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The Village was surveyed in the winter of 1869 by Mr. Randolf Macattie, and proclaimed as the village of "Arthur" in February 1873. This remained the official name until 1988 when it was changed to "Trunkey". However, even from the earliest days, residents referred to their home as being at "Trunkey Creek" and this is also the name shown on most modern day maps. So in 2004, after representations from local residents, the name village name officially became "Trunkey Creek" |
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The population of the village steadily grew until Joe Arthur made a major discovery of gold in the hill opposite the existing village in 1868. From then on, mines sprang up throughout the whole hillside and the population expanded to about 500. The stamper battery shown here is now on display at MILLTHORPE MUSEUM |
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1939 Bushfires
In January 1939 a massive bushfire devastated the village. Several lives were lost and many buildings were destroyed including the school which in those days was in Forbes Street. Charred fence posts between many of the village properties are the only evidence still visible. Today this tranquil village, with only about 100 residents, still has many reminders of the exciting days of the goldrush |
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This brick building was constructed by Mr. Casey in 1879 using reject bricks from the Police Station. At one time there were at least four General stores in Trunkey Creek. One of the most notable store owners was Fred Davies who ran it from 1921 until 1984. The store last traded in 1992. This was the site of the Australian Hotel which featured in photographs of the village taken during the Goldrush by Beaufoy Merlin as part of the Holtermann Collection. 
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS OCTOBER 2004 
During the Gold-rush there were at least six registered hotels. Although originally licensed as "The Commercial Hotel", the Black Stump Hotel has survived, the rise and decline of the gold rush, the depression, bush fires and the ravages of time, and was to become the only surviving hotel in the village by the year 1900. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1928, and the current building was constructed at that time to replace it. Today, the Black Stump Hotel is a good place to soak up some of that local atmosphere. You can be sure of a warm welcome. 
This historic two storey wooden building was constructed in 1872 by the Glasheen Family . The Golden Age Hotel appears in several photographs in the Holtermann Collection. This building has been a branch of the Bank of New South Wales, the Golden Age Hotel, a private school, a dance hall, and last traded as Hunters General Store. The north wing of this building was destroyed by fire in 1921. Some restoration work was undertaken from 1992 to 1994 
Thomas Arkell-Smith was appointed as Police Magistrate and Gold Commissioner in 1871. This is one of only two old brick buildings built in 1879. It replaced a single room wooden police station which had become far too cramped. Constable Brennan was the first Police Constable appointed
There are many other old buildings and reminders of the gold rush around the village. One good example is this old Miners cottage which stands on Arthur Street just opposite the old store. It is also featured in some of the Holtermann Photographs of 1872. 
