Fairfax House

Hill End Historic Site

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Overview

Enjoy a quiet escape at the heritage Fairfax House in Hill End Historic Site. Surrounded by trees on the edge of the village, you’ll feel worlds away as you discover the charms of this gold rush town between Bathurst and Mudgee.

Accommodation Details
Accommodation type House
Bedrooms 2
Maximum guests 4
Facilities Barbecue facilities, drinking water, showers, toilets, electric power, kitchen, plates and cutlery, pots and pans, heating, tv, washing machine, fan
What to bring Food supplies, firewood, hairdryer
Please note
  • Check in 2pm, check out 10am.
  • There are open mine shafts in the area surrounding the house. Please take care when outside the fenced area of the property and supervise children at all times.
  • There is limited mobile coverage in this area. Please make note of the booking directions and the access code before you leave home.
  • You can buy basic groceries and café food from Hill End General Store and Café on Clarke Street in the centre of the village.

Nestled among trees at the edge of Hill End, Fairfax House is the perfect place for a secluded country getaway with an historic twist. Built in the 1870s, it retains some of its original structures. During your stay, see if you can spot the unique fencing and illuminated peep holes that give you a glimpse of the building’s original materials.

Ideal for families, couples or a small group of friends, the house has ample yard space for the kids to run around. As they play, they may be lucky enough to see some of the local wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos, red neck wallabies, echidnas and wombats. Please supervise children at all times as there are old mine shafts on the outskirts of the property, some of which are unfenced.

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore the area. Discover the world of the colonial goldminers on a guided tour of Bald Hill tourist mine or see historic relics along nearby Bald Hill walking track. Towards the heart of town, you’ll find heritage churches, galleries and stores, all steeped in gold rush history.

After a day spent sightseeing, draw a hot bath and unwind in the external bathroom. Or simply relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the serenity of this secluded retreat.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Bald Hill walking track, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Bald Hill walking track

    Discover the historic heritage of Hill End on Bald Hill walking track. With great birdwatching, native animals and wildflowers, this easy walk has something for everyone.

  • Bald Hill tourist mine, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer

    Bald Hill tourist mine

    Experience the underground world of a goldminer at Bald Hill tourist mine. A short walk or drive from Hill End, this guided tour is ideal for families and school groups.

  • Denningtons cottage, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: Debby McGerty/OEH

    Denningtons Cottage

    Denningtons Cottage is a heritage miner’s cottage built in 1858 in Hill End, and now home to ceramic artist studio.

  • Interior arch stained glass windows and arch doorway at Sacred Heart Church in Hill End Historic Site. Photo: Jennifer Leahy © DPE

    Sacred Heart Church

    Located on the high side of Hill End Historic Site, Sacred Heart Church offers a rare glimpse into Australia’s past. Hold your wedding ceremony or exhibition at this unique venue, overlooking the historic village and surrounding countryside.

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/accommodation/fairfax-house/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Fairfax House.

Getting there and parking

Fairfax House is located in Hill End Historic Site.

To get there: From Bathurst (allow 1.5hrs):

  • Turn off the Great Western Highway onto Gilmour Street, at Kelso
  • Follow Sofala Road for around 45km.
  • At Sofala, turn left onto Hill End Road and continue for around 37.5km to Hill End Historic Site.

From Mudgee (allow 1.25hrs):

  • Head north towards Gulgong on the Castlereagh Highway.
  • Turn left onto Hill End Road and continue for around 69km to Hill End Historic Site.

After arriving in Hill End, from the Royal Hotel:

  • Head towards the war memorial and keep to your left.
  • Once past the war memorial, keep to your right and travel along Tambaroora Street.
  • You’ll pass Hill End Public School and the Post Office.
  • At the end of the street after the Post Office, turn left on to Reef Street.
  • Pass Alexander Street on your left. Then turn right onto Albert Street a further 100m to your right. Please note, Albert Street is unsealed.
  • Travel around 150m up Albert Street until you reach Fairfax House on your right. The property name is on the fence.

You’ll need an access code to get in the front door of the property. We’ll email you the code after you book.

Road quality

There is 150m of unsealed road leading up to the house.

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

There is parking at the house for up to 4 cars.

Facilities

  • Bed configuration: 1 bedroom with queen bed and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds.
  • The bathroom is external to the house. It has a bathtub, shower and flush toilet.
  • Lounge room
  • Please leave the property clean and tidy with all kitchen items washed up and put away. Additional fees may be charged if unreasonable is cleaning required, or for missing or broken items.

