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.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

The hidden gems of Sofala – from accommodation to artists