HISTORICAL SITES AND HERITAGE LOCATIONS UPPER TURON

Winner of a National Trust Heritage Award, The Turon Technology Museum offers something for everyone - from the steam engine enthusiast to children discovering the wider world of technology. Situated in a secluded area off the Ilford-Sofala Road and just midway between the towns is the Turon Technology Museum, also known as the Museum of Power, which displays some of the fascinating engines and engineering behind the Industrial Revolution. You will discover that the truth about this most important revolution is very different to your school book history. The museum focuses on the power technology from 1850 to 1950, including steam turbines, a marine diesel engine and compressors. Many of the engines are in working order and those in the steam display are operational. Kiosk, toilets, picnic area, parking are available. Group bookings are essential and catering is available by arrangement.

Chesleigh Homestead is a beautiful 3000 acre property in the heart of Sofala's historic goldfields with gold bearing creeks, exciting caves, great mountain lookouts and some of the best horse riding country in NSW. Enjoy excellent accommodation and fine cooking in a wonderful atmosphere of Australian country hospitality. Roaring campfires, a great games room, swimming pool, super spa, tennis courts, wonderful gardens and gold in the creeks make the homestead a true delight. Chesleigh also offers some of the best horse riding in NSW. Chesleigh`s old Cobb and Co Coach roads, mining relics and old gold settlements provide wonderful walking and superb horse riding trails. Fish for trout in the river, go yabbying in the dams or just drink in the gorgeous scenery. ...

Sofala is 45 kilometres north of Bathurst and 'Australia's oldest surviving Gold Town'. The village was established in 1851 when gold was discovered on the Turon River. In the early days the township followed the Turon River for over 16 kilometres and the population numbered tens of thousands. Over fifty hotels and other businesses catered for the gold seekers at this time. Today Sofala encapsulates the picturesque historic village of the gold rush days. The unique narrow streets of the village are flanked by beautiful old two storey brick buildings. Visitors are offered accommodation, campground, cafes, general store, walks and tours. A trip to Sofala would not be complete without trying your hand at gold fossicking in the Turon River. ...