A goldmine of experiences; strike it rich!

When you visit Hill End remember that you are now on “Hill End time”.  It is a historic site but it is also a living, breathing village, not a theme park. Sometimes the shops are not open as the owners have other matters to attend to.

National Parks and Wildlife Service have prepared a comprehensive list of historic sites to visit on their website.

History Hill, a locally privately owned museum is well worth a visit and the website will give you plenty of information about the area before you arrive. Check the opening hours or ring 02 6337 8222 to confirm that it will be open when you arrive and be prepared to spend a few hours here as the collection is vast.

Hill End Arts Council now runs Open Days in the village twice a year. This is a rare chance to view ten unique buildings in the town, from humble miners’ cottages and old churches to the historic Court House. Local guides are available to answer your questions about each location. Check out the Events page on our website for upcoming dates.

Gold panning: – Alluvial gold has been found in the area from 1851. Try your hand at gold panning and contact Jhob Drinkwater on 0421 729 955 to arrange a special tour at a very reasonable price. He has all the equipment needed and will share his skills and experience with you. The children are almost guaranteed to take a little bit of Hill End history home with them.

If just visiting the region and you are following the footsteps of the early goldminers, then relive the nostalgia on the Gold Trail. A 28-page guide to these Gold Trails provides visitors with a map and general guide to the history and attractions of the region. It is available free from Visitor Centres in NSW. The Trail covers Goulburn, Upper Lachlan, Yass, Adelong, Harden, Boorowa, Young, Grenfell, Forbes and Bathurst. You can find out more information on the Gold Trails here.

Just travelling through with a theme in mind? Then check out the Merlin and Bayliss Pub Trail. Whilst you are busy following up the family history, your partner can be kept occupied with planning the next stop on this historic jaunt through the Western Goldfields. The results may just be “liquid gold” at some of the wineries along the way.

For more ideas check out the Mudgee Tourism site.

Visit the Hill End Art Gallery (HEAG)

Hill End Arts Council Inc. is thrilled to announce the launch of its new art gallery. Located right in the heart of the village in the historic CWA rooms at 5 Beyers Avenue, these historically significant rooms have been repurposed to become a beautiful exhibition space which showcases contemporary works by the artists of Hill End.

Hill End is experiencing a wonderful renaissance. There are an increasing number of artists who have purchased properties or moved into the village. Since the closure of the historic Jean Bellette Gallery in the Hospital, the Hill End Arts Council have been searching for a new home. They have now found it in one of the National Parks buildings!

The inaugural exhibition, curated by Steven Cavanagh in July brings together a survey of works by the extraordinary group of talented artists who love and call Hill End home. They are also pleased to be able to offer some artworks for sale.

The gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am – 3:00pm.

Bathurst Council have put together a great itinerary for a day or two visit to the district. Check it out here.