Its existence is attested to by an inscribed pottery shard found at Tell Qasile (in modern-day Tel Aviv) in 1946, dating to the eighth century BC, [2] [3] which reads "gold of Ophir to/for Beth-Horon [...] 30 shekels". [a] [4] The location of Ophir is unknown, though the find confirms it as a real place which exported gold. [5]

The scene of Australia's first Gold Rush, Ophir Reserve is a rugged yet peaceful reminder of the colonial past. The first Australian payable gold discovery was made here in 1851, just 30 kilometres north east of Orange.

The scene of Australia's first Gold Rush, Ophir Reserve is a rugged yet peaceful reminder of the colonial past. The first Australian payable gold discovery was made here in 1851, just 30 kilometres north east of Orange.

The main attraction at Ophir is the 560 ha Historic Ophir Reserve which comprises camping and picnic facilities; the junction of the Summer Hill and Lewis Ponds Creeks which flow into the Ophir Creek; two pleasant walking trails which include the site of the original 1851 gold strike and of the 1866 Belmore Reef find; earthen water races, a ...

Ophir Reserve After the Discovery of payable gold in 1850 Ophir became the site of a short lived gold rush. Within a year of their arrival hopeful miners had already moved on to the Turon river after experiencing a harsh winter and poor returns.

At Ophir today you can try your luck gold panning in Summer Hill Creek, explore the abandoned gold mines and the historic cemetery. The Ophir Goldfield Walk will take you past Salvation Bob’s Mine, Tinker Point and FitzRoy Bar.

The site of early Australian gold mining history. Orange Central West NSW Australia. Ophir recreational reserve near Orange is located in a beautiful, peaceful gorge where the Summer Hill and Lewis Ponds Creeks converge.

Ophir will always hold a special place in the story of NSW gold through it being the first goldfield to which the fortune seekers rushed in the heady days of May 1851. This ensured that Ophir became a reference point in the evolving gold story such that its name cropped up in relation to many new fields as these were uncovered over the ...

Ophir Reserve is the site of Australia's first payable gold field which was first worked in 1851, and although the rich seams did not last long, there has been some mining in the area ever since. To the west of the Causeway, Summer Hill Creek joins Lewis Ponds Creek, where both creeks converge creating this large pool (above left).

The term "Gold of Ophir" refers to the fine and precious gold mentioned in the Bible, renowned for its exceptional quality and value. Ophir is often cited as a source of gold in the Old Testament, though its exact geographical location remains a subject of debate among scholars and historians.