MT HOPE

Mount Hope is situated ninety five kilometers north of Hillston and 160km south of Cobar on the Kidman Way.  Copper ore was discovered in 1873 on Coan Downs by a shepherd named MacDowall.   Mount Hope today has a population of about twelve people but in its heyday it boasted a population of 3,000.

The local population is increased from time to time with itinerant workers who cut broom brush and cypress pine logs for vineyards.   It is also visited by apiarists when the mallee is in flower.

The Mount Hope Hotel or the General Store are both happy to assist visitors with camping requirements and tourist information.   Visits to old mines can be organized where crystals can be fossicked.

But a jocular warning from the locals - a nip from the "Mount Hope Flea" requires that you return each year on holiday as an antidote for the "sting".