Sacred Heart Church
Hill End Historic Site
Overview
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.
- Venue is suitable for
- Arts and cultural events and wedding ceremonies
- Capacity
- Maximum people: 90
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Fees
-
$550 per day
- Availability
-
Available for hire 7 days a week, except 25 Dec-1 Jan and public holidays.
Venue available for exclusive hire - Bookings
- Bookings are required. To make a booking or for more information contact the Hill End Historic Site office.
- Other Information
- You can hire the church for a wedding ceremony during daylight hours
- There is no lighting or power in the church
Built in 1872, Sacred Heart Church was originally a Primitive Methodist Church during the gold rush era. Now deconsecrated, it’s an unforgettable venue for a wedding ceremony, cultural event or art exhibition between Bathurst and Mudgee.
Exchanging vows in this historic building you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, thanks to the arched windows, wooden floorboards and high gable roof. And after your ceremony you’ll be well-positioned for photos, with the surrounding countryside as a picturesque backdrop.
The church is centrally located so you and your guests can take advantage of Hill End’s many attractions. Book your reception at Hosies or Royal Hall where you can continue your celebrations. History buffs can find out more about the town’s past at Hill End Heritage Centre or at Bald Hill tourist mine and walking track.
If you’re thinking of spending the night there are plenty of options to choose from. Enjoy a stylish getaway at the former postmaster’s home or stay in an historic 1870s hotel. Nearby Hosies is also a great option for an overnight stay, especially if you’re travelling with a larger group.
Stay at
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/sacred-heart-church/local-alerts
Park info
- in Hill End Historic Site in the Country NSW region
Hill End Historic Site is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Venue info
All the practical information you need to know about Sacred Heart Church.
Getting there and parking
Sacred Heart Church is on the corner of Thomas and Denison Streets 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.
- Once past Royal Hotel in the centre of Hill End, continue on Denison Street to the corner of Thomas Street.
From Mudgee (allow 1.25hrs)
- Head north toward Gulgong on the Castlereagh Highway
- Turn left onto Hill End Road and continue for around 69km to Hill End Historic Site
- Once past Royal Hotel in the centre of Hill End, continue on Denison Street to the corner of Thomas Street.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
There is free street parking outside the church on bitumen seal Thomas and Denison Streets.
Facilities
- There is no lighting or power in the church
- The church has 4 pews for seating
- Waste bins are supplied for the removal of rubbish after your event, to a limited amount.
Please return the church back to its original state after your event. There may be a fee if excessive waste is left behind, if the church is damaged or if significant cleaning is required.
Toilets
There are 2 toilets at the back of the church, including one accessible toilet.
- Flush toilets
Step-free access
The main entrance of the church has 6 stone steps without handrails, however there's step-free access through the back of the church. To reach the back entrance, you'll need to cross over grass and hard-packed ground.
Inside the church, the ground is flat and step-free.
- Step-free access to conference or function room
Accessible doorways
- Accessible doorways, at least 850mm wide, with lever handles
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- The main entrance to Sacred Heart Church is not step-free - it has 6 stone steps without a handrail.
- People with reduced mobility can choose to use the back entrance instead, which is step-free. Some assistance may be required to cross over grass and hard-packed ground to reach the back of the church.
- There's are 2 toilets at the church, including 1 that is accessible.
Permitted
Food and drink
- Commercial catering is permitted. Please include the amounts and equipment details on the application form.
- Alcohol service by a licensed caterer is permitted.
Decorations, structures and furniture
- Weighted free-standing decorative items such as bridal arches, red carpet and columns are permitted.
- Furniture such as tables, chairs and table decorations are permitted.
- You may bring flower arrangements containing no seed material. A florist can arrange this for you on request.
- Florists are required to use plastic drop sheets when preparing flowers and discard all excess plant material into a garbage bag.
Lighting and sounds
Acoustic music is permitted. There is no electricity in the church, however battery-powered speakers are permitted.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial photography and video requires the relevant photography license.
Prohibited
Alterations to the existing internal or external fabric of the building are not permitted:
- Tacks, nails, florist putty or similar are not to be used as part of any decoration.
- Please do not attach decorations to the walls
- Signs associated with your event must not be attached to any NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service asset, including signs, posts or trees.
Confetti, plant materials and rice are not permitted, including:
- Decorations consisting of flowers or plant materials that contain seeds or vines and exotic plant materials
- Throwing rice or petals
Candles and open flames are not permitted.