Dundullimal Homestead
Dundullimal Homestead is a colonial slab hut type homestead located about 7 km south of Dubbo, New South Wales, on Obley Road and the Macquarie River. It is located two kilometres further than Western Plains Zoo on Obley Road. Driving time is approximately 8 minutes from Dubbo Post Office (Talbragar Street), but the property can also be accessed via the Tracker Riley cycle way.
The Dundullimal run was established in the late 1830s by brothers Charles Campbell and Dalmahoy Campbell. Built around 1840 as the head station of this 6,500 hectare squatting run, the building is believed to be the oldest surviving slab hut house in Australia. The homestead is also Dubbo's oldest building open to the public. Its interior is relatively sophisticated for its type, with an imposing sitting room and is noted for its tent-shaped plaster ceiling, and wallpaper reproduced from an 1850 pattern. The house is furnished with original period furniture.
The working areas include sandstone stables, the blacksmith's forge, coach room, sunken cool room and stores. This complex of buildings reflects the practical elements of rural life on a large, isolated property during the nineteenth century. In August 2013 the Timbrebongie Church was moved to a new permanent home in the grounds of Dundullimal. Built by Sister Mary McKillop's paternal uncle, the church is a tourist attraction in its own right.
The building is administered by the National Trust and has become a major and significant tourist attraction in the Dubbo area, attracting large numbers of visitors from all around the country. The property is open Tuesday - Saturday 11am-3pm but special arrangements can be made to visit at other times (e.g. for school visits or bus groups). Dundullimal Homestead and grounds are also booked extensively as a venue for weddings, art exhibitions, concerts and parties.
External links
- Dundullimal Homestead - National Trust
- Australian Heritage Database - article
- Details on the Timbrebongie Church
Coordinates: 32°17′05″S 148°36′16″E / 32.28472°S 148.604465°E