Wollombi Valley is located north-east of Sydney, just 90 minutes drive from Sydney's northern suburbs.
A significant meeting point on the north-south trade and travel route for coastal Aboriginal people, the Wollombi Valley was inhabited for thousands of years by Aborigines. Wollombi later played a key role in the expansion of the Sydney colony in the 1820’s. Located on the The Great North Road, an extraordinary engineering feat built by convict labour, branching at Wollombi as it extended from Sydney to the north and north-east.
Today, the tranquillity of the valley hides a vibrant life with strong artistic and social activities.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Enjoy a wander through the Wollombi village, and view the impressive sandstone buildings, all built prior to 1860.
St. Johns Church is an impressive stone building, consecrated by Bishop Tyrrell, the first Bishop of Newcastle in February 1849. The Architect who designed the Church was Edmund Thomas Blacket, one of the last great church architects in Australia.
St. Michael’s Church was built in the 1840’s near Cunneens Bridge and moved, in 1891, to its present position in the heart of the Village. Saint Michael's was bought by the community in 1991 and is now a private Catholic chapel and welcomes Catholic, Denominational and civil ceremonies.
Wollombi Courthouse now houses the Endeavour Museum. This beautiful sandstone building was constructed in 1866. It is entered in the Register of the National Estate, the National Trust Register and the Hunter Region Environmental Heritage Plan 1989. It was last used as a courthouse in 1950.
BOUTIQUE WINERIES
There are a number of vineyards with cellar doors right here in the Wollombi village. They are boutique operations run by owner operators, where the grapes are picked by hand. Why not enjoy wine tasting at a boutique vineyard.
DINING OUT
There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the Wollombi village, including the infamous Wollombi Tavern. Enjoy a hearty country lunch sitting out on the verandah, Italian delicacies, or wood-fired pizzas. Something for everyone!
REGULAR EVENTS
Wollombi is home to many great regular events, including Wollombi and Laguna Markets, art exhibitions at the Wollombi Cultural Centre, Sculpture in the Vineyards, and the Wollombi Valley Scarecrow Festival.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Wollombi Valley is surrounded by the Watagans and Yengo National Park, making it the perfect spot for bushwalking, bird watching, observing native fauna, viewing Aboriginal sites, and just generally enjoying time outdoors. There are also tennis courts in the village, which can be hired through the Wollombi General Store.
FURTHER AFIELD
The main vineyard districts of Pokolbin, Lovedale and Broke are a 30-40 minute drive away, where you will find a wider variety of restaurants and attractions.
Wollombi Brook Cottages: Accommodation in Wollombi, NSW Hunter Valley