Nagambie Heritage Trail
Nagambie can trace its history back to explorer Thomas Mitchell who crossed the Goulburn to the South West at what became Mitchellstown. Overlanders followed in his footsteps and used the same river crossing, as did the postman on the mail route from Melbourne to Sydney, established in 1838. A hotel, church and blacksmith were set up to cater to the through traffic of teamsters journeying along the river system to Adelaide. The discovery of gold at Spring Creek (Graytown) and Whroo brought thousands of miners into the area, the Balaclava mine alone producing some 20,000 ounces of gold.
A township was surveyed in 1868 and land sales proceeded in 1870 before it was proclaimed as the private town of 'Nagambie' in 1872, said to be derived from a local (Orillim) Aboriginal word meaning 'Still Waters' or 'Slow Lagoon'.
Named from water, water has always been an integral element of Nagambie then and now.
The nearby Goulburn Weir, completed in 1891, was the first major diversion structure built in Australia and remains a remarkable feat of engineering that uses the Goulburn River to irrigate half a million hectares of farmland. Not far away are the beautiful old, timber Kirwan's Bridge and the 'strutted stringer' style drawbridge, Chinaman's Bridge. Today the Goulburn Valley is a major food and wine producing region, with a strong thoroughbred breeding industry.
MEDIAN STRIP
The War Memorial is in memory of those who served in World War I, the addition of the clock and rose garden was erected to honour those who fought in World War II, ANZAC Day services are held annually at the memorial.
Major Mitchell's Memorial Cairn in the middle of the strip tells of his important discovery of the area in 1836. The memorial was unveiled by Sir James Barrett on September 1928.
The first water tower, which housed the town water supply, was relocated to the Scour Caravan Park (now the Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park). The current Concrete Water Tower was constructed by the Reinforcement Concrete Company at a cost of 2332 pounds/10/- in 1928 and designed by John Monash.
WALK
1. ROYAL MAIL HOTEL (1871) Cr William Sheehan built the Hotel and attached buildings. He operated a hotel, general store as well as being the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages and the electoral roll. The Cobb & Co and other overnight coaches used the Hotel as a stopping place for mail and passengers. The original building was burnt down and rebuilt in 1891.
2. ROYAL MAIL STORES (1871) Part of the Royal Mail Buildings. George Vale was the storekeeper of this establishment, then James Fosdick in 1893. Today it forms part of the entrance to the dining room of the Royal Mail Hotel.
3. NAGAMBIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY (1871) Built by William Sheehan, this site was formerly the first post office, court house, Shire of Goulburn offices, stables and electricity plant. The Shire of Goulburn brought the property in 1889 for 600 pounds. The Nagambie Historical Society purchased the site in 1968 and has been preserving the site and the history of Nagambie for future generations.
4. FOSDICK'S GENERAL STORE (1932) 340 High Street. Frank Fosdick transferred his business from the Royal Mail Stores 1932. It was operated as a general store until 1984. It is now Goulburn Terrace Cellar Door.
5. ROYAL STORES (1890) 336-338 High Street. The original corner shop was the house of W. S. Baud, and was demolished when sold. Mrs Guppy purchased the land and built a new shop to match the two existing shops. Today the Royal Stores are Curios and Antique shops.
6. COWAN & CO (1873) 328- 330 High Street. The original building was amongst the first buildings in Nagambie. It was known as the Goulburn Valley Cash Store and built by Richard Rannard. In 1966 Lindsay and Bruce Forbes purchased the business and demolished the building to build the Nagambie Motor Garage.
7. FLOUR MILL (1875) Stewart Kennedy built this and the Tabilk Hotel (opposite corner). This was one of two flour mills in town at that time.
8. TABILK HOTEL (1870) 322 High Street. Originally a single storey, with the top storey added in 1911. In 1873 a group of shops were attached to the hotel, later known as Taylor's Shops. Above the window of one of the shops you can still see part of the Taylor name.
9. NAGAMBIE NEWSAGENCY (1887) 310 High Street. This shop has operated as a newsagency since its opening in 1887. Many alterations have been undertaken to the rear of the shop and the residence, but the facade remains the same as it was originally built.
10. POST OFFICE (1887) 302 High Street. This building commenced operating as a Post Office in 1887, and continues to this day. William Sheehan was the first Post Master. The cost of construction of the building was 719 pounds/15/-. Over the years it was the Telegraph and Telephone Exchange. The special features of the building include the arched windows.
11. COLONIAL BANK (1873) 300 High Street. Designed by architect John Flanagan, this building operated as the Colonial Bank until the National Bank took over in 1930. The building is constructed of granite quarried at Avenel, slate and hand-made bricks. Over the years it has been used a RSL clubrooms, private businesses and is now an Antique shop and Real Estate.
12. MECHANICS INSTITUTE (1873) Over 11,300 Handmade bricks were made in Filson Street to construct this building. The building was renovated in 1891 including a Public Library. In 1930 a further addition was made which included a dance floor, changing rooms and outside toilet. Recent improvements include inside toilets a new side entrance and new gates to the side entrance of the building.
13. KALASIN THAI RESTAURANT (1900's) 284 High Street. Early shop front was constructed from hand-made bricks and operated as Noah's Tailor's Shop. In 1936 A.N. Hopkins occupied the building which was a residence for many years, a TAB and then Scullers' Restaurant.
14. ST. JOHNS CHURCH OF ENGLAND (1883) Opened for worship on 8th April 1883 and consecrated in 1887. The church is a red brick building measuring 64 feet by 27 feet. A small Gothic style of the late Victorian period, with the use of bold render to create a banded effect.
