Places to visit in Regional NSW

Hamilton Hume (1797-1873) was our first Australian-born explorer. He trail-blazed the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne in 1824.

In 1839 he bought Cooma Cottage on the Yass River. The cottage (1835), Hume’s unusual extensions (mid 1850’s), the stable (c.1865) and the original 100 acres are now preserved, together with his giant olive and rare Picconia Excelsa tree from the Canary Islands. Cooma Cottage has seen some beautiful garden weddings this summer.

This timber slab homestead was built in the early 1840s as the head station of a 6,500-hectare squatting run. Sophisticated in form, it reflects architectural influences from Italy, England and India. Take in the atmosphere of the homestead and stables through a self guided tour. Visit the café, children’s play area, farm animals and enjoy the spacious grounds for picnics and a gift shop
with home produce. Dundullimal is Dubbo’s oldest building open to the public. Converted workshop available for hire, perfect for weddings and functions.

Grossmann House was built in 1870-71 by merchant Isaac Beckett. Located in one of NSW’s finest mid-Victorian streetscapes, the house is presented as the home of its well to do Victorian owner. It adjoins Brough House, built as a mirror image by Beckett’s business partner, Samuel Owen. Between 1893 and 1963, the building housed Maitland Girls’ High School.

There is an extensive collection of 19th century costumes and textiles at Grossmann House, with examples on display. Refreshments and morning/afternoon tea by appointment for group visits in Brough House next door.

Overlooking historic Berrima, this colonial Georgian house was built from 1834 by local publican James Harper and later owned by by the Catholic Church.
Built from local materials, the house was restored by the Trust from 1978 and is furnished in colonial style.

It includes a National Trust Shop and is set in 2 acres of strolling gardens that feature a large produce garden, heritage roses and a large hedge maze.

Available for hire for filming, events and garden wedding ceremonies.

Group bookings at any time by appointment.

This free-standing Edwardian terrace, built in 1909 by Herbert Porter, was home to the Porter family until 1997. Left to the Trust by Miss Hazel Porter with its contents intact, the house provides a vivid experience of twentieth century inner-city life in Newcastle. A collection of domestic and personal items left by Miss Porter tells the story of the family over more than a century.

This charming bungalow was built c1845 by the Rev Thomas Sharpe. In 1976 the house and its contents were left to the Trust by the last resident, Miss Ida Traill.

The house museum contains a wide and varied collection of furniture, ceramics, horse racing memorabilia and art, much of it bequeathed to Miss Traill by her antecedents, some of whom were original settlers of the Bathurst district.

One highlight of a visit is a stroll through the delightful heritage garden. This garden also makes an ideal venue for weddings, luncheons and other
functions.

Photo: Johnathan Miller

Built in the late1830’s as a coaching inn, Riversdale later became home to the district surveyor Edward Twynam and his family. Edward was appointed Chief Surveyor of NSW during the 1890’s, his family occupied Riversdale for almost 100 years prior to purchase by the National Trust.

Standing with its original paddocks and out buildings, Riversdale is a fine example of a Colonial Georgian home surrounded by splendid gardens and
picnic grounds. The collection includes spectacular embroideries and woodcarvings crafted by Mrs Emily Rose Twynam over a century ago.

This ten-hectare grazing property established in the 1830s includes 20 buildings dating from the 1860s through to 1910. Take a guided tour through
the White family’s 30-room Edwardian residence complete with its original furnishings (10.30am, 2 and 3.30pm). Explore the gardens and farm area
with the stables, poultry yard and other old timber buildings.

Saumarez is popular for weddings, small conferences and meetings. Café serving Devonshire teas & light lunches, gift shop and parking available.

In 1889 Sir Henry Parkes delivered his ‘Tenterfield Oration’ at the School of Arts. His speech revived the Federation Movement and led to the creation of the Australian nation. Its lifetime and associated events have earned it the title as ‘birthplace of our nation’. Stunningly restored, it houses a museum devoted to Federation, the life of Sir Henry Parkes and the town of Tenterfield.

Architecturally it comprises many styles, from its Gothic outline to the Edwardian addition of 1913.

Built by Richard and Maria Windeyer in the 1840s, this gracious sandstone villa was the centerpiece of a large estate. With its family chapel and remnants of the nineteenth century pleasure gardens, the house is closely identified with three generations of one of Australia’s most distinguished families, and perfect for weddings. It is noted for its fine verandahs overlooking pastoral land and interiors which reflect the lives and times of a family of status. Refreshments
and parking are available.

This 98-hectare wildlife sanctuary was created in the 1960s by Thistle Harris, in memory of her husband David Stead,to preserve the original ‘Bargo Brush’ and to promote the use and propagation of Australian native plants.

For a gold coin donation you can stroll through Wirrimbirra’s Wildlife Walk to see kangaroos, wombats, emus and other native birds. Browse through the native plant nursery and gift shop, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.