Nestled in the ‘Hills of Gold’, 45minutes east of Tamworth, is the historic village of Nundle. Built on the gold rich Peel River at the foot of the Great Dividing Range this stylish country town is magical.
Between the 1850’s and the 1880’s thousands of people came to the then called ‘Peel River Diggings’ to seek fortune and fame. Families settled in the communities of Nundle, Happy Valley, Hanging Rock, and Bowling Alley Point and built agricultural enterprises on the rich and fertile pasture lands.
Gold and other precious metals including sapphires, green crystal and jasper can still be found in creek beds and visitors are welcome to try their hand at fossicking at many various sites in and around the Nundle.
One of the famous historic characteristics of Nundle is the Woollen Mill, a showcase of Australia’s world-famous fibre with its own range of fashion-dyed yarns, hand knitted garments and a selection of fine Australian Wool products.
On the main street corner is the historic Peel Inn. William McIlveen built the hotel in 1860, soon after John Schofield won the hotel in old school style - with a handshake and a winning hand of three queens and two jacks! Just up the road is the Jenkins Street Guest House offering elegant luxury accommodation, a great base and from which to explore the region or just enjoy good food and wine. Stay a night or a little while longer on the banks of the Peel River camping or in self-contained accommodation at the Fossickers Tourist Park.
Shopping in Nundle is a treat; step back in time with a wonderful collection of homewares, gifts, soaps and teas at the Odgers and McClelland Exchange Store or visit some of the antique and trading stores, hawking the wares of yester-year. A visit to Nundle is not complete without a visit to the Golden Hills Art Gallery or one of the cafes, to settle back and relax in the mountain air. If you are looking for an opportunity to show your style, the ‘Cottage on the Hill’ is a patchworker’s heaven.
Tourists and fishermen alike are welcome at Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm which is situated 80 kilometres from the city of Tamworth, nestled within minutes of the township of Nundle. The farm is 4000 feet above sea level on top of the Great Dividing Range with the Peel Valley to the west, the Barnard Valley to the east and the Hunter Valley to the south. The selection of rainbow trout was made, as the climate suited the trout and the property had an abundance of crystal clear spring water.
Whether you are seeking the tranquil beauty of the river, the fresh mountain air, the breath taking scenery, bush walking, fishing or fossicking – you will find it when you step back to yester-year in Nundle and its surrounds.
