Wollombi

History and heritage

Be charmed by Wollombi’s well-preserved streets lined with cafes, shops and a country pub, as well as many fine 19th-century buildings. Visit the Wollombi Endeavour Museum, set inside the former courthouse from 1866, then pick up a map to follow the easy one-kilometre heritage walk around town. Admire the Gothic sandstone St John’s Church and St Michael’s Church, which was built in 1840 then dismantled stone-by-stone following a flood and rebuilt at its present site in 1893.  

Learn about the area’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage on a tour with Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences. Dharug woman Leanne King will immerse you in traditional cultural practices and share stories of local lore on half- and full-day tours and multi-day camps. 

The Old Wollombi Dance Hall, Wollombi

Food and drink

Undercliff Winery is on the banks of Yengo Creek and planted their first iconic Hunter Valley varieties in 1990. The cellar door showcases their small-batch wines alongside work from local artists. On the banks of Wollombi Brook, the family-operated Wollombi Wines hand-picks semillon and shiraz grapes from low-yield vines first planted in 1994. There’s no cellar door, but you can stay on-site at the charming vineyard cottage. 

At Wollombi Markets, you can browse and taste local produce, including wine, cheese, jams, bread and smallgoods. The market is held on the Monday of each long weekend (Easter, June and October) and on Australia Day. In addition to fresh produce and artisan goods, there are stalls selling locally made handicrafts and other gifts. Refuel at the Wollombi Tavern, which dates back to 1868 and was originally known as the Wollombi Wine Saloon. 

Wollombi Tavern, Wollombi - Credit: Wollombi Tavern

Things to do

For outdoor adventure, the spectacular Yengo National Park is around 40 minutes from Wollombi. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, it’s great for bushwalking, mountain biking or 4WD touring. One of the best walking trails is the Finchley Cultural Walk to significant Aboriginal rock engravings. Time your visit with the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Biennale, a free outdoor sculpture festival held every two years. Exhibitions pop up in vineyards across the area. 

Wollombi Valley Sculpture Biennale, Wollombi - Credit: John Harrison | Sculpture in the Vineyards

Getting there and where to stay

Wollombi is just under two hours’ drive north of Sydney. You can also fly into Newcastle Airport and hire a car for the 80-minute drive. Take the scenic route and explore the region on one of many tourist drives. For country views and convict history, opt for Tourist Drive 33 and see stunning countryside as you drive through the convict stone walls, bridges and culverts still in use today.

There are plenty of accommodation options, from vineyard cottages and farmstays to tranquil retreats, luxury resorts and beautifully restored Georgian colonial building in the heart of the village.