A guide to visiting the historic town of Hill End, NSW

Known for its rich history and gold mining, Hill end is not your average country Australian town. Boasting everything from grand Victorian buildings to historic settlers huts, the village plays hommage to the locals, farmers and thriving artists who find inspiration in the charming and alluring atmosphere in addition to it’s bush and landscapes.

Encircled by rolling hills and valleys, Hill end also offers an abundance of natural beauty. From off roading one of the regions original roads, the bridle track, to exploring original mine shafts in golden gully, there is so much which awaits to be explored, making it the perfect place for history and outdoors lovers alike.

Whether it be a day, weekend or week, here is a guide to help you get the most out of your visit to the historic Hill End.

The history of Hill End

Hill end town is located in central west NSW, nestled between Bathurst and Mudgee. The historic village is an old gold mining town which was once bustling with 8000 people and boasted 2 news papers, 5 banks and a whopping 28 pubs in its hey-day back in 1800’s.

Although the village was established earlier, Hill End became known in 1850 due to its rivers and soil being rich in gold, which attracted people from all around the country and far away lands to move to the settlement and pan gold from its mines. Once the village was mined out of it’s worth, including the world largest nugget of gold, people fled the settlement and as of 2017, there are only 80 residents living in Hill End.

Despite no longer being a bustling town, Hill End still boasts its original architecture, roads, homes and some gorgeous natural beauties and views which can all be explored today. There are signs aplenty posted around the town, all within walking distance, telling the story of the once populous gold rush town, which makes for a lovely self tour.

When to visit Hill End

Hill End can be sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter, in fact, it has been known to frequently attract snow fall. Therefore, the best months to visit and explore the town is in Autumn and Spring. Not only is this the perfect climate for exploring and comfortably being in the outdoors, its also the most scenic, flaunting orange foliage or golden wattle that lines every crevice, gully and garden of the town.

What to see and do in Hill End

Golden Gully

Located just outside of Hill End town is Golden Gully, a striking location where erosion of red soil meets the skeleton of old mine shafts, setting the scene where miners once searched for their fortune using a combination of Chinese and and European alluvial techniques. Really take your time to search the area and take it in as there are hidden gems aplenty that give insight to the towns history.

The gully is dotted with vibrant wattle in the spring, which adds to the pop of golden hues that the soil already boldly boasts. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as wallabies and lizards who enjoy sun bathing. This area was once home to the ‘Golden arch’ however, it collapsed in 2022 due to a combination of erosion and rain fall. But not to worry, there’s still plenty more to explore.

Hill End festival

Held in the April of every year, Hill End has a culture and arts festival where the locals and surrounding towns gather as a community and put on quite the show. Hill End is a muse and inspiration for musicians and and artists alike, who display and play their works of art from the streets and in pop up galleries around the town centre. This date does vary every year.

The Bridle track

Located South of the town in the Bridle track, a rugged road only suitable for an experienced four wheel drive and driver. Home to rough terrain, sheer cliffs, a river fit for swimming and sweeping views, the bridle track is a favourite four wheel driving route and camping area (8 sites). The road is one of the oldest in the region and was a way of passage for locals and visitors on horseback. This was also once the route for people travelling to Hill End from the south – it has been rumoured that the mayor of Bathurst once visited in horse and cart and was described as being battered and blue on arrival from the rough terrain.

Tour the town

Although it can appear bear, the town once was bustling and thriving full of people, businesses and homes. There are signs located almost at every allotment within the town explaining a brief history of what once was and how the town functioned, painting a picture so clear, that you can almost hear the miners walking to work, stores opening up and the bustle of the community throughout the Victorian streets.

Some buildings and settlers huts remain standing and are either inhabited and maintained as part of the historic site, or have been repurposed such as the grocer, pub and cafe.

Camping

There are a number of places to set up camp both within and around Hill End. The most popular place is The village campground which is located less than a kilometre from central Hill End making it a perfect place to set up and explore the town. It is also only 2 kilometres from spectacular panoramic views and old gold mines.

If you’re wanting to head out of town and into the bush then there are limitless places to set up camp, including 8 camping grounds that trace the Bridle track itself. Just don’t expect to have a grand set up, power or service. You can however expect incredible river views and unspoilt scenery.

Enjoy the view

Just a couple of minutes out of the town is Merlin’s lookout and Kissing point lookout (AKA Milsons lookout) where you can find a soaring view of rolling hills, completed with gum and eucalyptus trees that are afloat in their blue haze.

Visit a museum and tour

Chances are if you’re visiting Hill End, you’re a history lover. Thankfully, Hill end parade a spectacular parade of museums to show you in the ins and outs of life in the gold rush. There are also a number of guided tours that vary from Touring the Victorian streets, gold panning in the river or even heading underground to the old abandoned mine shafts.

If you don’t know where to start, begin with one of these museums and companies. Otherwise you can head to the buildings within the town on arrival or head the the old grocer shop where tours are offered.

Where to eat and drink

Hill End estate

This charming cafe is located in the heart of town. The rustic interior invites you to try its devonshire tea and fresh pastry’s and its garden filled of fresh herbs and flowers begs to be explored.

The Royal Hotel

Flaunting a rustic bar and 19th century interior, this is the place to go to refresh on a drink and pub lunch. The royal hotel gives the locals and travellers alike the authentic Hill End experience.

Hill end general store and cafe

This heritage building is an icon to the Hill End community. Here you can try one of Hill End’s award winning pies and freshly brewed coffees. There is also an outdoor area which is animal friendly for all those bringing fury friends.

Hill End lodge

The Hill End lodge caters for all! With scenic views and an extensive wine list that boasts local Mudgee vino, here’s a beautiful place to end your day and wine down with a hearty meal.

Where to stay

The guesthouse Hill End

The beautiful guesthouse is found on the edge of town. The luxurious country modern accomodation can be found nestled between colourful gardens and lucious green trees, making it the perfect getaway when visiting to Hill End.

Fairfax house

This heritage accomodation givens the true gold rush experience. Built in the 1870’s and renovated enough to given a cosy, yet contemporary feel, it still boasts some of it’s original structures and materials.

Village campground

As previously mentioned, the campground is ideally situated just minutes from the heart of Hill End. The campground has sites which offers amenities and power, however you do have to provide your own fire wood and kindling.

The Royal hotel

The royal hotel of Hill End boasts its original architecture at the top of the town. With cosy rooms that are still authentic to its origins and a rustic pub situated underneath, this is a great option for those wanting to rest their heads between adventures.

Northey’s apartment

This is arguably Hill End’s most iconic building. Located in the originally built streets, the accomodation is on the second story of one of Hill End’s longest running stores. Here you can stay is cosy accomodation in which overlooks the town.