During a flight from Orange to Camden, the pilot was unable to proceed beyond the Hartley Valley due to low cloud on the ranges. He attempted to return to Orange but found that route was also blocked by deteriorating weather conditions. In decreasing light, the pilot began a search and located a paddock where he conducted a precautionary landing, during which the main landing gear and wing struck a fence, causing substantial damage. The area forecast had indicated extensive areas of low cloud, with reduced visibility associated with drizzle, over the mountain ranges.