Camps #1028 The Junction Campground. Lat 33 10 10 S Long 149 14 19
We moved on to a Campground ActionDad hadn't seen for over 25 years. Ophir was the site where Hargraves discovered enough gold to cause the start of the Goldrush era in Australia in 1851.
There are still many signs of the Goldrush era spread over the hills. The last nugget worth $100,000 was found on Father's Day in 1979.
Camping at Ophir will cost a family $5 per night with all proceeds going to the Ophir trust to help maintain the area. You can pay at the Orange Tourist Information centre or drop your fees into an honesty box outside the old toilets at the campground.
There are flush toilets .... and that's it so bring your camp shower.
Orange Tourist information will tell you that you cannot get camper trailers or caravans into Ophir. We're not sure why they tell people this as the dirt road is fine if treated with caution. The road into the Western side of Ophir seems the best although slightly longer.
One of the long tunnels is still accessible and are good for a quick explore if you have a torch or 2.
There are still 3 working mines in the area and some will give a tour of their site.
Here is a short video I took of the Ophir Campground using our AR Drone 2.0
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