The Royal Hotel in Hill End, the last remaining pub in the historic New South Wales gold rush village, has temporarily closed after more than 150 years of operation.
The venue, leased from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, had been run by its most recent publican since 2012. Although the lease was due to run until 2027, it has been brought to an early conclusion.
A Gold Rush Icon
At its peak, Hill End was home to 28 pubs during the height of the gold rush. Today, the Royal was the sole survivor, a meeting place for locals and a drawcard for travellers. Its heritage brickwork and old-world atmosphere made it a favourite stop for tourists exploring the Mudgee region.
But over the past year the building has deteriorated, with visitors and residents alike noticing the decline. The pub eventually stopped serving draught beer, switching to bottled drinks, a change that hit both its reputation and its trade.
What Comes Next
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has confirmed the building will undergo maintenance works while discussions continue with a potential short-term tenant. In the longer term, the site will be put on the market again under a fresh lease agreement.
Locals are hopeful the venue can be revived in time for the October long weekend, which is one of the busiest periods of the year for tourism in the central west. If the doors remain shut through that period, businesses fear it could set back the town’s visitor economy significantly.
More Than Just a Pub
For Hill End, with its population of just over 100, the pub was more than a place to grab a beer. It was the last communal meeting point, a hub for tourists, and an essential part of the fabric of the town. Its closure has left a noticeable hole, both socially and economically.
That said, there’s optimism the Royal Hotel can be given a second life. Surrounded by thriving food and wine regions like Mudgee, Bathurst and Orange, Hill End is well placed to attract visitors if the pub reopens with a refreshed approach.
For now, the town is waiting for the next chapter in the Royal’s story, and hoping its doors swing open again sooner rather than later.
