Fossicking
Our golden history + today’s fossicking
gulgong
Gulgong town is built around and over many of the original goldfields. Gulgong Gold Experience (the location of the original gold discovery) creates an authentic insight into the Gulgong Gold Rush including a stamper and poppet head over an original mine shaft. Open Wed-Sun 10am to 2pm (7 days during school holidays + long weekends), call 0418 541 998.
hargraves
Located 39km from Mudgee, Hargraves’ part in gold rush history is recalled by the old stamper that stands in the village’s park. An area for gold panning is next to the bridge over Louisa Creek, The General Store offers gold pans and other equipment – 02 6373 8540.
hill end
Hill End is the site of the discovery in 1872 of the famous Holtermann Nugget – the largest single mass of gold ever discovered, weighing in at 285kg. Almost all the Mudgee Region yielded gold. Large amounts of alluvial gold were recovered in the last century and some small reefs were mined.
The Cudgegong River is renowned as an area where occasional small gems have been found, including diamonds, sapphires and rubies. The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages the Hill End historic site, providing Heritage Centre. It is illegal to pan for gold within the town of Hill End, however there is a fossicking area set aside just north of the town at Tambaroora. The Bald Hill mine has also been restored and underground tours are held on a regular basis.
sofala
Gold fossicking equipment (except metal detectors but including gold pans) is also available at the Sofala Souvenir Shop – 02 6337 7075.
tambaroora
Now a ghost town, Tambaroora 3km from Hill End was once a thriving centre rivalling Hill End in size. The fossicking area is located 67km from Mudgee on the right hand side of the Hill End Road, at the point where Tambaroora Creek crosses the road. There are allocated areas for fossicking in Tambaroora, contact the National Parks and Wildlife office for details – 02 6370 9050.
windeyer
Situated 37km from Mudgee, today the area remains popular for gold fossicking. There is a fossicking area adjacent to the hotel, on Long Creek and adjacent to the Meroo Creek Bridge on the Mudgee approach to the village. Gold pans and other equipment may be hired from the Bushlands Tourist Park – 02 6373 8252.
Featured this Month

Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation
You can’t beat Evanslea’s 5 star location, accommodation + ambience for your next escape to Mudgee. All seasons are covered with poolside + riverside in summer or fireside in the winter + all year-round luxurious comfort and privacy.

First Ridge Wines
A relaxed tasting experience that offers alternate variety wines, in a friendly, modern and striking environment. No bookings required and no tasting fees on their regular premium range.

Woolpack Hotel Mudgee
Mudgee’s place of good times. Enjoy craft beers, local wines and house made cocktails. Take a seat with footpath dining, beer garden or inside in the dining area. With live music every weekend + friendly faces, you can’t beat the country hospitality at The Woolpack Hotel.

Gulgong Masterclass Series – May 2021
Under the guidance of four renowned artists and storytellers, explore the heritage towns of Gulgong, Mudgee, Hill End + Rylstone through the eyes of its artists, artisans + creators. Embark on one of four week-long programs, each with its own unique theme and highly revered guest facilitator.

Alby and Esthers
eat. drink. relax. discover. Relax and unwind in the picturesque courtyard at Alby and Esthers – serving fresh, local seasonal fare, boutique roasted coffee, and a wide selection of local wines.

Elephant Mountain Wines
“Wine is poetry in a bottle” come and experience Elephant Mountain Wines’ kind of poetry and sample award winning wines in a beautiful setting at their modern cellar door overlooking Mudgee’s lovely country side.

Rylstone Olive Press
Rylstone olives are grown in the beautiful Central Tablelands of New South Wales. These olives are then pressed within six hours of harvest on the very same day, guaranteeing you the finest and freshest extra virgin olive oil that is full of flavour. Get in touch directly for open times + guided tours.

The Little Cooking School and accommodation
Look no further for your next foodie weekend away. Immerse yourself in a regional cooking experience paired with stylish accommodation sleeping up to 8 located right on the doorstep of Mudgee’s Cellar doors + vineyards.

Vinifera Wines
Vinifera is home to award-winning Spanish varietals and delicious local produce. Visit the cellar door and enjoy a unique tasting experience whilst soaking in the sweeping views across the vineyard to the hills beyond.