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 in the volunteer run cafe at an upcoming open day:
Saturday 21 October:
Woodford Academy Poetry Slam
In keeping with Woodford Academy’s long history of poetic endeavours and in partnership with RoseyRavelston Books and poet Andrew Geoffrey Kwabena Moss, Woodford Academy presents their very first Poetry Slam. Aspiring and experienced Poets are invited to perform the best of their work and let the audience choose the champion. The programme will also include readings from the published works of Academy founder John McManamey and feature a display of heritage poetry books from the extentive Woodford Academy collection.
Saturday 18 November:
Men and Boys of the Woodford Academy
Celebrate the lives of the boys of the Academy, many who went on to the become men at the front lines of the First World War, hosted in conjunction with Movember fundraisers and in collaboration with The Stray Whisker, the beard-care, grooming and shave supply store of Leura. See images and hear stories of the pupils who lived and studied at The Academy in the early decade of the 20th century and their continued association with their revered teacher John McManamey and his family.
Saturday 16 December:
Christmas at the Academy
Deck the heritage halls with boughs of holly – Woodford Academy is holding a special event to end the year. Come and enjoy the festive cheer as you experience a Victorian-era themed Christmas. Take a house tour and be sure to snap a unique Christmas photo of yourself and your loved ones in the oldest building in the Blue Mountains.
Tickets
Open 10am – 4pm on the third Saturday of each month.
Book via Eventbrite, where possible, to guarantee a spot.
All proceeds go toward conserving this historic house in the Blue Mountains.
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