Nestled in the middle of the Cardrona Valley is the Cardrona Hotel which was built circa 1863 when the gold rush hit the Southern Region. Around this time hundreds of settlers arrived, eager to stake their claim. The weather in the valley was, and still is formidable, varying from -15⁰C in winter to 30⁰C + in summer so conditions were harsh and accommodation for weary travellers was highly sort after.
At the peak of the gold rush era there were four hotels, three European stores, four Chinese stores, four butcheries, one blacksmith and a baker. Eventually the gold rush dried up and all that remained was the Hotel and the General Store next door.
Head on into the foyer of the pub where you'll find the ammo can, sign the log and feel free to have a look around this historic place. Look for the underground gold mining shaft, check out the money ceiling and take a look at the classic cars in the shed out the back. The pub is generally open 7 days a week from 10am until late.
Placed with permission of the Cardrona Hotel owners (although the bar staff change seasonally so may have no idea what you are talking about!)