Wollombi
The beautiful historic  village of Wollombi is located 30km south west of Cessnock, within the magnificent Hunter Valley wine country approximately 90 minutes drive north of Sydney.  Once a thriving rural township at the centre of colonial  development, this early 19th century village is awash with history, and resonates with a rich heritage ranging from Aboriginal legend to tales of convicts and bushrangers in  early settlement.
The township name of Wollombi is derived from the Aboriginal meaning 'meeting place' or 'meeting of the waters'. Prior to European settlement Wollombi held great significance for local Aboriginal tribes who used the area as a ceremonial meeting  place. Today rock carvings and cave paintings found in the area stand as a  visual reminder of the spiritual ties Aboriginals held with the region.
With the arrival of European settlement, Wollombi became a focus for early pioneers.  From around 1823 settlement in the area was centred around the Wollombi Brook, and a small township grew around the main road junction which leads travellers on their journey to and from Sydney, and to settlements in the north.

The Great North Road was a part of Surveyor-General Major Thomas Mitchell's plan to create an inland route to service all the newly opened regions in New South Wales.   The surveyed route took in Castle Hill, Wisemans Ferry, St Albans, Laguna and Wollombi.  At  the Wollombi settlement the road forked, with one arm leading to Singleton and Muswellbrook, the other to Cessnock and Maitland.  Construction of the Great North Road  began in 1826 and was carried out by nine convict chain gangs; at times up to 700 convicts worked on the project, until the road was completed in 1831.  The completion of the Great  North Road lead to the growth of settlement in the Wollombi district,and increased cartage of goods between Maitland and Wollombi.
On the 12th June 1831 the steamship 'Sophie Jane' sailed from Sydney to Morpeth in eleven and a  half hours; the era of the steamship had arrived, and the commercial significance of the Great North Road was immediately diminished.  Morpeth had become Australia's second largest sea port, and travelling to Sydney from the  upper Hunter had become - for those with means, an overnight passage on steamship. For others, the building of the Great Northern Road had made the 5 day walk to Sydney a little easier. By 1858  the population of the Wollombi district was 1519, but as Cessnock and other towns in the region grew and rust ruined the 1870 wheat harvest, local industry in Wollombi collapsed, and the town of Wollombi soon held little importance  for the area.

Today the scenic village set within a picturesque valley draws a great deal of interest from visitors keen to explore its historic sites. Within the town's main street, century old sandstone buildings and old  cottages represent another time, and visitors are charmed by an assortment of antique centres and galleries. As well as a collection of beautiful colonial buildings, Wollombi offers visitors the opportunity to explore the  past in many historical attractions, including a convict drinking fountain, a gaol,and convict cells complete with shackles at the restored Mulla Villa Guesthouse.
The village hosts monthly markets on the last Sunday of every  month, and for those planning  to enjoy the sites of this beautiful 19th century village there are a number of magnificent guest houses to stay in, and a range of activities and attractions to enjoy. 

Historical Attractions
Wollombi represents a  fascinating part of Australian  heritage.  The township is held in high regard by the National Trust and contains a number of  interesting heritage buildings, including original stone buildings such as the Wollombi School, Post Office, two magnificent churches and a cemetery.
For a greater insight into the history of the town, visitors can tour the  Endeavour Museum located within Wollombi's old Court House. Dating back to 1886, the Court House, built from local sandstone, provides a stunning example of 19th century craftsmanship.  Fittings including the judge's bench and all doors and railings are made from local red cedar, and the rear of the building has two prison cells also built  from cut stone.  Following restoration, the building was opened as the Endeavour Museum in 1970, and today houses a captivating range of memorabilia from the days of the old settlement. The Wyndham collection is one of the Museum's largest exhibits.  The collection features books, clothing, china, postcards, photographs and furniture donated by  the Wyndham family - descended from Charles Wyndham, one of the region's early wine making pioneers. Museum is open Sundays and Public Holidays 10am -5pm, and at other times by arrangement.
The Wollombi General Store is one of many original 19th century buildings within this delightful  historic village. Once Wollombi's sole store and post office, the General Store is today one of the village's main drawcards.  The Store features a range of goods including old style Boiled Lollies, local honey and locally  grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and is  perfect for wandering through to absorb the atmosphere of days past.  As well as offering delicious home made jams and pickles and other gourmet treats, the Store holds a range  of local arts and crafts.