritage buildings, and fascinating history, Hill End offers a unique glimpse into Australia’s past. Let us introduce you to the best accommodation, the sites you can’t miss, and of course, the pub, on your adventure to this relic of history.
If you’re holidaying in Mudgee or Bathurst, a trip to Hill End is well worth a day or overnight trip to indulge in the area’s rich and wonderful history. If you’re travelling from Bathurst, you might like to include a pit stop in Sofala – another quirky town that has inspired many artists to capture the classic Australian landscape.
Hill End Historic Site encompasses the town centre – consisting of several historic buildings, sites, and streetscapes that have barely changed since their gold mining heyday. There’s plenty of signage to lead you on your path as you uncover the layers of history in this thriving, artistic town. The township and campgrounds are dog friendly, so you can bring the whole family along for the adventure.
Hill End is an ideal spot for campers and history buffs. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
Wander along the Village Walking Track through the town, where you’ll discover numerous awe-inspiring, historic buildings and homes, including the Great Western Store – an old shop building that is now home to a display of one of Australia’s most rare photographic collections, offering an incredible window into the past.
Great Western Store is home to Australia’s rarest photographic collections. (Image: David Ireland/Tourism Australia)
History buffs will love the Hill End Heritage Centre, a beautifully restored 1950s Rural Fire Service shed full of displays of incredible characters, stories, and more than 120 years of Hill End history brought to life through projections, artefacts, and interactive iPads. You’ll also wander past the general store, post office and pub (but more on that later).
Step back in time at Hill End Heritage Centre. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
Grab yourself a pie or sandwich from the Hill End General Store & Cafe and take a break at Bill Lyle Reserve next door, where you can sit at one of the picnic tables under the trees while the kids play. Or, if the weather’s chilly, enjoy a homemade soup by the fire.
Stop for lunch at Hill End General Store. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
You might add to your walk by heading up to Beaufoy Merlin Lookout which takes in stunning views of the area and gives a beautiful vantage point to comprehend the scale of mining that once took place here. Sunrise and sunset are especially vibrant times to visit.
The view makes a detour to Beaufoy Merlin Lookout worth the effort. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
To really immerse yourself in the history of the area, check out History Hill – a museum and underground mine located 1.5 kilometres from town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate reality as you inspect the gold rush artefacts and explore The Son of Hope mine that’s 175 metres underground. The Bald Hill Tourist Mine, also a short drive from the town centre, offers guided tours that give insight into the life and work of miners during the gold rush.
There are several humble but impressive accommodation options in historic sites, run by NSW National Parks. They offer the essentials for comfort, without the distraction of mod cons like wi-fi and TV. They’re all close to the village and very reasonably priced with limited reception. You can make a booking to stay in one of these fascinating homes through the NSW National Parks website.
The Post Office Residence and Stables offers two beautifully restored, bright, rustic accommodation options – a single-storey former postmaster’s home which still has a working post office at the front of the residence, and ‘The Stables’ which sleeps two in a loft bedroom.
Sleep in a rustic loft bedroom at the Post Office Residence and Stables. (Image: Learna Benson/DPE)
Sydney Hotel Cottage is a charming two-bedroom cottage that will delight history buffs. Over the years it has housed many businesses, from tobacconists to English tailors, and offers a quaint glimpse into the past.
Spend your stay in Hill End at the quaint Sydney Hotel Cottage. (Image: Steve Garland/DPE)
Fairfax House is a true step back in time with its exposed bricks and spacious, serene yard that feels worlds away from modern times. There are two bedrooms and a lovely, clawfoot bath.
Fairfax House is nestled among the bush on the edge of town. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
Hill End Pines Cottage has two bedrooms and is small and humble with everything you need. It’s especially cosy in the winter with its wood-burning heaters.
Hill End Pines Cottage evokes a rustic ambience. (Image: Brett Kearins/DPE)
Northeys Apartment is in the most iconic building in Hill End, right in the centre of the village. The tiny apartment, upstairs from one of the town’s longest-running stores, is lovely for a romantic getaway and offers beautiful views. Many artists are said to have drawn inspiration from this historic building in their works.
Hosies feels like a step into history and offers unique accommodation that’s perfect for group getaways or functions with two storeys and seven bedrooms.
Hosies is large enough to accommodate a group or family getaway. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
For something a little more modern and luxurious, you might like to step away from the historical sites and into The Guesthouse – a luxurious two-bedroom cottage perfect for a country getaway.
Beautiful flowers bloom outside the charming cottage.
It boasts modern vintage furnishings with all the creature comforts you could need, including free wi-fi, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, air conditioning and a lovely, ambient fireplace.
Curl up on the couch by the fireplace.
There’s an established orchard where guests can take their pick of seasonal fruit, and a verandah to relax and watch the wildlife.
The Guesthouse has a spacious yard to enjoy.
If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the Aussie bush and wake up to the sound of wildlife while exploring Hill End, there are a couple of clean and comfortable accommodation options for campers and caravanners.
Go off-grid at Village Campground. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
Both the Glendora Campground and Village Campground have clean, well-maintained amenities including toilets, hot water showers, drinking water, electric BBQs, picnic tables, fire pits, and power if you choose a powered site.
Glendora Campsite is a twenty-minute walk from town but feels worlds away, and Village Campground is right in town, making it a great option for those who want to explore Hill End on foot.
Glendora Campsite is a quiet place to relax. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
The Royal Hotel in Hill End is a historic gem that offers a rustic charm and a warm, homely vibe. Built in 1872, this is the last remaining bar in town, and it really is a classic Australian country pub. If you’re stopping by for a drink, you can enjoy it by the log fire inside or in the sunny beer garden by the trees.
Stop by for a drink or stay at The Royal Hotel. (Image: John Spencer/DPE)
They also offer traditional, simple pub grub, pool tables, a jukebox, darts, and some great memorabilia from days of old if you plan to stick around for a while. There’s cosy accommodation as well and rooms are simple, comfortable, and perfectly old-fashioned with shared amenities.
The Royal Hotel is a classic pub built in 1872. (Image: Boris Hlavica/DPE)
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