Gulgong

Let this historic goldmining town enchant and enrich your regional experience. Known for its fascinating museums, iconic events and festivals, this little treasure is steeped in history and gorgeousness – where local passion runs deep.

We invite you to step back in time and potter around the original and narrow bent streets with high footpaths in our historic town. Gulgong was founded in the gold rush era when an estimated 20,000 people flocked to the area.

Whilst the streetscape and heritage buildings haven’t changed much since the late 1800’s, you’ll find a progressive and passionate community eager to welcome visitors and share their stories. It’s a real and rare treat. Tom Saunders found gold on Red Hill in 1870 and so began the Gulgong gold rush. Visitors can now visit this area and look down an original mine shaft located below a towering wooden Poppet Head and visit the Gulgong Gold Experience.

The heritage listed town buildings, many complete with original verandahs and iron-lace balconies, include such gems as The Prince of Wales Opera House, in which Dame Nellie Melba once performed. It is the oldest performing arts venue still being used for its original intention in Australia. Henry Lawson, although born in Grenfell, went to school in Eurunderee. You can find the ruin of Henry’s childhood home on Henry Lawson Drive between Gulgong and Mudgee. The old Eurunderee School still stands today and is being preserved by a group of volunteers for visitors to explore. The town embraces Henry Lawson with the famous Henry Lawson Festival held every June long weekend and in the Henry Lawson Centre Museum.

There is an astonishing collection of Australian memorabilia at the Pioneer’s Museum. At the Holtermann Museum you can also find an impressive range of photographs taken in the height of the gold rush in 1872 known as the Holtermann collection. The Gulgong district is also world-famous for its clays, and both the town and its surroundings are a haven for potters, artists, tapestry workers, artisans and craftspeople. Clay festivals are held in Gulgong every two years attracting ceramicists from all over the world. The next festival will take place in 2024.

There’s more to Gulgong than its heritage. We invite you to taste modern local produce across a range of delectable coffee shops and dining experiences. Our iconic events include the Henry Lawson Festival every June long weekend and Gulgong Show in February. You can also find hidden treasures and local produce at the pop-up Gulgong Markets. Other interesting shops to visit are the The Gallery Gulgong and Now & Past Collectibles. Choose from a selection of quaint B+B’s to centrally located motels and pubs to rest your feet before your next day of exploring.