Peak Hill
A historic gold mining town in the Central West region of NSW, Peak Hill defied the boom-to-bust fate that befell other such towns and endured well beyond the gold rush. Now known for its antiques and arts and crafts, as well as its heritage open-cut gold mine, Peak Hill is a worthy stopover for browsing stores and exploring the surrounding beautiful bushland.
Highlights
Gold rush history
Gold was discovered here in 1889, with the Peak Hill gold mine operating as recently as 2002. The Peak Hill Open Cut Experience has free self-guided tours and walking trails, with guided tours available for groups of 10 or more. Walk across a section of the old mine via a bridge and look out over the open cuts from five viewing platforms.
Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine, Peak Hill - Credit: Five Hours West
Things to do
The Peak Hill Country Crafts and Visitor Information Centre is a great community hub with handmade arts and crafts, local produce, antiques and tourist information. The Peak Hill Arts and Crafts Exhibition has been running for more than 50 years and is held each June with stalls, exhibitions and live craft demonstrations as well as delicious Devonshire tea. Search for one of a kind pieces at Temple Lions, packed with antiques and collectables.
Explore the area's natural beauty via the Burrabadine walking track, near the Greenbah campground in the beautiful Goobang National Park. The 4km return walk winds through the Sawpit Gully fire trail to the top of the Burrabadine Peak in the Herveys Range, with scenic views and abundant birdlife.
The Peak Hill Flora and Fauna Nature Walk is a pleasant 1.4km trail through the Flora and Fauna reserve, where you can bask in the natural beauty of the bush. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and rock wallabies. Bogan Weir, just 7km away, is a picturesque spot for a picnic and also attracts avid birdwatchers.
Greenbah Creek Campground, Goobang National Park - Credit: Phillip Tattersall | DCCEEW
Eat & drink
Get your coffee fix and light snacks at 86 Cino. The historic Clubhouse Hotel on the main street has a lovely beer garden out the back.
Getting there
Peak Hill is five hours’ drive from Sydney, around eight hours from Melbourne and four hours from Canberra. You can travel from Sydney by train, with a connecting bus, or fly into Parkes and rent a car for the 30-minute drive.
