Your Guide To The Quaint, Historic Village Of Sofala

Experience the magic of the gold rush era as you uncover the hidden gems of Sofala – from camping under the stars to enjoying a cold beer at the local pub.

Located just a short drive from Bathurst, Sofala is a quaint, historic village that captures the essence of quintessential Australia. With its gold rush-era heritage buildings, picturesque streets, and classic Aussie pub, Sofala is a must-visit destination for those seeking to step back in time.

There’s plenty of camping and bushwalking for outdoor enthusiasts, plus a few charming farm stays for a more indulgent visit. Take a day trip or pack your bags to relish in this relic of history.

A day in Sofala

A forty-minute drive from Bathurst, you’ll find the tiny town of Sofala, a nostalgically historic and typically Australian village with a population of just 200. On a walk through town, you’ll discover picturesque streets, buildings from the gold rush era, a classic wooden pub, and the old Sofala gaol.

an aerial view of Sofala — Take in picturesque sights in the gold-rush town of Sofala. (Image: Destination NSW)

Continue exploring the Upper Turon, another 20 minutes away, and you’ll find remnants of the gold rush, including diggings, gravestones, buildings and a Chinese miner settlement.

a man gold panning in the Turon River — Pan for gold in the Turon River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Nature lovers can head south towards Wattle Flat and enjoy a five-kilometre walk through the Aussie bush on the Buurree Walking Trail. This circular trail is marked by yellow triangles and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace. Take in picturesque views of Sofala and the Turon Valley from the ridgeline and admire the many native bird species.

an aerial view of the Turon River and the town of Sofala — Swoon over the scenic views of the Turon River and the town of Sofala. (Image: Destination NSW)

Sofala art and artists

Wandering around Sofala, you might feel as though you’ve stepped into an old Australian painting that perfectly sums up the picturesque yet harsh landscape of the region. Sofala has long been a source of inspiration for artists, with many of them capturing the essence of the town and surrounding natural landscapes through their work.

As you explore the village you might even find that you recognise the streetscapes from the famous Russell Drysdale painting, Sofala. Described by the Art Gallery of NSW as ‘an expression of the quintessential qualities of an inland Australian country town’ the painting won the Wynne Prize in 1947. Works like this help cement Sofala’s place in Australian art history and showcase the beauty and charm of the region.

the History Hill Museum & Underground Mine in Sofala — Visit History Hill Museum & Underground Mine to discover Sofala’s awe-inspiring history. (Image: Ribbon Gang Media Agency)

The Pub – Royal Hotel Sofala

The Royal Hotel Sofala is a classic but unique old, rustic, Aussie pub that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You probably won’t run into many tourists on your visit, but you’ll likely have a chin wag with the locals. There’s a bistro serving basic meals, and you can sit in the cosy indoor area, outside under the trees with the kangaroos or in the beer garden. It’s a humble reminder of the good old days that’s well worth a visit.

the property exterior of the old, rustic, Aussie pub at Royal Hotel Sofala — Have a pint or two at the vintage Royal Hotel Sofala.

Sofala camping

For those seeking an adventurous and immersive experience, Sofala offers plenty of options for caravanning and camping enthusiasts.

There are five free campgrounds to choose from, all dotted around Sofala close to the river, with plenty of sites on offer, and four that are caravan-friendly.

Coles Bridge Campground is right by the water, with some sites accessible by caravan but no toilets. Sofala campsite (Crossley Bridge Reserve) is close to the river, town, and public toilets. Ration Point is peaceful with undercover picnic areas and tank water available. First Crossing Camping Area (Greenpoint) is a spacious site with toilets (the only one). All are pet-friendly and allow firepits.

a river surrounded by trees at Camp Crudine — Set up your tent next to the river at Camp Crudine.

For paid camping with all the bells and whistles, you can choose from Wattle Flat Heritage Lands for $5 a night with plenty of flat camping spaces, toilets, BBQs, and picnic areas.

Camp Crudine is a 32-hectare private property eight kilometres from Sofala that can be booked through Hipcamp for $24 per person. It’s 4WD access only and sits along the river boundary offering a beautiful and secluded nature immersion with toilets and a camp kitchen available.

a camping chair facing the river at Camp Crudine — Head to Camp Crudine for a nature escape.

Sofala accommodation

For a less rustic experience, there are a few homesteads and Airbnbs to choose from. Chesleigh Homestead is a bed-and-breakfast style farm with lovely, cosy rooms on a beautiful 1214-hectare property with horses, caves, mountain lookouts, bushwalks, a pool, and everything you need for a comfortable, relaxing stay. Ryder Homestead is a little more rustic and rural with several quirky cabins to choose from.

a beautiful cottage at the Glendaire Farmstay — Have a relaxing stay at Glendaire Farmstay for much-needed R&R.

On Airbnb, you can book a big, beautiful, three-bedroom cottage at Glendaire Farmstay that has everything you need for an indulgent stay on a beautiful, 809-hectare property with farm animals, swimming, and all the necessary mod cons.

The 20 Mile Cottage is a slightly more humble option offering a lovely country outlook and two bedrooms in what was originally an old miner’s cottage.

the property exterior of 20 Mile Cottage — settle into 20 Mile Cottage during your stay in Sofala.

Read our Bathurst travel guide for more insider tips and travel secrets.

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

The hidden gems of Sofala – from accommodation to artists