Step back in time. The Wollondilly Heritage Centre welcomes you. This isn’t just a museum. It’s a living tapestry woven from the stories of pioneers. Their lives shaped this very region.
Built by dedicated volunteers from The Oaks Historical Society in 1988 the centre stands as a testament to their passion. Funding came from the NSW Bicentennial Committee. The land itself a generous gift from Wollondilly Shire Council.
Within these walls you’ll discover more than artifacts. You’ll meet the timber-getters. You’ll walk among the orchards and mines. You’ll feel the spirit of the pastoralists who shaped this land. The stories of the Burragorang Valley before the Warragamba Dam flooded it. Stories preserved in photographs and extensive digital records. The center showcases the impact of those dams. Nepean Avon Cataract Cordeaux and Warragamba changed this landscape forever.
Imagine stepping into a non-electric timber and iron cottage. Picture a one-teacher schoolhouse. Hear the echoes of a 1930s coal mine. Smell the scent of apples in a vintage packing shed. The children’s “Hands-on-History” program brings these experiences to life. Kids learn by doing. They wash eggs grade apples cook on a fuel stove. They even learn Aboriginal art. Painting their own boomerangs.
For larger groups there’s more. Enjoy a personalised tour. Savor home-cooked Devonshire tea on the sheltered veranda. DVD presentations provide a richer understanding of the local heritage.
The Heritage Centre offers something for everyone. A research office helps family historians. The local history library offers countless books. The museum shop is filled with local crafts. And don’t forget the BBQ facilities perfect for a post-tour gathering.
More than just a visit this is an experience. A journey through time. A chance to connect with the people and the spirit of the Wollondilly Shire. Come discover your own piece of local history. The Wollondilly Heritage Centre awaits.