MUDGEE ♦ GULGONG ♦ KANDOS ♦ RYLSTONE ♦ HARGRAVES ♦ HILL END ♦ LUE ♦ WINDEYER ♦ WOLLAR

Mudgee

Mudgee is the largest town in the Region, and was first settled by Europeans in the 1820s, 12 years before Melbourne, making it the second oldest town west of the Great Dividing Range.

The first settlers, George and Henry Cox, arrived in February 1822, quickly followed by a number of other families. On 12 January 1838, the new township was gazetted as "The Village of Mudgee", being an area of one mile square. The Municipality of Mudgee came into existence on 21 February 1860.

Today, a number of historic buildings form the main centre of town, many of which are listed by the National Trust.

Agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, mining and tourism drive sound economic growth. There have been periods when particular activities have seen the population vary; gold fever of the 1850s saw substantial increases in the Region's population at outlying areas such as Turon, Piambong, Grattai, Hill End and Windeyer. The town of Gulgong hosted a substantial population, either looking for gold or providing goods and services to those who were.

Mid-Western Regional Council

Mid-Western Regional Council was proclaimed on 26 May 2004 and incorporates the whole of the former Mudgee Shire Council and parts of the former Merriwa and Rylstone Shires. The region covers an area of approximately 9,000 sq. kms, is located in the Central West of New South Wales, and features agricultural diversity from quality wines to fine wool.

The Region includes the townships of Rylstone, Kandos, Gulgong and Mudgee and many village settlements throughout the area. The region has a wealth of opportunities for visitors, residents or those wishing to come to live or operate a commercial enterprise in our region.

More information on facilities offered by Mid-Western Regional Council at www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au

Gulgong

The first thing you will notice about Gulgong, the town on the original $10 note is the narrowness of the streets. They wind between quaint weatherboard and iron buildings, complete with verandahs and iron lace. One can almost imagine the hustle and bustle of the old gold mining town. Of course, Gulgong was a very different place then.

In 1870, a man called Tom Saunders discovered gold at Red Hill, near Gulgong. By the mid 1870s, more than 20,000 people, lured by the prospect of a quick fortune, had flocked to the area. Life on the goldfields was hard, but the inhabitants still found time for leisure activities.

Today, Gulgong's buildings and streetscape present a remarkably intact and picturesque example of a nineteenth century town. The narrow, winding main street is graced by colonial facades and wide overhanging verandahs.

The Henry Lawson Centre provides an interesting record of the life and times of one of the Region's most famous former residents; the Pioneers Museum showcases an amazing collection of Australiana; and the Prince of Wales Opera House, which has seen performances world famous performers over the years, is still in use today.

More information on Gulgong at www.gulgong.net

Rylstone

Rylstone is 51 kilometres on the Sydney side of Mudgee or around three and a half hours easy drive from central Sydney and is an ideal gateway to the Mudgee Gulgong region. Situated on the banks of the Cudgegong River, Rylstone is one of the oldest towns west of the Blue Mountains and features several outstanding examples of colonial architecture. The Rylstone area was originally called 'Dabee'. A request for a village to be called 'Tongong' was made to Governor Gipps, who decided on the name Rylstone. The site for the Rylstone village was surveyed in 1842 at what was once a camping site for stockmen on their way to either the Sydney markets or the saleyards at Maitland in the Hunter Valley. Rylstone was given town status in 1885.

Rylstone has many fine old stone buildings, especially in Louee Street. A few buildings of note are the Bridge View Inn, the Globe Hotel, the post office, the police station, the courthouse and the shire hall. The old town granary was built in the early 1840s and Henry Lawson's father helped to build the fine timber railway station in 1884. Examples of early slab construction may be seen in Mudgee Street, random rubble style and sandstone buildings in the CBD area and nearby streets, sand-stock brick construction in Mellon Street, Western Red Cedar in the Railway Station buildings and early concrete rough-caste that dates from the early Kandos cement works in Louee Street.

A number of bed and breakfast and farm stay establishments situated close to Rylstone and within easy reach of the National Parks provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds; comfortable accommodation plus country hospitality and fulfilling activities during the day.

The proximity of National Parks to Rylstone is a major attraction. Dunn's Swamp is a large waterway suitable for canoeing and camping and is situated within the Wollemi National Park. Pagoda rock formations and wildlife are features of the Wollemi National Park. Further information on the National Parks can be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Shop 1, 160 Church Street, Mudgee 2850. Ph: (02) 6372 7199.

More information on the Rylstone Region at www.rylstone.com

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Kandos

Set beneath the spectacular escarpment of the Great Dividing Range, Kandos is located 200km north-west of Sydney and 61km south-east of Mudgee. The village is nestled at the foot of Mt Coomber Melon in the Capertee Valley, 642 metres above sea level.

In 1888, the Coomber Melon district was set aside by the Government as a camping ground for drovers and shepherds. Coal, limestone and shale were found in the area by early prospectors and these deposits, mined and processed in the area, formed the commercial base for Kandos.

The production of lime and cement continues to be an important industry and the local Kandos Museum takes the visitor on a journey through the development of the region. The first subdivision for Kandos was submitted in July 1915, and in August of that year an auction of lots was held.

