Fast Facts
- Historic country town with fine Georgian architecture
- At junction of the Great North Road
- 142 km north of Sydney
Why go there
Historically Wollombi has always been an important centre for travellers along the Great North Road.
Today it retains its fine architectural heritage bolstered by cafes, wineries and comfortable guesthouses. Nearby are national parks with great bushwalking trails and lookouts and ancient Aboriginal rock carvings.
History
The Great North Road into the Hunter Valley was built by 3000 convicts between 1826 and 1834. Today you can still see remnants such as stone culverts, bridges and retaining walls.
The village was settled from 1838 as a service centre for the local farming area as well as travellers. The first school opened in 1860, the courthouse and police station in 1866.
Things to do
- Explore the history of Wollombi by following the town’s walking trail. It takes in many pre-1860s buildings in the village including the Endeavour Museum.
- Admire well preserved Aboriginal rock engravings in various locations – Devils Rock, Flat Rock Lookout and near Finchley Trig.
- Go bushwalking to see native birds and animals in the Watagans and Yengo national parks near Wollombi.
- Discover the work of local artists at cultural events and galleries in the village.
Events
- Wollombi Short Film Festival in September
- Laguna Art Show in September
- Sculpture in the Vineyards from October to December
Don't miss
- A short walk along the historic Convict Trail
- A visit to the Koolang Astronomical Observatory at nearby Bucketty
- An overnight stay at Mulla Villa, a two-storey Georgian cottage
- Finchley Trig Lookout in Yengo National Park
- Undercliff Winery & Gallery near Wollombi
