Hill End once had 28 pubs… Now there’s just one

James Tattersalls Hotel Hill End NSW 1870s
James Tattersall’s Hotel, Hill End, C1875. Photo: State Library of NSW.

IT is difficult to find a place in Australia where there is not someone, who, at some time or other, has been connected in some way, with the old mining village of Hill End (NSW). This is not to be wondered at when it is considered that, since the “gold-boom” days of the 1870s, nearly 50,000 of its erstwhile inhabitants have migrated.
– “Gee.”
– Wider & Wilder, Smith’s Weekly (Sydney) Saturday 15 December 1934.

During its heyday in the mid 1870s, the Hill End district once boasted a newspaper office, three newsagents, three banks, and 28 pubs! By 1905, after the gold rush had seen its best days, two pubs were left to cater for the thirsts of the remaining couple of hundred villagers – Weir’s Hotel and the Royal Hotel.

Weir’s Hotel finally closed in 1938, leaving the Royal as Hill End’s last pub. The Royal Hotel continues to trade at Hill End to this day (2020)


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Categories: NSW hotels

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1 reply

  1. There are a few more businesses….Northeys camping store, the General Store, Hill End Estate Cafe on Saturday & Sunday, Hill End Press, the Lodge and the Ranch. Don’t forget the NPWS interpretation Centre and History Hill Museum. And on Easter Saturday there is a market in the Royal Hall. Still plenty going on this iconic historic town.
    For those with family or ancestors from the place there is also plenty of family history to uncover – check out http://www.heatgg.org.au
    Great place for a short break.

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