Ophir

Ophir is a recreation reserve of 560 hectares, located at the junction of Lower Lewis Ponds and Summer Hill Creeks.  It is situated just 24 km north east of Orange.  It is a great place to have a picnic beneath the willows, fossick for gold along Summer Hill Cree, fish for trout in season (you will need to obtain a fishing license), look for wildlife, wander through the historic cemetery or explore the area along one of the walking trails.  The reserve is open daily.

Ophir Gold Discovery

Ophir was the location of the discovery of the first payable gold in New South Wales in April 1851 and Australia’s first gold rush.