Mountain Maid gold mine

Attraction
Mountain Maid gold mine
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Park alerts

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

1 current alert · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 4:05 pm

  • Elsewhere in the parkOther planned eventsUntil 23 Oct 2026

    Notice of 1080 Aerial Baiting Program

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program from 12 September to 20 September 2026 in the following reserves:

    • Barrington Tops National Park/State Conservation Area
    • Towarri National Park / Wingen Maid Nature Reserve / Cedar Brush Nature Reserve
    • Wallabadah Nature Reserve
    • Woolooma National Park
    • Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve/National Park
    • Camerons Gorge Nature Reserve/State Conservation Area
    • Curracabundi National Park/State Conservation Area, Bretti Nature Reserve, Mernot Nature Reserve, Watchimbark Nature Reserve, Woko National Park, Monkeycot Nature Reserve, Coneac State Conservation Area, Camels Hump Nature Reserve, Khatambuhl Nature Reserve
    • Copeland Tops State Conservation Area
    • Berrico Nature Reserve
    • The Glen Nature Reserve

    The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes and wild dogs.

    The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

    Signs will be placed at authorised entrances to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks and most other NPWS managed land. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Please contact NPWS Gloucester Office on 02 6538 5300 or Scone Office on 02 6540 2300 for more information.

About

In 1876, a man by the name of Saxby first discovered gold in the district. He found it around Back Creek, now Copeland Creek, near to what is now the village of Copeland. After his discovery, miners from everywhere descended on the area and the population grew to 1,100. Three pubs and four stores soon catered for the needs of 800 miners.

To learn more about the history of mining in the area and to see where these gold-hungry souls toiled, come along on a guided Discovery tour of Mountain Maid gold mine – one of New South Wales’ longest running operational gold mines. Walk around some historic buildings and get up close and personal with old machinery such as a battery stamper, whirly-gig gold separator, air compressor and gold carts.

Copeland Tops State Conservation Area · North Coast

Guided tours through Mountain Maid gold mine are available for visitors to Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Walking tours start from Hidden Treasure picnic area.

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Drinking water
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Suitable clothing
  • Snacks
  • Insect repellent

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

Get in touch

Gloucester office

02 6538 5300npws.barringtontops@environment.nsw.gov.au

59 Church Street, Gloucester NSW 2422

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Copeland Road

Copeland NSW 2422