Mountain Maid gold mine
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
Overview
Guided tours through Mountain Maid gold mine are available for visitors to Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Walking tours start from Hidden Treasure picnic area.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, snacks, insect repellent
- Please note
Bookings are essential for guided tours. For large organised groups and school tours contact the NPWS Newcastle Discovery Coordinator on 02 4927 3267.
Make a booking for a guided tour:
In 1876, a man by the name of Saxby first discovered gold in the district. He found it around Back Creek, now Copeland Creek, near to what is now the village of Copeland. After his discovery, miners from everywhere descended on the area and the population grew to 1,100. Three pubs and four stores soon catered for the needs of 800 miners.
Find out more about the history of mining in the area and see where these gold-hungry souls toiled in Mountain Maid gold mine – one of New South Wales’ longest running operational gold mines. Walk around some historic buildings and get up close and personal with old machinery such as a battery stamper, whirly-gig gold separator, air compressor and gold carts.
Imagine what it was like for them working out here in this remote location. Do you think many noticed the beauty of the surrounding natural environment?
Tours and events at this location
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Copeland Tops twilight tour
Experience the magic of Copeland Tops at twilight. Explore Hidden Treasure track and the historic buildings of Mountain Maid gold mine on this evening tour near Gloucester.
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Mountain Maid gold mine tour
Step back in time and uncover the hidden treasures of Mountain Maid gold mine in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Discover historic buildings and pan for gold on this tour in the rainforest.
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The Mountain Maid gold mine ghost hunt
As night falls, head deep into the woods of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area on a ghost hunt with Newcastle Ghost Tours. Explore Gloucester Museum and the relics at Mountain Maid gold mine by torchlight.
Also see
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Hidden Treasure track
Take a walk through the rainforest along Hidden Treasure track in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, near Gloucester. You'll pass remnants of the area's mining heritage, including a historic boiler and disused mine entrance.
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Hidden Treasure picnic area
Hidden Treasure picnic area, near Gloucester, is the ideal spot for a picnic or barbecue. It's also the access point for Hidden Treasure track and guided tours of Mountain Maid gold mine.
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Basin loop track
Basin loop track continues from Hidden Treasure track to form a longer walk with scenic views of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area via historic Old Copeland Road.
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Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Saving our Species is a statewide conservation program that addresses the growing number of Australian animals and Australian native plants facing extinction.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Gloucester office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 6538 5300
- npws.barringtontops@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 59 Church Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
Park info
- in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (25)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (7)
- Cycling (1)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Geotourism (1)
- Historic heritage (6)
- Picnics and barbecues (4)
- Sightseeing (11)
- Walking (13)
- Waterfalls (4)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (1)