Sofala
Must do
Arts, culture and heritage in Sofala
Sofala's gold rush in the 1850s was short-lived, and after the population peaked at 10,000, only a few hundred prospectors were left by 1854. Commercial goldmining finally ceased in 1948. Today you can still fossick for gold in the Turon River.
About Sofala
Just 46 km from Bathurst, Sofala is Australia's oldest surviving gold rush town, set in an idyllic location beside the pretty Turon River. Its setting includes a rugged mountain backdrop that has attracted artists over the years. In 1947, Russell Drysdale captured the main street and its timber buildings in its hot, dusty emptiness in his famous work, "Sofala".
Take an historical walking tour through town and explore the Upper Turon for reminders of the gold rush, including diggings, gravestones, buildings and a Chinese miner settlement. You can even sleep overnight in Old Sofala Gaol. The Turon Technology Museum is worth a visit to see industrial revolution machines.
Gallery
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Royal Hotel, Hill End
This historic Royal Hotel in Hill End.
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View of Sofala
Sofala town and countryside. Image Hamilton Lund
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