The back of beyond: Where to now?

Death and the dream chasers

Sofala, in the Turon River valley, grew after Edward Hargraves discovered gold in February, 1851 with the Royal Hotel being built that same year. However, with other - more lucrative - finds nearby, come 1855 Sofala was in decline. By 1871 the population of the town was 644. Nowadays, its main claim to fame is the 1948 painting by Russell Drysdale.