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Peak HillLast modified: December 1, 2008 - 4:33 PM
the town with a heart of Gold.Situated approximately 50km to the north of Parkes, Peak Hill has a population of 1,400 people. HistoryPeak Hill, enjoying a proud history indelibly linked with the discovery of gold in 1889, is also an area rich in agriculture with a strong interest in trotting, the town is situated 48km north of Parkes. Providing centrality and accessibility, Peak Hill lies 442km from Sydney, 947kms from Brisbane, 744kms from Melbourne, 364 kms from Canberra and 1143kms from Adelaide.Peak Hill's proximity to major attractions at Parkes and Dubbo, and its location close to the midway point on the Melbourne-Brisbane route, render the town as an important service centre. Tourism FacilitiesTourism facilities include three licensed clubs, three motels, one hotel and two caravan parks - all providing modern, well presented amenities. Peak Hill is rich in arts and crafts resources with all venues situated in the main street (Caswell Street). Peak Hill country Crafts, 62 Caswell, has been a popular stop-over for many a traveller. The store offers a full range of hand-made crafts and gifts, and also displays a model of the original Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine, a photo story of the old gold mine and many historical photographs. This is a community-based craft shop which also operates as the town's visitor information centre, containing an array of brochures and maps of the town's heritage and tourist drive. The Centre is open daily, including all school holidays. Visitors are provided with a stark reminder of the gold rush by Peak Hill's Tourist Gold Mine, 500m east of the highway turning at the Ex-Services Club. The mine was the subject of extensive activity more than a century after the initial gold discoveries. The mining company, Alkane Exploration NL, has made a commitment to the preservation of the unique mining cultural heritage of Peak Hill with the construction of a tourist mine with walking trails around the 5 new pits and an original cutting.Booked tours can be arranged throughout the year by phoning the Parkes Visitor Information Centre. PH 02 6863 8860 On the road to the Golf Club is the Fauna and Flora Park, originally one of the many old alluvial workings, a leisurely stroll from the centre of town, providing opportunity to enjoy a variety of birdlife. Rainbow Bee-eaters, Red-rumped Parrots and Zebra Finches are included among the species as are colourful orchids in the cooler months.
Like many western centres, Peak Hill has endeavoured to preserve a proud and colourful history. On the southern town approach, the older section of the Peak Hill Hospital dates back to the early 1900s. Typifying the building style of that era, the building has strong architectural appeal and has gained National Trust recognition. The Carrington Hotel which was destroyed by fire has been partly restored. Stage one of the facility was recently officially opened by Slim Dusty, famous for his song -"Pub With No Beer', it now houses the local CTC Peak Hill. SportsAn active and diverse sporting centre, Peak Hill boasts excellent recreational facilities with those provided by the Golf Club (with state-wide recognised sand greens), the Bowling Club and Ex-Services Club, especially popular with visitors. Emus and livestock are now firmly established as part of Peak Hill's tourism attributes. The Commercial emu & merino farm, 5km north of town, is open to visitors by appointment. Group education excursions are encouraged. The Bogan Weir, site of Peak Hill's original water supply, has shady picnic areas and provides pleasant opportunities for bird watching, canoeing and fishing.Annual Events in Peak Hill:
Things to doSing Australia Peak Hill, meets every Monday at 7.30pm at Koinonia, Uniting Church, except public holidays. Contact details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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© 2008 Parkes Shire Council |
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May - Picnic Trots and Harness Racing Carnival