Kurrumbede Homestead Open Day: Former family home of great Australian poet Dorothea Mackellar opens to public for first time

The Kurrumbede Homestead, which sits atop a small rise over-looking the Namoi River 25 kilometres out of Gunnedah, opened to the public for the first time.

The 6880-acre property was built by the family of Dorothea, whose poem My Country is one of Australia's best known literary works.

Dorothea was a frequent visitor to the property, which was run by her brothers Malcolm and Eric for more than 30 years.

The historic homestead is currently owned by Whitehaven Coal, who undertook a range of works on the site in the lead up to Saturday's open day.

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Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society president Pip Murray thanked all of the community organisations involved in the successful day.

"It's astounding how many people have visited today and said they have some sort of connection to the Mackellar family," she said.

"We are just loving this oral history, so anybody who has something to share please do come and tell us."

The day was Edwardian themed to match the 1908 homestead and visitors embraced the period with vibrant and creative outfits.

The society's Owen Hasler said he was delighted that despite the light rain, people had still come out to embrace the special day.

"Thursday when we were out here doing some preparation and checking it out we thought the day may not have been very successful," he said.

"But fortunately the weather fined up yesterday and we were able to get things in the state which you find it today."

Whitehaven and the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society joined forces with a range of community, volunteer and business groups to organise the day.

The event was a showcase of local food, music and a selection of historic activities and entertainment including sheep shearing, sulky rides, early Twentieth Century kids' games and prizes for the best Edwardian costume.

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