About Wollombi Historic Village, Hunter Valley
Approximately 140 kilometres north of Sydney and 30 kilometres south west of Cessnock in New South Wales, Wollombi is an historic rural village with quaint sandstone buildings, a small general store, a couple of churches, cafes, gift shops and a pub.
Settled by white men and women in the 1800s, the area is rich with Aboriginal artefacts and relics from the convict era. Surrounded by native bushland and backing onto the Corrobare State Forest, Wollombi has a huge diversity of native birds and animals.
The High Street
Village life centres around the main street – a blink-and-you’ll miss it kind of a high street. The Wollombi community centre features regular art exhibitions by local artists and a number of lovely wineries are within a cooee of the Village.
For a restorative beverage and a meal, the local pub – home of “Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice” – is a popular rest stop for weekend motorbikers. A number of good quality cafes and restaurants can also be found in Wollombi. Very little stays open late in town though, so if you plan to dine out for your evening meal it’s essential to book.
Restored Church
Catholic Mass at the beautifully restored St Michael’s Church takes place every second Sunday at 10am. Even if you are not religious, the tiny church is gorgeous – and well worth a look. The stained glass windows and interior frescos are wonderful. The church is also availble for hire for weddings.
Cash Machine, Petrol and Supplies
There is no ATM, supermarket or petrol station in Wollombi. Basic supplies can be purchased at the general store; petrol is available in Laguna or Millfield and there are banks and ATMs in Cessnock.
Limited Mobile Phone Coverage
A public phone booth is located in Wollombi Village across the road from the general store. Mobile coverage outside of the Village itself is extremely limited. It would be wise to make any essential calls while you’re in the Village or before you leave home.
Wollombi Markets
On the public holiday long weekends, a paddock just outside the Wollombi town centre becomes a bustling market, with stallholders travelling from across the state to show their wares. These range from chunky country furniture, to handmade soaps and olive oils, antique glassware and farm equipment, pickles, chutneys and lovingly hand-knitted baby clothes, to modern toys, gadgets, clothes and nick-knacks.
Afternoon tea is also offered at the market and a gold coin donation is requested upon entry to the market. The proceeds from both go to the nominated local organisation for that event and they each take it in turns to receive the benefits. For example, the local volunteer bush fire brigade, primary school or other appropriate community group.
It’s a great day out and up the back where the Devonshire Teas are served is a good gathering point and meeting place if you are trying to catch up with friends.
