Explore Australia's First Goldfields
Australia's earliest goldfields in central New South Wales are a wonderful place to see where the colonial gold rushes all began, where places like Hill End, Sofala, Gulgong and Mudgee retain many fascinating heritage elements, a rustic charm and a chance to find a hint of glimmer.
The 19th century gold rushes in Australia changed the country forever – bringing hundreds of thousands of settlers and the rapid growth of villages, towns and settlements, as miners, storekeepers, publicans and bushrangers searched for their fortunes and police troopers and magistrates tried to keep the peace.
Many of those settlements are long-abandoned or in slow decline and others have become modern country towns but there remains an extraordinary collection of relics and reminders of the gold boom days. It’s still possible to feel the atmosphere that must have prevailed, to talk to an old hand who still tries his luck, and to have a go yourself at panning for a piece of the precious metal.
Paperbark Tours offers all-inclusive 3-day short breaks from Sydney that give you the opportunity to witness Australia's gold heritage and bring to life elements deep in the Australian imagination - Hargraves, Hill End, the Holtermann Nugget. You might even come back with a flake or a nugget in your knapsack!
Itinerary
Day 1:
Your first day takes you to the historical village of Hartley before heading to Hill End via the twisting, narrow Bridal Track and a tour of this most famous of the early gold fields. A fascinating guided tour of Hill End’s History Hill will give you an insight into gold rush times and daily life on the gold fields, including an underground mine and a replica of the famous Holtermann Nugget – the largest single mass of gold ever discovered. You’ll also be shown how to pan for gold by an old hand and you’ll be guided through the historic cemetery at Tambaroora. Overnight at Chesleigh Homestead near Sofala.
Day 2:
This morning you have a chance to indulge in some of the activities available on Chesleigh’s 3,000 acres, including bushwalking, exploring old Cobb and Co trails and gold relics, panning in the local streams, or taking an escorted horse ride in the property’s hills and valleys. You’ll visit the historical village of Sofala and also take a tour of Mudgee and Gulgong, both of which have a wealth of historical buildings and reminders of their gold rush heritage. Tonight’s dinner at Chesleigh will be a highlight, with hospitality and entertainment provided by your hosts Mike and Jan Cody.
Day 3:
Your final day starts early with a visit to Ophir, site of the very first payable gold discovery in Australia, with a delightful riverside reserve to explore and soak up the atmosphere. Afterwards you stroll the Water Race Walking Track in Mullion Range State Conservation Area, to view the extensive gold mining relics and the abundance of wildlife. Then it’s back to Chesleigh for their renowned Sunday BBQ before heading to Lithgow for a ride on the Zig Zag Railway, a marvel of 19th century engineering. Your journey back to central Sydney travels the scenic Bell’s Line of Road across the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains via Mount Tomah, Bilpin and Kurrajong Heights.
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Facilities
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Emergency equipment
- First aid equipment
- Food
- Group
- Guide
- National Park
- Transportation
Inclusions
- Air Conditioning
- Blankets
- Commentary
- Fire Protection Equipment
- First aid equipment
- Freezer
- Fresh water
- Global Positioning System
- Host/Hostess
- Internet Access
- Refrigerator
- Resource Material
- Safe
- Satellite phone
- Seat belts
- Two Way Radio
Experiences
- Active
- Aussie Lifestyle
- Cultural
- Eco Tourism
- Educational
- Environmental
- Farm/Station
- Flora and Fauna
- Historic/Heritage
- National Park
- Nature based
- Off road
- Rural/Country
- Soft Adventure
- Underground
- Wildlife
Activities
- Barbecue
- Birdwatching
- Bushwalking
- Farm/Station activity
- Flora
- Fossicking
- Gold prospecting
- Meditating/Relaxing
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Train Ride
- Walking
is suited to
- 18-35's
- Adult Getaway
- Empty Nesters
- Gay and Lesbian
- Group
- Senior
- Single
Cancellation Policy
The following fees apply in relation to cancellations. More than 14 days before travel: full refund less $100 administration fee; 8-14 days: loss of deposit; 4-7 days: 50% of fare; 3 days or less: 100% of fare. Other operator cancellation fees may apply (e.g. travel agents, third-party accommodation providers) and can be made available on request. Paperbark Tours reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking, or to refuse to carry any client where payment has not been received by the company within the specified time.
