Picture this a weathered stone a silent sentinel in Pitt Park. This unassuming marker hints at a vibrant past. This is the site of the Weatherboard Inn a place that once bustled with life. It was more than just an inn. It played a pivotal role in the early settlement of Wentworth Falls.
The Weatherboard Inn wasn’t always a grand establishment. It began humbly as a weatherboard hut. William Cox built this small structure in 1814. It served as a depot for his road building crew. This was during his groundbreaking work to cross the Blue Mountains. This humble hut offered respite for travelers and soldiers. It was near an excellent water source. This initial hut was only 17 feet by 12 feet. It proved to be the first colonial building in what would become Wentworth Falls.
Over time this humble hut evolved. It became a crucial staging post for westward journeys. Governor Macquarie himself used it during his trip to Bathurst in 1815. The hut’s original name was shortened to Weatherboard. It even appeared in official documents. Unfortunately this first building burned down around 1823.
However the legacy of the Weatherboard continued. In 1826 John Mills obtained permission to build a proper inn on the site. He received a land grant and a three-year liquor license. Mills built a substantial inn. It boasted two sitting rooms six bedrooms a stable and other outbuildings. This marked a significant step forward in Wentworth Falls’ development.
The Weatherboard Inn’s story includes famous visitors. Charles Darwin stayed here in 1836 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. He enjoyed lunch and even took walks in the area. This site is now known as the Charles Darwin Walk.
The Inn changed hands several times. It was even renamed The Bathurst Traveller. Its success was evident in an 1839 advertisement. It highlighted its size and amenities like stabling for 17 horses. The inn served as a stage for early coach lines including Cobb & Co.
Eventually the railway’s arrival led to the inn’s decline. Its later history is less clear. It is uncertain when the building was demolished. In the late 19th century a fire may have destroyed part of it.
Today all that remains of this important historical landmark are archaeological remnants. These are carefully preserved in Pitt Park. The site reminds us of the struggles and triumphs of early colonial life. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Wentworth Falls. The Weatherboard Inn may be gone but its memory lives on.