Woodstock

Once a prosperous gold and copper mining village, Woodstock is enjoying resurgence. The country pub and railway station have recently been restored, and visitors can stay in several B&B’s. There’s a general store for all your supplies, and raceway that is pumping with action. For quieter pursuits, head to the monthly markets where you can buy unique wares and help raise money for the charity Camp Quality. In November the village celebrates the 'Woodstock Relived' festival where locals and visitors alike dress up in hippy costumes in honour of 1960's.

History
Originally Woodstock was settled by Surveyor Evans, who in 1815 traveled along Sheet of Bark Creek to the Lachlan River. In 1828 Simeon Lord was granted land in the same area that is now called Old Waugoola. Land grants were handed out to numerous land holders in the upcoming years. In 1831 further land grants were made to Arthur Rankin at Shiel, William Rothery at Cliefden, and Dr William Redfern at Burley.

Mining
The Township of Woodstock sprang up when gold and copper deposits were found and mined in the area. Gold was found at Wood’s Flat as early as 1868, after which a community grew even though no large finds were ever recorded. Copper was also found in the area. Burley Jack copper mine began operating in 1877 and continued until 1911, large quantities of copper having been mined in that period. Also another copper mine was operating about 1880 on Milburn creek. Here there was a small adjoining township comprised of several stores and three hotels.The town grew to 8000 people with eight hotels, several stores and church halls. The three main mines that were operating at this time were the Queen, the Balmoral and the Isobel.

Bushrangers, including Ben Hall and his gang, were active in the area. At Cliefden there are still bullets holes in the stable wall to evidence an early raid. Johnny Vane, a member of the gang who died in 1904, aged 62, is buried in Woodstock Cemetery.

The Railway
The coming of the railway was the factor causing the establishment of the town in its present position.
Before the railway Cobb & Co coaches passed through the district. Sheet of Bark Hotel situated just off the highway on the Canowindra Road was a stopover for the coaches, and owes its name to the old practice of depositing mail for collection under a sheet of bark.
With the completion of the railway in 1888, businesses moved in from Wood’s Flat to be closer to transport. Before the railway the only building in Woodstock was a shepherd’s hut where the Royal Hotel now stands.