Village Campground – Historic Gold Rush Camping, Hill End

Step back in time and camp amidst the ghosts of the gold rush at the Village Campground, a truly unique destination located right within the incredible Hill End Historic Site. This is more than just a campground; it’s a chance to live inside a museum, surrounded by beautifully preserved 1870s buildings and the rich heritage of one of Australia’s most famous gold towns. The campground itself is a spacious, grassy area offering a range of powered and unpowered sites, making it a comfortable and convenient base for all types of campers, from tents to large caravans. It’s a favourite for families and history buffs, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the past.

The main attraction is the town of Hill End itself. From your campsite, you can take a short stroll to the iconic Royal Hotel for a beer, wander through the beautifully restored colonial buildings, and explore the numerous walking tracks that lead to old mine shafts, lookouts, and historic cottages. The facilities at the campground are excellent, with clean amenity blocks offering the welcome comfort of hot showers and flush toilets. The camp is also pet-friendly, a huge plus for travellers with dogs. After a day spent exploring the fascinating history, fossicking for gold in the nearby creeks, or taking in the stunning scenery that inspired famous Australian artists, you can return to the peace of your campsite under the clear country sky. For a comfortable, educational, and truly unforgettable Australian experience, the Village Campground at Hill End is a bucket-list destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -33.0341, 149.41343

Site Information

• Location: Hill End Historic Site.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road access from Bathurst or Mudgee.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, bookings and park entry fees are essential via the NSW National Parks website.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of powered sites: 18 powered sites available.
• Number of un-powered sites: 50 unpowered sites available.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, electric barbecues, picnic tables, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Yes, taps are available.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers. Public Wi-Fi may be available in town.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Not permitted. Use of provided barbecues only.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 68 sites in total.

Essentials to Bring

• Gold pan and fossicking gear.
• Sturdy walking shoes for exploring the historic site.
• Warm clothing, as nights can be very cold.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted at the campground but not in historic buildings.
• Fishing: Possible in nearby rivers like the Turon and Macquarie.
• Short walks: A primary destination for historical walks through the town and to mine sites.

Local Amenities (in Hill End)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Hotel, Hill End (on site)
• Places to Eat:
  • The Royal Hotel, Hill End (on site)
  • Hill End General Store & Cafe (on site)
• Local Attractions:
  • Hill End Historic Site (on site)
  • Bald Hill Lookout and Mine
  • History Hill Museum
  • Gold fossicking in nearby public areas.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Glendora Campground (in the same historic site)
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Bridle Track (4WD only, various locations)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A dump point is available at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Hill End General Store (check availability/hours). Nearest major stations are in Mudgee (~75 km) or Bathurst (~85 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite at the campground.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Central Tablelands (High Altitude)

• Summer (December – February): Hot days with cool evenings. High chance of thunderstorms. Average temperatures from 16°C to 30°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with severe frosts and potentially freezing nights. Light snow is possible. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and lush. Temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C.