Open Days at Woodford Academy

Event NSW

Visit the oldest complex of colonial buildings in the Blue Mountains at Woodford Academy's monthly open days.

 

Built originally as a Roadside Inn in the 1830s, the property has had a multi-layered history, operating over the years as a gentleman’s residence, guest house, boarding house and from 1907 to 1936, a private classics college run by John McManamey.

It is now a museum that offers not only a unique glimpse of colonial life in the Blue Mountains but also an insight into the current Blue Mountains community through an innovative program of site-specific art events, performances and talks.

Take a house tour and grab a bite to eat or drink in the volunteer run café at an upcoming open day:

Related content section

17 August: Books and Poetry Festival

17 August: Books and Poetry Festival

The Woodford Academy’s collection has over 1000 vintage books, pamphlets and magazines of poetry, classics, fiction, gardening, cooking, music, agricultural gazettes and much more. Many of these will be on display throughout the building along with local bookstalls and an intriguing talk on the history and impact of Edward FitzGerald’s “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam” by local author, conservator and poet, Craig Stanton.

21 September: Eloise Maree Crossman AIR

21 September: Eloise Maree Crossman AIR

Artist in Residence Eloise Maree Crossman is passionate about working with, diversifying and decolonising collections, codeveloping exhibitions and sharing knowledge. Presently working as Registrar, Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), her background encompasses exhibitions, collections and assistant curatorial work in public institutions such as the Australian Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

19 October: Local Histories

19 October: Local Histories

Local Historian Robyne Ridge will speak on House Histories: Finding out the history of your property. Learn about the process of discovering the history of your house by researching land titles using online NSW Land Registry Services and Council rates.

16 November: Eloise Maree Crossman AIR

16 November: Eloise Maree Crossman AIR

Artist in Residence Eloise Crossman finalises her residency at the Academy. Presently working as Registrar, Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh), her background encompasses exhibitions, collections and assistant curatorial work in public institutions such as the Australian Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

Tickets

Open 10am – 4pm on the third Saturday of each month (closed December).

Book via Eventbrite, where possible, to guarantee a spot.

All proceeds go toward conserving this historic house in the Blue Mountains.

 

Get involved with the National Trust (NSW)

Become a member and enjoy many benefits including access to special heritage places in Australia and in over 60 countries. Subscribe to our eNews for the latest heritage news, special offers and events.

Plan your visit

Woodford Academy

Address:

90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford NSW 2778

Open:

Third Saturday of each month
10am - 4pm

Closed:

December & January

Phone:
(02) 9258 0123
Email:
woodfordacademy@gmail.com
Entry Fees:

National Trust members – FREE
Adult - $12
Concession* - $10
Family - $34
Child (under 5 years) – FREE
*Concession applies for full-time students, seniors, pensioners and children aged 5-15 years.

How to book your tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the door or booked in advance to guarantee your spot. Booking fees apply.
Book a ticket now.
Terms and conditions of entry apply.

What we offer:

How to book your tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the door or booked in advance to guarantee your spot. Book a ticket now.

Terms and Conditions of Entry apply.

Learn More

Related content