First starting off as a retired soldier’s farm and then becoming a prosperous gold mining town, Majors Creek has gone through many changes over the years. Today, the idyllic village is a thriving community with a big heart, nestled at the top of Araluen Valley, a stone’s throw from the historic town of Braidwood. The heart and soul of the village shines through at the annual Majors Creek Festival, which is one of the highlights of the year, drawing crowds from far and wide to the unassuming yet charming village.
On the hunt for gold
Much like the surrounding villages, Majors Creek also became known in 1851 when alluvial gold was discovered in the area. Prior to the gold rush, in 1827, the area was occupied by Major William Sandys Elrington, a professional soldier, who was granted 2,650 acres of the land, which he named Mount Elrington. Major Elrington sold his holdings in 1845 and returned to his homeland of England but the town was renamed after him, carrying the name Major’s Creek since then.
During the gold rush, there were an estimated 2,000 miners in the district, each averaging an ounce of gold per person per day. Slowly, the village started growing with a police outpost established in 1851 and the Elrington Hotel opened for business in 1856. However, around that same time, the town’s population started to decrease to just 200 people within the 10 years that followed.
The second wave of mining started in the 1870s when gold was once again found in the area. In the years that followed, the village boasted a post office, chemist, shops and hotels. Majors Creek also opened its first government school in 1880, which closed in 1969. One of the few reminders of the village’s past is St Stephen’s Anglican Church, which still stands tall today.
Activities for all
One of the best times to visit the village is in the spring when it fills with spectators coming in to experience the unique Majors Creek Festival. The annual three-day folk and roots music festival takes place in November each year, showcasing an incredible program of dance displays, classes, instrument workshops, sessions, bush dances and five stages of quality folk and roots music. There’s even a full kids’ program as well as market stalls and plenty of delicious food and drinks on offer.
If you’re travelling from afar, the festival grounds offer free camping and Braidwood’s accommodation providers are just a quick 15-minute drive away. Situated within only an hour’s drive from Canberra, Goulburn and Bateman’s Bay, it’s a popular weekend getaway destination for families and fans of music, dance and other art forms.
Majors Creek
Directions
- For the easiest access, take the 17-minute drive from Braidwood along Majors Creek Road.
Highlights
- The historic Majors Creek Hotel is not only a great place to grab a bite to eat or have a drink after a long day of exploring – but it also features many photos from yesteryear adorning the walls of the hotel for those interested in taking a peek at some good old times.
- Pay a visit to the iconic St Stephen’s Anglican Church for a step back in time. The beautiful church was built of hand cut local stone in the early 1870 by stonemason Peter Rusconi.
- Don’t forget to bring a gold pan with you as alluvial gold may still be found in the creeks that run near to town.
- Plan your visit to coincide with the Majors Creek Festival to get a real feel for the community spirit of the village.
- If you’d like to spend the night under the starry sky, head out to the Majors Creek Recreation Reserve in the heart of the village. The recreation reserve boasts plenty of space for tents or your camper van and provides access to the playground and tennis courts as well as other activities.