Visit historic 1840s Dundullimal Homestead, originally a 10,000 hectare working property. Tour the Homestead, forge, stables and surrounding park; a beautifully restored and unique connection to our rural past.
The History of Dundullimal Homestead
Believed to be the oldest surviving sophisticated slab house in Australia, Dundullimal and its sandstone stables, timber church, and shed are a living illustration of rural life on an isolated property. The homestead and grounds are perfect for an extended visit for tourists, families and groups.
Its story is one of amazing endeavour and vision, evidenced in the creation of a finely-crafted vintage home. The homestead has survived in near original condition from a time when the land was beyond the limits of settlement in the Wellington valley.
It wasn’t your normal historical home, Set in acres of well-tended lawn.
It wasn’t constructed of convict made bricks, Or the place where the nation was born.
Dundullimal homestead was none of these things. Palatial, imposing or grand,
But the way it was built, and the way it survives, Embodies the soul of our land.
Blue the Shearer (aka Col Wilson)
Built in the early 1840s as the head station of a 6,500 hectare (26,000 acres) squatting run, the homestead is Dubbo’s oldest building that is open to the public. Its interior is remarkably sophisticated for its genre, with louvres and multiple-pane glazed openings onto the verandah. The imposing sitting room is noted for its ‘tent’ shaped plaster ceiling and wallpaper, reproduced from an 1850 patent. The master bedroom is complete with an iron bed and a campaign chest.
What you will see when you visit
The house is an interesting contrast to the traditional sandstone stables complex. The ‘working’ areas include the blacksmith’s forge, coach room, sunken cool room, stores and stables. This building reflects the practical yet essential elements of rural life on a large, isolated property during the nineteenth century.
The 1870’s timber church replaces a church originally on the site and was consecrated in 1872 in the nearby township of Timbrebongie and moved around the district to end up at Dundullimal in 2013.
Enjoy a bite to eat at Dundullimal’s Shed Café. Located in the old machinery shed featuring delicious treats, including scones and homemade cookies. Relax in the spacious grounds for picnics and gift shop with more home produce.
Dundullimal is Dubbo’s oldest building open to the public, offering both informative group tours and curriculum based educational tours, and its location is perfect for weddings and functions.
How to book your tickets
Purchase your tickets upon arrival at this National Trust property.
To purchase a ticket you must agree to our Terms and Conditions of Entry. We thank you for helping to keep properties open and the community safe.
General Entry tickets closed 15 April for special event. Click here for details.