More information on the Rylstone Region at www.rylstone.com

Hargraves

The veteran of the gold towns in our district is generally regarded to be Hargraves, situated about 40km from Mudgee.

The gold rush for Hargraves started on February 12, 1851, but the real bonanza was unearthed in July 1851 with the discovery of the famous "Kerr's Hundredweight" containing 1,272 ounces of gold!

There followed a surge of miners into the area, all excited by the prospect of unearthing similar huge nuggets. The Hargraves field consisted of two main types of mining: Saddle Reefs and Flat Reefs. On the Flat Reefs, the presence of gold was indicated by dark green slate enclosing a thin band of quartz. These Flat Reefs became the more productive of the two seams.

The 20 to 25 years following the initial discovery were the richest in Hargraves' history, with a gradual decline over the years.

The present village is a quiet place, with a combined general store and Post Office. If you visit during the weekend, chances are that you'll be able to relax and watch the pony club in action at their grounds on the Mudgee side of Louisa Creek.

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Hill End

At the peak of the gold rush era, Hill End was one of the largest inland settlements of NSW and sported 28 hotels. Today, a replica mine and museum continues the gold connection. Hill End has also been a favourite haunt for some of Australia's most notable artists including Russell Drysdale and Donald Friend and this artistic tradition continues through local galleries today.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service manage a museum and visitor’s centre in Hill End. Information on camping grounds, picnic sites and walking tracks can be obtained from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hill End, Ph (02) 6337 8206.

Lue

Lue can well be described as the village that moved to fit the landscape. Originally named Dungaree, the village was situated at the junction of the Mudgee, Rylstone and Barrigan roads. It was apparently quite a busy little village and originally was meant to be a major settlement on the route to the Hunter region.

Due to the harshness of the countryside, the village was moved to accommodate the rail line. With the move came a change of name and it became Lue, the name that the village has today. The year that Lue was officially given as a name for the village was 1884.

The main claim to fame for the village was sheep, although records indicate that cattle figured prominently in the local economy too. In its heyday, Lue boasted a bakery, a hotel (licensed in 1897 and still operating), a blacksmith's shop, two general stores, produce merchant, butcher's shop and other small businesses. For the visitor today, the Lue Hotel is that often sought after "country pub", where the hospitality of a few hours relaxing can recharge even the most tired of human batteries. The friendly locals are keen to welcome visitors and share yarns of the old days over a quiet drink.

Perhaps you might enjoy a stroll through the churchyard or a visit to Lue Pottery. Whatever brings you to Lue, you're sure to leave more relaxed for the experience.

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Windeyer

Windeyer is a peaceful country village located 40km south west of Mudgee on a sealed all-weather road. Nestled in the beautiful valley of the Meroo River, the village is steeped in history.

Gold was discovered in the area in late 1851. Many disused reef mines and shafts are scattered throughout the area. Names such as "Golden Lilley", "The Coronation" and "The Crystal Palace" spoke of the richness that echoed a far as the Victorian goldfields. The search for alluvial gold was more successful than reef mining. During the later half of last century and again during the 1930s, it was common to yield in excess of four ounces of gold per pan. Mounds of stones, piled high by our forbearers in their quest for riches, line the gold bearing creeks. These mounds and the remnants of wattle and daub huts are a testimony to the spirit of our hard working pioneers.

The Windeyer district also produces some of the best superfine wool in the world. In 1938, Stanton Pilley's top bale was sold at auction to the highest price ever secured on the Australian mainland.

Gold fossicking and farming remain the main interests in the area. There are many areas available for fossicking. Although most gold is found by panning, several large nuggets have been located using metal detectors. Metal detectors also produce a wealth of memorabilia left behind by our pioneers, including silverware and coins. Windeyer gold is of a high quality and contains few impurities. Gold pans are available for hire from the Caravan Park and panning demonstrations can be arranged.

When visiting Windeyer, pan for gold, view relics of days gone by, enjoy a barbecue, stay overnight at the Caravan Park or enjoy refreshment at the heritage listed Windeyer Hotel (circa 1911). For something different, play a round of golf on the nine-hole bush golf course. A tennis court is also available for hire. A general store is located at the Caravan Park for all your supplies.

Wollar

Wollar is the gateway to the Goulburn River National Park. According to records, a noted pastoralist named Fitzgerald was one of the first settlers. The extent of his holdings can best be measured against the fact that he employed many shepherds and stockmen to supervise his cattle and flocks of sheep. To pinpoint the time of Fitzgerald's holdings, we read that in 1845 he employed a man named John Kidman.

By December 1867, official plans for the village of Wollar were drawn up; however the village was not declared until March 20, 1885.

In its heyday, Wollar boasted a butter factory that served the Shire, together with a bakery that produced so fine a product that it was carted into Mudgee daily. The village of Wollar today is a peaceful quiet community that is still very much alive. The locals often wonder at the attraction that draws city visitors to the small, friendly village. Those locals cease to wonder after they have experienced, even briefly, the noise and rush of a large city.

Wollar, and other, similar peaceful villages offer visitors a chance to relax and quietly explore a different pace of life.

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