Gulgong

Highlights

Step back in time

With a historic streetscape largely unchanged since the 1800s, visiting Gulgong is like stepping back in time. There are around 130 National Trust-listed buildings, many still adorned with wide verandahs and iron lacework. See Australia’s oldest opera house, the Prince of Wales Opera House, operating since 1871, and where the great Dame Nellie Melba once performed.

The state heritage listed Greatest Wonder of the World and American Tobacco Warehouse and Fancy Goods Emporium buildings in Gulgong

Streetscapes, Gulgong

Gold fever struck the region in 1870, when payable gold was found at nearby Red Hill and 20,000 people flocked to the area. Prior to that, Gulgong was just a sheep run, a large property for raising sheep. See photographs and artefacts from the gold rush days at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum, set inside an historic building from the 1870s. Learn about life on the gold fields, go into a replica mine and search for real gold on the gravel piles at the Gulgong Gold Experience.

Established in 1962, the Gulgong Pioneers Museum is home to one of the finest collections of Australiana in the country

Gulgong Pioneers Museum, Gulgong

The excellent Gulgong Holtermann Museum is housed in two 1870s buildings on Mayne Street. Inside you'll find a display of more than 350 photographs of the region from the heritage-listed collection. Interactive displays allow you to immerse yourself in the past through striking black-and-white images.

Family explores the Gulgong Holtermann Museum, housed in two State Heritage listed buildings in Mayne Street, Gulgong

Gulgong Holtermann Museum, Gulgong

Home of Henry Lawson

The great Australian writer and bush poet Henry Lawson spent his childhood in the picturesque area. Scenes of Lawson's childhood years in goldmining towns such as Gulgong appeared on the first Australian ten-dollar note. Discover more about his cultural legacy at the Henry Lawson Centre and explore the remnants of Henry's childhood home, located on Henry Lawson Drive between Gulgong and Mudgee. The town celebrates Lawson's life with the Henry Lawson Heritage Festival every June long weekend.

Henry Lawson Centre, Gulgong

More things to do

The acclaimed cellar doors of the Mudgee wine region are just a short drive from Gulgong and easily accessible on a day trip. You can also explore the magnificent Goulburn River National Park. In this riverside wilderness east of Gulgong, spot emus, red-necked wallabies and turquoise parrots, and enjoy fishing, hiking and camping in a tranquil setting. Learn about local agriculture and life on the land at Piambong Creek Farm Tours, where you'll explore the 700-hectare sheep and cattle property in an open buggy.

Lowe Wines, Mudgee

Peruse the boutique shops lining the main street, such as The Gallery and Wear It Outt, or settle in at one of the town's cosy country pubs to meet the locals and share stories, such as Prince of Wales Hotel, Centennial Hotel (known affectionately as 'The Cenny') and the Post Office Hotel. Visit in April for Clay Gulgong, a week-long event that attracts ceramic artists from around Australia and the world.

Woman with vase of flowers at The Gallery, Gulgong

The Gallery, Gulgong - Credit: Mudgee Region Tourism

Getting there & where to stay

Gulgong is just over four hours' drive from Sydney and 20 minutes from Mudgee. The Great Western Highway is currently closed between Mount Victoria and Hartley, so you will need to travel via the Bells Line of Road and alternative routes. You can also fly into Mudgee Airport or take a train and coach to Mudgee, which takes around six hours. Accommodation options in Gulgong include motels, campgrounds and heritage pub rooms.