Give yourself plenty of time to emerge yourself in the beautiful bird sanctuarys scattered throughout the shire. From Wallabadah to Quirindi, Quipolly Dam, to Spring Ridge and as far out as Premer. This is a must for the avid bird enthusiast or those who simply enjoy the views.
Evidence suggests that sheep and cattle were moving through the Liverpool Plains in the early 1820′s making it difficult to pinpoint when pastoralism really began in this area.
Most of the Brands are those not originally associated with the properties but belong to known owners. Brands were required by law after 1866 and there are a number of stories relating to getting cattle inspectors drunk or driving off their horses so that property owners did not have their stock confiscated.
On a more practical note before the days of fencing an when cattle where driven to market, brands were the only way to separate mobs that may have accidentally been drawn together.
Brands or ear tags are mandatory to this day and are becoming more and more digitized and sophisticated. In some instances the classic branding iron has been replaced by a freeze dried brand which removes pigment from the hair follicles of the beast.
When the Quirindi and District Historical Society was formed in 1960 it set out to collect and record the history of Quirindi and district, and to publish this information for the benefit of local people and researchers. This important aspect of the Society’s work began in 1965, and 12 journals (“Historical Notes”) were printed before the society turned to publishing local history books. This important activity continues today, and publications are on sale at the Cottage and elsewhere in Quirindi. It was soon realised that it was also necessary to preserve and display items of historic value and local interest, for the better understanding of our heritage, especially for our young people.
The building at 44 Station Street Quirindi was constructed in 1887 from locally made sand stock bricks and had many close associations with Quirindi history, one of which being in fact that it was once the home of Quirindi’s first Mayor and Mayoress. It was bought by the Society from Mr G.A. Wheeler in 1967, and opened as a museum by Mr Ross Symonds of the ABC on 26th April 1970. Additions to the frontage include wrought iron which was once part of the Commercial Hotel balcony, iron pillars were donated by Mr Muir Taylor, (Mayor of Quirindi 1966-1980), and window shutters from Mrs L.P. Wilson of Woodton Quirindi.
As the Society’s collection grew, more buildings were added at the back of the Cottage. The land at the back was bought from Mr Wheeler in 1985, making one block from Station Street to Railway Avenue. Several sheds to house larger items were built on this land, making up the “Town and Country Building”, a workshop, and an outdoor display of agricultural implements. A brick Archives Room was added in 1988.
Quirindi & District Historical Society Inc and Historical Cottage & Museum is open Fridays 10am – 4pm (other times by appointment).
Directions: From Quirindi follow the Werris Creek Road for 10km. Turn right into the Quipolly Road for 5km to the new dam, an open area. Continue 1km to a T intersection, turn left – 4km to Hide.
Come and be part of the phenomenon of bird watching.
The first two pavilions, main exhibition area and a most interesting and very well presented Museum and refreshing Coffee Shop are now operational.
The annual Machinery Rally and Swap Meet held in the autumn attracts people and their machines from all over Australia and internationally. It showcases the restoration of machines from the past, ranging from tractors and steam engines, from collections of smaller items such as shearing gear, lawn mowers and also craft items to interest the ladies.
A tractor trek and street procession give the vintage tractors and car enthusiasts a chance to show off their prized possessions and the children are kept entertained with special events such as pumpkin bowling. The scarecrow competition is growing in popularity, with the town and district graced by their presence.
The Village has exhibits ranging from aboriginal heritage through to the explorers and early settlers; it demonstrates the trials and tribulations faced by the pioneers of this vast country. Take a journey in 50 year increments and see how your forebears lived in days gone by.
A beautifully restored buggy, a penny farthing bicycle, a foot pedalled dentists drill, and early household and office equipment are just some of the numerous items on display.
A mock solicitors office with early Dictaphone machines is a recently constructed attraction.
A new minature railway has been constructed and operates the 4th Sunday of each month 10am – 3pm or other times by arrangement.
Begining in 2008 the Car Club will run on the second Sunday of the month.
The 10th Anniversary Rally & Swap Meet will be held May 2nd & 3rd 2009.
The Federation Pavilion, which houses the extensive museum and coffee shop is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Coffee shop open Friday – Sunday only. Other times by arrangement.
Hand carved tablets, by master stonemason Ray Collins, list the names of passengers, the crew, convicts, and civilians who travelled on the ships of the First and Second Fleet. Read of the tales from those who were on the voyages and explore the list of livestock and provisions that were brought.
After walking around The Gardens, why not picnic under the graceful stand of Australian native Shea Oaks adorning the banks of the Quirindi Creek. Picnic facilities including barbeques, children’s play area and amenities are all easily accessible. The Gardens are open Monday to Sunday from sunrise to sunset.
School and bus groups are welcome.
The associated Rail Journeys Museum is located in the Railway Refreshment Room building of the Werris Creek Railway Station. Come and visit this unique Museum that brings history to life with the new Audio Visual component. Designed to tell the personal social life of railway men and women, the rail journeys museum is operated by ex-railway workers who tell of the laughs, joys and tears of working on the railway.
Know previously as the “Davis Hotel”
Situated 30klms from Tamworth.
* Great Bar
* Accommodation (5 rooms)
* Beer Garden
* Family area
Royal Hotel
Activities: Tennis, children’s playground
Willow Tree Inn
68 Single Street, Werris Creek – Ph: (02) 6768 7024
It also features an air-conditioned dining room with beautiful press metal ceiling & fire place, a huge games room with pool table and fairy lights, lovely courtyard under grapevine and a wide verandah at the front boasting the town views.
Close to shops, Bowling & Tennis Club, Post Office, Swimming Pool & The Australian Railway Monument & Rail Journeys Museum. Plenty of parking available.
Werris Creek is 10 minutes from Quirindi, 30 minutes to Tamworth and 3 hours to Newcastle.
Activities : Close to Bowling & Tennis Club (with 8 Tennis Courts), local swimming pool with breathtaking views and the award winning AUstralian Railway Monument & Rail Journeys Museum.
Rates per night $65 per single room, $75 per double room, breakfast a little extra // Rates per week $120 per week for permanent/long term
6 very comfy motel rooms with a continental breakfast available on request.
Our hotel is situated south of the main section of the main street. It’s a short walk to the shop, post office and Railway Museum/Monument. We have an ATM, 7 pokies, pool table, TAB and juke box with a variety of songs.
Accommodation is suited for groups of up to 8-9, rooms consist of 4 queens, 1 double and 1 single room – shared bathroom facilities for some rooms.
Bring a book, sit under a tree or on the gorgeous big verandah, have a game of pool on our antique pool table or watch a bit of TV on the large screen and relax.
Little Kickerbell is the perfect venue for weddings, parties, functions or meetings. We are happy to cater for your specific needs.
Little Kickerbell, the place for any occasion.
Whispering Pines Bush Retreat provides one Bed & Breakfast and two fully self contained accommodation houses. The accommodation consists of Pine Lodge accommodating up to 11 guests (self contained), Wattle Ridge accommodates up to 4 guests (self contained) and Whispering Pines is Bed and Breakfast.
Whispering Pines Bush Retreat provides the ideal setting for families and friends to escape their busy lives and spend a few days away in a peaceful and safe environment free from all the usual commercial trappings.
The Quipolly area, in which Whispering Pines is located, is particularly renowned for its unique bird life and native animals. The area is a flora and fauna sanctuary.
The area is home to possums, kangaroos, wallabies and many bird species. Less than 1km away is the Old Quipolly Dam which is a designated bird sanctuary. A Bird Hide has been constructed on the edge of the dam allowing bird enthusiasts the opportunity to view the numerous species.
Hiking is an option for those willing to test their fitness levels. Guests are invited to explore the rugged tree covered hills on which Whispering Pines is situated.
A walking trail has been marked to assist guests in their exploration of the area. This trail leads to a ridge behind Pine Lodge where some spectacular views can be observed.
Come and stay at Whispering Pines Bush Retreat and experience the real Australia.
Activities: Hiking, bush walking, animals, bird watching, barbeque, camping, driving, flora & fauna, meditating/relaxing, sightseeing, walking, Aussie lifestyle.
Formely an outstation cottage it was moved in the 1950′s and is now part of “Gananny” homestead complex. Your hosts, the Simson family have been here since 1887. “Gananny” runs Merino sheep & Hereford cattle. Working in harmony with nature is a priority. The property is covered with native pastures, trees & shrubs with wildlife here in abundance.
Activities
Bushwalking, bird & wildlife watching, swimming – 10m pool, tennis, farm tour or sit back, wind down & relax.
You can also visit any of the many attractions within the area including museums, lookouts, national parks, lakes & dams, heritage village, memorial gardens and much more. Simply view the “attractions” on the home page.
Entertainment is offered throughout the year catering for all with a diverse style of music.
There’s plenty of room with a sheltered beer garden, public bar, restaurant and lounge area where you can enjoy a coffee, hot chocolate or cool drink.
Lunch is offered with a café style menu which is available Monday to Friday 12pm-2pm and dinner Wednesday to Saturday with the world famous char grill Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm-9pm.
Our accommodation offers 14 rooms varying from single, double, twin, triple and family rooms. Rates are as below.
Children allowed in unrestricted areas only.
Accommodation type
Rooms only
Room configuration
4 family rooms, 5 single rooms, 3 double rooms, 1 triple room, 1 twin room
Maximum capacity per room: Family (4), Triple (3), Twin (2) Single (1), Double (2)
Rates per night $30 Per Head, 55$ Doubles, $70 Family Room /// Rates per week: By negotiation on application
We cater for the casual diner as well as special occasions and functions with a private dining room for bigger parties. Kick up your heels every Friday night from 8.30pm with Gj’s Disco. Pub style accommodation with lunches and dinner catered for workers and travelers alike.
Accommodation is available with a range of room options including family rooms ($55.00), doubles ($40.00) and singles ($30.00), some with air conditioning, all with shared facilities. Television hire is available in some of the rooms. All room rates include a self serve continental breakfast of cereal, toast, tea and coffee. A cooked country breakfast is available at an additional cost. Our friendly, helpful staff will make your visit to the Federal Hotel an enjoyable experience.
Room configuration
Queen bed + 2 singles (4 rooms), 2 single beds (2 rooms), 1 double (2 rooms) share facilities
Rates per night
Family $55.00, Singles $30.00, Doubles $40.00