Toilets

  • Flush toilets

Barbecue facilities

There's a firepit in the yard, bring your own firewood. There's also a gas barbecue. 

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Drinking water

Showers

  • Hot showers

Electric power

Kitchen

Self-contained kitchen with oven and 4-burner cooktop.

Plates and cutlery

Pots and pans

Heating

Panel heaters.

TV

Washing machine

A washing machine and small clothesline are located in the bathroom.

Fan

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

There are open mine shafts in the area surrounding the house. Please take care when outside the fenced area of the property and supervise children at all times.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Fairfax House has an outdoor bathroom with 5 steps. It’s not suitable if you have mobility difficulties.

Permitted

Cycling

Prohibited

Fossicking is prohibited in Hill End Historic Site. There is a Crown Land fossicking area in Tambaroora, 12min drive north of Hill End, where you can fossick with a permit.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

Gathering firewood

Generators

Horses

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Learn more

Fairfax House is in Hill End Historic Site. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A past to cherish

Beyers Cottage, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer

Artists have long gravitated to picturesque Hill End. Since the Second World War the scarred landscape has drawn artists such as Russell Drysdale, Donald Friend, John Olsen and Brett Whiteley to capture the striking scenery on canvas. The Hill End Artist in Residence Program is run by Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and continues this tradition, offering contemporary artists an opportunity to make the pilgrimage to Hill End. Take a walk in the same landscape that has moved so many artists. Please note: Selected works from the program previously on display at the Jean Bellette Gallery in the Visitor’s Centre, will be re-located to a new venue at a date to be advised. 

The gold rush hit nearby Bathurst in 1851 and Hill End, swept up in the frenzy, was settled in 1852. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later, however, that large-scale mining began. After most of the mining population had moved on, it was the Gold Centenary Celebrations in 1951 that were the catalyst for Hill End being recognised for its significant heritage value.

  • Capertee and Hill End 4WD camping tour Explore the stunning sights of Capertee, the Turon River and Hill End on a 4WD camping adventure with Adrenalin Offroad Centre.
  • Cornish Quartz roasting pits The quartz roasting pits are a short drive from Hill End and are a significant historical remnant of Australia’s earlier mining heritage.
  • Craigmoor House Step back in time at heritage Craigmoor House in Hill End Historic Site. Home to the Marshall family for nearly a century, this lovingly preserved building has fascinating tales to tell about life in a mining town during colonial times.
  • Denningtons Cottage Denningtons Cottage is a heritage miner’s cottage built in 1858 in Hill End, and now home to ceramic artist studio.
  • Hill End gold 4WD adventures Hop on board a comfortable 4WD vehicle and enjoy a thrilling journey over rugged 4WD trails as you explore the Hill End and Sofala goldfields region. These excursions with Simmo’s Offroad Tours are a great way discover fascinating gold rush history and heritage. 
  • Hill End Heritage Centre Hill End Heritage Centre's interactive museum displays and historic information are the perfect introduction to any visit to Hill End Historic Site.
  • Virtual tour of Craigmoor House Step back in time on a virtual tour of historic Craigmoor House in Hill End. Home to the Marshall family for a century, this heritage building has been lovingly preserved both inside and out, providing a glimpse of what life was like during colonial times.
Show more

Mine for gold

Royal Hotel, Hill End Historic Site. Photo: John Spencer

Ever wondered how gold is separated from the rock it’s found in? Or want to know what a steam boiler or battery stamp’s used for? Hill End is full of places where you can learn all about mining gold. Visit the Colonial Gold Mining Company’s roasting kilns and battery buildings, enjoy a barbeque at the grounds of the Historic Hill End Hospital, check out the impressive collection of carriages and work machinery from the gold rush era housed close by, and don’t forget to book one of the many tours available while you’re there to make the most of your visit.

  • Bald Hill tourist mine Experience the underground world of a goldminer at Bald Hill tourist mine. A short walk or drive from Hill End, this guided tour is ideal for families and school groups.
  • Beaufoy Merlin lookout Beaufoy Merlin lookout offers spectacular views and an excellent vantage point to see the true scale of former mining activities. It’s also great for photography.
  • Hill End Heritage Centre Hill End Heritage Centre's interactive museum displays and historic information are the perfect introduction to any visit to Hill End Historic Site.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

    Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

    The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)