Nundle
The historic village of Nundle is less than an hour's drive south east from Tamworth, passing through picturesque countryside – fertile river flat farms, undulating grazing country, the Dungowan Valley and the Chaffey Dam. Come for a day and stay overnight or longer and discover the delights that Nundle has to offer.
The hills of Nundle were once alive with the sound of miners busily seeking their fortune. Between the 1850's - 1880's there were numerous rushes to the ‘Peel River Diggings' which incorporated Nundle, Oakenville Creek, Happy Valley, Hanging Rock, and Bowling Alley Point. Among the rush of people were numerous Chinese. Most were looking for gold, but some had come to set up stores or operate market gardens to supply the needs of the diggers
The role of Chinese pioneers in Nundle's development as gold miners, storekeepers and gardeners is recognized through its major annual event, The Nundle Go for Gold Chinese Festival, held on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Recognition has also been given to the many Chinese who died on the Nundle goldfields and who lie in unmarked graves. A brass plaque, set in a small Chinese garden in the grounds of the historic Court House, records their names.
Gold and precious gems including sapphires, zircon, crystal and prase can still be found in the area and visitors are welcome to try their hand at fossicking at various sites around Nundle, as it is a part of The Fossickers Way that traverses the region.
Visitors can find a collection of precious Gems and Minerals housed in the Nundle Visitor Information Centre located in the grounds the Nundle Fossickers Tourist Park. Visitors can view, handle and purchase mineral and fossil specimens from Riverglen Cottages. The heritage around Nundle extends beyond just fossicking as the village itself has a number of historic characteristics. The Nundle Woollen Mill provides visitors with the opportunity to see how wool is spun into yarn with the use of working machinery that dates back to the early 1900’s.
Enjoy a lazy lunch at the Peel Inn, a historic building overflowing with character, at the Mt Misery Mine Café, created around one of the few gold era stone buildings still in use, or at Cafe Nundle on the banks of the Oakenville Creek, site of rich gold discoveries in the 1850s. Take a wander around the village, call at Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores, a beautifully preserved 19th Century general merchants still stocking traditional housewares and more. Visit the other specialty shops that the village has to offer.
Tourists and anglers alike are welcome at Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm which is situated 80 kilometres South East of Tamworth, nestled beside a mountain stream in the high country a short 20 minute picturesque drive above Nundle. The farm is 4000 feet above sea level on top of the Great Dividing Range. The selection of rainbow trout was made, as the climate suited the trout and the property had an abundance of crystal clear spring water.
Also hidden in the hills of gold is The DAG Sheep Station, located on part of the original ‘Wombramurra Station'. The Dag till retains the station’s original “Wombramurra” Woolshed, Shearers Quarters and Mess Hall. The DAG hosts special functions as well as overnight stays with damper and billy tea available, giving visitors a true outback flavour.
A drive takes you through the beautiful scenery that is so much a part of this district. Stop over at Sheba Dams as you wind your way up to Hanging Rock.
Drive along the River Road to Bowling Alley Point and see the evidence of mining there in former times. Follow the Crawney road south from the Nundle Village and retrace the steps of the early miners who travelled over Crawney Pass on their way to the goldfields at Hanging Rock and Nundle.
Whether you are seeking the tranquil beauty of the river, the fresh mountain air, the impressive scenery, bush walking, fishing or fossicking - you will find it when you step back to yester-year in Nundle and its surrounds.
Why not stay a while? Accommodation and hospitality in Nundle is diverse, from the Hills of Gold Motel in the heart of Nundle and the Peel Inn, camping, caravans and cabins on the banks of the Peel River at the Fossickers Tourist Park, for all your group accommodation needs - The Dag Sheep Station or try one of the two Self-catering options at the River Glen Cottages or the Rose and Willow Cottage.
Thaw out from the chill of winter by downloading your copy of the Nature Trail Calendar and creating your own natural spring adventure.
To help you make the most of the Tamworth Region, we have put together a range of special offers for you to download and take to participating businesses. Print off your Nundle vouchers today!!