Hill End and Sofla - NSW

Not far from Bathurst there a small towns which in their hay day were rich in gold and minerals.
The historic town of Hill End is about 86 kms North of Bathurst, NSW.  Gold was discovered here in 1852 and from 1871 - 1874 it experienced a boom turning this small rural town into one of the largest inland towns in NSW, with its population rising to 8,000.  The total recorded amount of gold during this period exceede 62,200 kg.

We of course stopped in for a drink at the Royal Hotel which was built in 1872.

This is the typical style of and Australian Country Pub.

The bar could best be described as Australian eclectic.

There are many old and historic bulding still in use in this quaint town.

Ross' Grandfather many years ago was the Manager of a number of branches of this chain in NSW.  He passed away in 1990 aged 93years of age.  During the Depression his Gand dad would accept as legal tender gold and precious stones for goods and services rendered in the area of Tumut, NSW.

On the way back to Bathurst we visited Sofala.  Another Gold Town Est, 1851.  Whilst not as big as Hill End it was a worthwhile visit.

Again another historic town with similar homes and buildings to Hill End.

A drive throught the town provided a pesrpective of times past.

Among many of Ross' happy childhood memories were many fishing trips with his family to Flat Rock via the O'Connel Pub.  Over the 30 years we have know each other I ( B) have heard of these adventures.  So it was a previlege to finally get to visit this location which is located about 30 or so kms outside of Bathurst.  B's  take on this photo is that Ross is rememebering the days parst when he and his lovely family enjoyed fun times together.

It is truly a beautiful, peaceful place.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross