The centrepiece of the footpaths in the Quirindi Main Street celebrates the earliest known sheep and cattle runs on the Liverpool Plains. The brands are derived from the “Large Stock Brands Directory of NSW”, 1954 and the “Sheep Brands & Marks Directory of NSW”, 1954.

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 In some instances the classic branding iron has been replaced by a freeze dried brand which removes pigment from the hair follicles of the beast.…

Quirindi’s Historical Cottage & Museum display an array of themes from Victorian era to agricultural, to war time and lots more. They also house an enormous collection of records such as family histories, district archives and more. You can find just about anything you want to know about the regions history!

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).…

Be inspired by the development of rural Australia. The Quirindi Rural Heritage Village is set on 13 acres, just 3kms from Quirindi on the Gunnedah Road, in the heart of the rich farming area – the Liverpool Plains. The village has been designed to collect, preserve, restore, interpret and exhibit artefacts that relate to the history, heritage and culture of the regional area.

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.

The Federation Pavilion, which houses the extensive museum and coffee shop are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Other times by appointment.…

Come and explore the beginnings of our Australian nation by the peaceful banks of Quirindi Creek. The Award winning First Fleet Memorial garden is a tribute to the European settlers who began what is now modern Australia. The garden features extracts from the logs of actual participants describing the early history of the colony and the treacherous voyage to Australia.

Hand carved tablets, by master stonemason Ray Collins, list the names of passengers, the crew, convicts, and civilians who travelled on the eleven ships of the first Fleet. Read of the tales from those who were on the voyage 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.

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A celebration of Australian history in the first and last railway town in New South Wales, the Australian Railway Monument & Rail Journeys Museum capture the essence of railway life in Australia. Built as a memorial to those who died whilst working to develop our nation’s infrastructure, the Australian Railway Monument is a sight to behold. Opened in October 2005, the six evocative structures of the monument are set on the backdrop of the impressive historical Werris Creek Railway Station. Search the name walls of this sobering commemoration and acknowledge those who died on duty.

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.

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