Gunnedah's Kurrumbede homestead open day to welcome general public for the first time

The grounds of the former home of poet Dorothea Mackellar have never before been opened to the general public, but this will change on June 12.

From 10am-3pm the area will be teleported back to the Edwardian era, with a variety of entertainment to enjoy.

The free event, jointly run by the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society and Whitehaven Coal, will feature stilt-walkers dressed in period costumes, pony and sulky rides, and music.

Society president Philippa Murray said attendees would be able to walk around the grounds, but probably won't be able to enter the old buildings.

"We're hoping they may be able to go into the stables and the shearing shed," she said.

Read also:

She said Kurrumbede was "a wonderful example of an early-twentieth century working station".

"I just don't think people get to see that slice of life anymore," Ms Murray said.

"[The open day] is part of a renewed interest in the work and life of Drorothea Mackellar given that we now have the mural on the side of the mill which has attracted a lot of interest and now we'll have Kurrumbede open.

"I assume people will come from much further afield to have a look as well."

Ms Murray said the decision to open the grounds for viewing was part of the conditions for Whitehaven Coal's Vickery mine extension.

There will be free shuttle buses available on the day from the Mackellar centre across from the Gunnedah pool.

Those interested in catching a bus must register via the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards website.

The 6880-acre property borders the Namoi River, about 25km out of Gunnedah on the Blue Vale Road.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: