A number of the villagers are throwing open their homes, their gardens, their hall and church and their studios to allow you to peek inside and see how they now live, work and play in an historic gold town. 

Most of the buildings open for viewing were constructed in the 1870s and have seen generations of families through their doors.

 Some were almost in ruins when they were lovingly “adopted” by people with a passion and on open day they wish to share this with visitors. 

Many years of painstaking restoration and preservation have gone into conserving these buildings as useful and comfortable dwellings. 

They are not museums, they are everyday buildings, still being used for their intended purposes and now all the more treasured for being so. 

Some have the “mod cons” but these are skilfully integrated into an eclectic environment where they seem right at home. 

“Why didn’t I think of that?” will be your constant comment. 

A church with no electricity? – not a problem. 

Kerosene lanterns add a reverent atmosphere to an evening ecumenical service. 

A cottage with the bathroom “out the back” means that it is a place to escape to and relax in a lingering tub. Leave the mobile phone on the dining room table; it probably won’t work out there anyway.

View the family portraits in the Royal Hall and watch out as their eyes follow you around the room.

Visit the artists who have given up city life for a brief tree change to absorb the creative atmosphere once enjoyed by Donald Friend, Margaret Olley and many others.  

This is your opportunity to speak to the owners and residents who are proud of their village, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and ask them the questions that have surely arisen as you wander around town. 

Volunteers will be available at all venues to guide you. Bookings to t are essential and can be made by phoning  02 6337 8239 or email progress@hillend.org

Registration and payment is at the Royal Hall in Beyers Avenue (sorry, cash only on the day) 

The cost is $25 per person/$18 concession.