Murray and I are frequently overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the Wollombi Valley. However, many people from outside the area don’t realise that just as captivating is the rich history of the area.  Many couples stay at ‘Somewhere Unique’ to enjoy the tranquillity of the natural bushland are often surprised that Wollombi has so much to offer through its rich indigenous and colonial heritage.

Wollombi is one of Australia’s most picturesque and historic villages. The area has an extensive aboriginal history dating back thousands of years, before colonial settlement began in 1840. Today, the village is very modest in size but its historic beauty attracts great numbers of tourists to the area.

To ensure these visitors to the area can engage and appreciate the colonial and indigenous history of the village, a new brochure has recently been produced by an enthusiastic local resident. Titled, ‘The Wollombi Village Walks’ the DL-sized glossy brochure folds out into an A2-size to reveal an historic  Village Centre Walk and an historic Wollombi Village Walk, which will lead the visitor slightly further afield. On the brochure, walking trails are clearly emphasised for both of these walks and highlighted along the way are many historic stops where significant detailed history is provided.

On the ‘Village Centre Walk’, for example, a highlight is the ‘Endeavour Museum’ which was originally a timber court house and lock-up built in 1866. Other local historic highlights include Wollombi Cottage (1840), the Former Overland Telegraph Office (1860) and Kenny’s Folly (1890), now known as Grays Inn. All of these buildings, although beautifully restored, appear much the same as they were when first constructed.

On the ‘Wollombi Village Walk’, the Wollombi Cemetery and its history is included starting with Bishop Tyrell having consecration the burial ground in 1849. Other local historic highlights include Cunneens Bridge (1896), St Johns Anglican Church (1849), and the Wollombi School and Residence (1852).

Such history is the soul of Wollombi and is always of great interest to all visitors to the region.

The ‘Wollombi Village Walks’ brochure provides a very valuable comprehensive historical overview of the Wollombi village area for any curious visitor. Copies of the brochure are free and can be obtained from the General Store and many other outlets within the village. Of course, at ‘Somewhere Unique’ we ensure that these brochures are available for our guests in each of our retreats.  

David & Murray