The Diggings campground

In 1851, a delighted Aboriginal prospector found a large gold nugget in the Turon River. Subsequent valuable finds led to the development of the nearby town of Sofala during a gold mining boom. The park area has now been extensively mined for gold and many relics of this activity are still visible along the river’s banks. The park’s historic gold diggings hold local, regional and state significance and are on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Central west NSW has had an eventful geological history and the landscape of the area still bears striking reminders of these events, from gold mining remnants to volcanic activity. The gold extracted in the Turon area was alluvial, having washed down over millions of years, to be deposited in the gravels and silts of the creeks and streams.

Turon National Park is Wiradjuri Aboriginal country and is home to many sacred sites that bear witness to the land’s earliest occupiers. Archaeological surveys from recent times have revealed evidence of extensive Aboriginal occupation prior to European arrival in the area. Therefore, the park plays an important role in conserving evidence of traditional, historical and contemporary land use and is of cultural significance to the Wiradjuri people, as well as descendents of early settlers of European and Chinese heritage.

Turon National Park protects regionally important stands of fringing riverine oak forest communities along Turon River. With an abundance of plant life, you can also find snow gum and ribbon gum woodlands in the area. If you're seeking an adventure, then explore the park and head to the relatively undisturbed ranges throughout the park, which are filled with eucalypt communities.