15. "SUNNYSIDE" (1915) 206-210 High Street. This Victorian style house was built by William Murdoch, and named it after his farm "Sunnyside". In 1948 Phil Penrose was the occupant with his wife Rene (nee Murdoch) then Rene Penrose in 1958.
16. "PINE LODGE" (1872) 202 High Street. The former Goulburn Valley School, and the Site of the second Nagambie State School. Although partly altered, the original design and early signage survive on the facade. Today "Pine Lodge" is a private residence. The Baldwin family lived here for over 60 years.
17. NAGAMBIE CEMETERY 4 Cemetery Lane. This site was chosen as it was considered a `dignified final resting place' at the end of town. The impressive gates and ornate headstones were designed and constructed by master stonemason Mr. Talichino. In the centre of the site is a fine example of Federation Period pavilion with features original Gothic influenced metal panels. The first school in the Nagambie area, Goulburn Valley School was conducted in a farm shed on this site during 1870-71.
18. WINE TAVERN (1870) 139 High Streets. This wine tavern was owned and operated by the Goulburn Valley Vineyard Co. The Vineyard boasted 15 acres of vines, two cellars and 2 cottages. Purchased by Ernest Brensing - a pioneer vigneron in the region.
19. "ROSEMONT" 215-219 High Street. Constructed by John Ralton in 1907, then purchased by Tom Vickers 1921- 1950, then A.H. and R.V. Perry in 1954.
20. "ROSCREA" 227 High Street. Constructed by John Ralton in 1907 and purchased by D. McLeod in 1920 .A.H Perry in 1966 and purchased by Helen and Dan Kennedy in 1983 as a B & B.
21. PARRIS & SONS (1932) 253 High Street. This business has been operated by members of the same family since 1930 at Fred Parris's property "Westercraig" In 1948 they moved from Goulburn Weir to 252 High Street.
22. SITE OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK (1873) This was the site of the Commercial Bank with Mr E.L. Robinson laying the foundation stone in June 1873.
23. METHODIST CHURCH (1885) This beautiful iconic church was destroyed when a truck lost control and smashed through the centre of the building. The photo of the incident made world headlines. Unfortunately, the church was structurally damaged and could not be saved. A memorial to the church now stands on the site.
24. POLICE CAMP (1871) 295 High Street. This historic red brick and rendered building was the place of the First Police Camp in Nagambie. The erection of this building established the police force as a permanent presence in Nagambie. This building has been recently restored and is now part of the Nagambie Brewery complex.
25. GOULBURN VALLEY HOTEL (1873) 301 High Street. Jas Swift was the owner of the hotel in 1873 and Anne Butler was the licensee. In 1893 Oliver Dolphin was the licences for numerous years, followed by Mrs Pianelli. D. & W. Darbyshire were the proprietors in 1955 and changed the front appearance of the hotel as it appears today.
26. ST MALACHAY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH & PRESBYTERY (1872) Built in 1872, designed by T. A. Kelly. The building is composed of brick, roofed with granite and Geelong freestone quoins in Gothic style of architecture and adornments. Father Kearns was the first priest from 1875-1885. ST. MALACHY'S PRESBYTERY (1881) St. Malachy's Presbytery is a cement rendered two storied building with a 1920's verandah addition. The building was in a state of disrepair and has just undergone a much needed restoration.
27. NAGAMBIE STATE SCHOOL (1885) 31- 33 Goulburn Street. School No. 1104 first built in 1871. This School is the third Nagambie State School, built in 1885. It is a red brick building and the original section although altered is distinguished by be-chrome banding in black and cream brick timber brackets to the verandah and detailing to the gable ends.
28. "GOULBURN HOUSE" (1878) 20-24 Goulburn Street. The original property of E.W. Hill was 16 acres, with the villa originally named "Narina". Goulburn House is a largely intact late Victorian villa. It is set back from the road at the end of a circular drive. The house face is brick and painted white. It has a hipped, slate clad roof, with several chimneys. A wrap-around verandah with roof clad in corrugated sheet metal. The entrance to the property features two lion statues.
29. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (1900) 10 Glass Street. The new Presbyterian Church was opened on October 1900. The builder was Mr. Wm. Sinclair and the architect Mr B. McIver. The Sunday School Hall was erected at the same time. The church is of Gothic Polychrome style, basalt pith, red brick with rendered banding arches and slate roof, pointed arches and belfry with corner finials and sprocketed roof.
30. FREEMASON'S LODGE (1925) 6 Glass Street. Nagambie Freemason's Lodge No 167. The Lodge started in 1891 and whilst waiting for their building met in the Church of England Hall. A Red brick building, with rendered pediment, banding and lintels to the high windows, 1950's extension.
31. "CARINGA" (1908) 4 Prentice Street. This is the site of Nagambie's first private hospital. Sister Emma Baud registered the hospital in 1914. Emma Baud and Kate Baud (Domestic) ran the hospital, The building is now a private residence.
32. "SEBROF" (1905) 28 Prentice Street. Built by Mint Haines in 1905 for James Forbes in, who owned the Harvester Works next door (originally the street was Station Street). The house today remains close to original Edwardian style with an extension at the rear. SEBROF is for Forbes spelt backwards.
33. No. 33 VALE STREET This Victorian style house with a facade of ashlar boards and decorative frieze with brackets and window hood; the verandah has turned timber posts and fretwork. Built in 1913 for Mr Lester, then was owned by Charles Miller in 1937. The house is owned and restored by Alan Treble.
Location
350 High Street, Nagambie 3608 Map
