Mullion Creek: Water and Gold History

Mullion Creek is a small rural community, about ten minutes from Orange. Nearby, waterfall and walking experiences sit alongside notable traces of gold mining. This combination makes the area appealing to travellers who want to combine nature and history during their stay. When planning, it is especially useful to know that the destinations have different focuses: The Falls is known for water and views, while Ophir brings the region’s gold history to life.

Waterfalls, walking trails and birdlife

Nearby, The Falls in the Mullion Range State Conservation Area has a lookout with beautiful views. The waterfall has two cascade levels and is considered a popular place to swim, with a tranquil swimming hole at its base. This natural destination brings together scenic views and a water experience.

The Mullion Range State Conservation Area is also suitable for walking. It provides habitat for numerous forest birds, including native parrots such as Eastern Rosellas and Crimson Rosellas. Superb Parrots are also part of the birdlife in spring, and owls are found here too.

The Historic Water Race walking track near Orange is of moderate difficulty and offers opportunities for birdwatching, as well as insights into the history of gold mining. Gold prospectors built it by hand in the 1860s. You can still see how water was diverted from Summer Hill Creek to the mining areas. Its history also makes the track significant for those interested in the former water supply system.

The region’s gold history

The Ophir and Mullion Creek region, in the eastern part of Cabonne Shire, is considered historically significant because Australia’s first economically viable gold discovery was made there. The original mining site near Ophir once attracted more than 2,000 miners, but little of it remains.

Historic walking trails in Ophir Reserve pass old mines. Ophir Memorial Recreation Reserve includes a memorial, trees and monuments. Together, these places show different aspects of the gold history: old mining sites, historic traces in the landscape and places of remembrance.

Fishing, picnics and chestnuts

Summer Hill Creek offers opportunities for bank fishing. During the season, you can fish for trout in Summer Hill Creek and Lewis Ponds Creek with a licence. Picnicking and camping are possible at Fourth Crossing Picnic Area in the Ophir and Mullion Creek region; check current access conditions before visiting.

Facilities in Mullion Creek

Mullion Creek Hall has a large outdoor play area, a kitchen, toilets and barbecue facilities. Tennis courts are right next to the hall. If you would like to include these facilities in your plans, check their current availability with the facility manager.

Local heritage

A historic version of the Cabonne Local Environmental Plan lists St Brendon’s Catholic Church in Mullion Creek as local heritage item I220; you should check whether the listing is still current.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for holiday accommodation in Mullion Creek, your preferred holiday focus may be the deciding factor: a waterfall and swimming hole, walks and birdwatching, or the gold history around Ophir.

Discover more destinations: Canobolas, Borenore.

Return to the main travel overview: Cabonne Shire Council.