Historic Wollondilly Sites

Last modified: July 23, 2009 - 2:19 PM

History lovers delight in the hidden gems of the Wollondilly area.

The word Wollondilly has two indigenous meanings “ water trickling over rocks” or “a place where spirits dwell”

Picton is one of the earliest European settlements. It was discovered when a number of cattle went missing in the early days of the colony and were found in 1795 by a convict near the Nepean River. The valuable herd, which had increased in number, were allowed to remain and breed in a sealed-off area stretching from the Nepean to the Bargo River.

This became known as Cowpastures and then Stonequarry until 1841. The name Picton is believed to have been chosen to honor Sir Thomas Picton, an old soldier friend of Governor Brisbane.
In the 1860’s the railway system came to Picton and created a building explosion. The area was proclaimed a municipality in 1895, and in 1939 Wollondilly Shire Council (then centered in The Oaks) and Picton Municipality amalgamated to create the Shire that we have today.

Visitors are encouraged to discover Picton and Appin Villages through the self-guided history walk brochures available from the Visitor Centre. Many of the historic buildings are now converted for commercial and residential usage.

Attractions within Wollondilly include:

The Wollondilly Heritage Centre at The Oaks has a broad display of heritage information and memorabilia. Here you will see documentation and inter active exhibitions on the Wollondilly Shire, Burragorang Valley, Warragamba Dam development, Yerranderie, the coal mining and agricultural industries of this area plus periodic feature exhibitions.

The Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere provides a peep into the past with a huge collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives on permanent display. Heritage train rides are offered on Sundays and travel between Thirlmere and Picton Villages.

The Mushroom Tunnel in Picton is a hard to find site and best visited with Picton Ghost Hunts. These tours visit many sites that are not open to the general public. Dinner, Supper, Cuppa & kids Hunts are available . More info call the Wollondilly Visitor Centre on 02 46778313.

Picton and Appin Historical Societies can supply information for family traces and contact details are available through the Wollondilly Visitor Information Centre on 02 46778313.

Yerranderie Village located in the Catchment lands west of Lake Burragorang is a fascinating peep into the past. Isolated by the damming of the Wollondilly River to form the Warragamba Dam and the resumption of the private lands in the Burragorang and Nattai Valleys, Yerranderie has developed into a wildlife sanctuary with a heritage twist. Bushwalkers, nature and wildlife enthusiasts and campers delight in the tranquility of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park. Access to Yerranderie is through Oberon via Wombeyan Caves or the Blue Mountains. Accommodation available includes bunk style, Bed & Breakfast or camping. For more information call the Wollondilly Visitor Centre on 02 46778313.

Contact details
Wollondilly Shire Council
02 4677 1100 (ph)
02 4677 2339 (fax)
council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au


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