When Tom Saunders found almost 15 ounces of gold (400gm) on Red Hill on 14th April 1870 it led to a gold rush that swelled Gulgong's population to over 20,000 people and became the largest alluvial goldfield in NSW, producing over 15,000 kgs. 

Around 1872 Bernhardt Otto Holtermann, a miner who was also interested in photography, financed Beaufoy Merlin and his apprentice,Charles Bayliss for a series of photographs, which included Gulgong's gold rush days and became known as the "Holtermann Collection". (zoom in and out on photos for incredible clarity and details)

Today, Gulgong is held up as "one of the finest preserved  towns from bygone gold rush days" and is classified by the National Trust.  With a close-knit community of 2,500  the town still boasts more than 70 heritage buildings, including the oldest continually operating Opera House in Australia.

The Gulgong Pioneers Museum takes up two entire blocks and contains some of the greatest gold mining, colonial living and old machinery displays from these times.  Walk through entire rooms;  the schoolhouse, barber shop, hospital wards, blacksmith and see the dress styles, tools and transport of Australia's early days.

As your drive around, take note of the many local roads and areas named after the 'gold leads' ie. Home Rule, Canadian Lead, Black Lead, Adams Lead, Barney's Reef etc. 

Henry Lawson lived around Gulgong and his 1889 poem "Roaring Days" was in direct reference to the town's gold rush days.  Lawson and Gulgong were once featured together on Australia's original $10 note.


SEE      Holtermann's Panoramic View of Gulgong
             Gulgong Goldfield Details & Map (DPI)
             Life on the Goldfields (DPI)  
             Gulgong's White Gold - Clay 
             More Gulgong History
             Hill End Gold  
             Visitors Guide
             Entertainment Guide
            

BOOK  Historical Gulgong Walking Tours
            Chapmans' Bus & Coach Hire - Tours