Come for the Hill End history stay for the nature! The 4km Bald Hill Walking Track in Hill End winds past the mining history of the town as well as gorgeous gullies and hillsides.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Wiradjuri, Dharug, and Gundungarra Nations, the traditional Countries of the Wiradjuri, Dharug, and Gundungurra peoples who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

Highlights

  • Pass by golden gullies, native wildflowers, and historic structures
  • Enjoy the peaceful country landscape at your own pace
  • Learn about Hill End’s Gold Rush History 
  • Check out Bald Hill Mine and take a guided tour to see its inner workings

Pass by History on the Bald Hill Walking Track

Once a booming gold mining town, Hill End is now a quaint country village with heaps of history! There’s plenty to explore in the area, including the Bald Hill Track, a 4km bushwalk that weaves its way up and down gullies and around relics from the golden years. 

The loop begins at either Post Office Flat or Bald Hill Tourist Mine (don’t forget to book a tour with the local legend Kerri Burns!).

 

Hartley to Hill End – A Road Trip Through Rural NSW and Into History, Ruby Woodruff, Bald Hill Walking Track, tunnel, man, hike, Bald Hill Mine

 

We started at Post Office Flat and headed off in a counterclockwise direction. After passing by some retired mining equipment, we crossed the ‘Old Bridge’ – yes, that’s the official name – and then went into the forest. Mother Nature has nearly reclaimed all of the area, but remnants from the gold rush era can still be seen throughout the walk. 

 

Hartley to Hill End – A Road Trip Through Rural NSW and Into History, Ruby Woodruff, Bald Hill Walking Track, Hill End, bridge, couple, hike

 

The track begins to undulate beside Hill End Creek and we stopped by a sign pointing out where a bridge used to be. Back in the day it’d connected the road over the earth-wall dam, now all that’s left is a few layers of stone and there’s no road in sight. 

A little further along we crossed over the creek and followed the steps up to Bald Hill Mine. Despite all the digging, there was never any gold found in the mine but it’s still worth a visit to learn about the old-fashioned tools and techniques.

We carried on past an eroded golden gully and then towards Chappell’s Stamper Battery.

 

Hartley to Hill End – A Road Trip Through Rural NSW and Into History, Ruby Woodruff, Bald Hill Historic Track, hike, creek bed

 

A lone sandstone wall is all that’s left of the large factory known as the ‘White Elephant’.  It was home to a huge 25 head stamper battery that would’ve been used to crush rocks (mainly quartz) to get the gold out. 

During the height of the gold rush period it ran 24/7. Apparently residents would have trouble falling asleep when it stopped or broke down because they weren’t used to the silence! Thankfully, all we could hear were the birds.

 

Hartley to Hill End – A Road Trip Through Rural NSW and Into History, Ruby Woodruff, Bald Hill Historic Track, man, hike, forest

 

After passing a grassy clearing where Irish Town used to be (now it was only flowers and fruit trees), we returned to the trailhead at Post Office Flat.

Our wander along the Bald Hill Track was the perfect way for us to experience the natural environment of the present, while learning about the mining heritage of the past. And although we didn’t find any forgotten golden nuggets on our walk, it still felt like we were leaving Hill End with a piece of history! 

 

Hartley to Hill End – A Road Trip Through Rural NSW and Into History, Ruby Woodruff, Hill End, historic building

Essential Gear

  • Hiking shoes
  • Water bottle – Make sure to fill up in town because there are no taps at the trailheads!
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Snacks
  • Backpack

How To Get There

Located in Hill End, (about four hours west of Sydney), the Bald Hill Track can be accessed from either Post Office Flat along Reef Street or from Bald Hill Tourist Mine. The walk sits on the edge of town and parking is available at both of the trailheads. There’s also plenty of historic accommodation in Hill End and a couple of campgrounds if you want to stay and explore for longer!

Skill Level

Beginner 

 

Distance / Duration

4km / 1.5 hours