Wauchope
Library and war memorial clock, Wauchope, NSW.
Is a town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is within the boundaries of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. Wauchope is inland on the Hastings River and the Oxley Highway 19 km (12 miles) west of Port Macquarie. The town is 406 km north of the state capital Sydney. Wauchope is the location of Timbertown, a popular heritage theme park based around the logging industry that formed the basis for Wauchope’s early economy and prosperity. The town has a population of approximately 7,500 (as of 2006 – including King Creek & Redbank). It has also played an important role in the Hastings Valley dairy industry.
History
By 1828 a number of land grants had been made along the Hastings River. It was not until 1836 that the village of Wauchope first came into existence. In that year Captain Robert Andrew Wauch (whose father dropped the ‘ope’ from the end of his name as a result of a family dispute) paid a deposit on 760 acres (3.1 km2) on King Creek. He bought more property and built Wauch House. Robert Wauch died in the Macleay area in 1866, and the Government Gazette published the deeds of his properties, specifying that they should be called Wauchope. When the post office opened in a nearby settlement in 1881, it was named Wauchope, although the Government Gazette misprinted the name Wanghope, an error that was not corrected until 1889.
Industry and economy
Presbyterian Church, Wauchope
Wauchope’s economy has always been primarily based on the timber industry. At different stages, the railway station shipped more timber than any other town in Australia. This is giving way to farming and other more modern industries such as tourism. Tourism is an important part of the local economy. The Wauchope railway station services as an interchange for passengers travelling to nearby coastal centres such as Port Macquarie. Timbertown, the best-known attraction, is a colonial-era themed village attraction, which is located on the outskirts of Wauchope. It features static displays and attractions such as a working steam train, bullock team, and a Cobb and Co stage coach. Previously, the Big Bull was an important attraction between Wauchope and Port Macquarie, but it has now been removed. Other important attractions include the historical society, historic buildings, Broken Bago vineyards and natural attractions including state forests and Bago Bluff National Park.
Layout
The township is set out along the southern bank of the Hastings River with the back drop of Bago Mountain further south. The main street is High Street (a small section of the Oxley Highway), running generally westward through the town after coming east from Port Macquarie and across the North Coast railway line. The main street includes the Co-op general store (previously Parkers) and a number of smaller businesses and local bank branches. At the corner of Hastings Street is the local post office. Further up the main street is the town clock, a legacy of the days the town was the centre of the Hastings Shire local government area. Back along Hastings Street is the Co-op supermarket as well as the court house. In 2009 work commenced on the rebuilding of this supermarket. The old building was completely demolished and a much larger and more modern structure is expected to be completed in June 2010.
The main cross street is Cameron Street. The Hastings Hotel is on the south-east corner of Cameron and High and the Star Hotel is a short distance north. The RSL club is another 100 metres north. Cameron Street leads to the Hastings River. A wharf was built at the northern end of Cameron Street for shipping produce downstream to Port Macquarie, but this no longer exists. To the south of the main shopping area is the Wauchope Golf Course and Country Club, which occupies a premium site within the middle of the town. Further west is Timbertown, on the edge of large tracts of forestry land leading into the Bago Mountain area. To the east of the main shopping area is the railway line from Sydney. The Hastings dairy and milk factory is located close to the point where the railway line crosses the Hastings River.
Railway station
The Hastings River at the northern end of Wauchope with the North Coast Railway bridge.
Wauchope has its own railway station on the North Coast Line of New South Wales. It is serviced by 6 Countrylink trains per day 3 heading South (to Sydney), 3 heading further north to Grafton, Casino and Brisbane. Passengers can alight at this station for connecting coaches to the nearby Port Macquarie.
Bago Vineyards
Experience the uniqueness and rustic settings as you taste the traditional sparkling and varietal wines, local cheeses or simply take in the beautiful scenery. Arguably Greater Port Macquarie’s best kept secret, Bago Vineyards is open daily and invites visitors to take advantage of their picnic/barbecue facilities. Considered locally as ‘the home of Jazz’, Bago’s Jazz in the Vineyards is held on the second Sunday of month. Bago Vineyards also provides the perfect surrounds for a wedding or special function, with a dedicated Events Organiser on hand to make your special occasion seamless and memorable.
Timbertown Heritage Theme Park
Step back in time with a visit to Timbertown Wauchope, where you can ride the steam train, experience the bullocky display, observe the timber craftsmen at work and smell the coals of the blacksmith. Set amongst 87 acres of natural forest, Timbertown is an entire village, re-created to demonstrate the struggles and achievements of Australia’s pioneers. It is an authentic heritage township, where the steam train still runs, timber is still sawn and the bullock team still hauls its heavy load. You’ll smell the distinctive aroma from the steam engines, the smell of sawn timber and the lure of freshly baked bread and hot roast beef. Timbertown is considered by many to be one of Australia’s finest heritage parks. Since opening in 1976, approximately 2,000,000 people have visited Timbertown from all parts of Australia and from around the world.
Timbertown Heritage Theme Park
Why not come along and see for yourself – what makes Timbertown so special. Dine at the Maul and Wedge Licensed Restaurant and Function Centre where old fashioned service still counts, or Lassiandra Tea-rooms where you can dine in a relaxed air conditioned old world atmosphere. Drop in to Wallaces Store, which sells a range of ice creams, handmade sweets and souvenirs, and visit Vickers Fudge Factory. Erwin Cellars at the Timbertown Winery offer wine tastings and sales of varietal and fortified wine, only available at Timbertown. Try their special white port which has been awarded a bronze medal. Depending on your particular interests, Timbertown has many interesting things to see! At the Timbertown Heritage Steam Railway you can ride on one of the genuine steam trains. Go on a wagon or coach ride behind the majestic draught horses at the Livery Stables. Watch the blacksmiths at work creating art in steel, functional gifts and industrial work. Watch a Bullock Show which is on twice a day, or the cross cut sawing demonstration.
There are a range of historical displays, supplied by Friends of Timbertown. At Timbertown Colonial Furniture and Antiques there is a range of handmade furniture, timber sales and other treasures. The Timbertown Heritage Art Gallery features the work of many local artists while Diamonz Quality Jewellers offers jewellery, giftware, watches and clocks. The Steam Sawmill is the only steam sawmill left in Australia. Miniature railway rides run on the first and third Sundays of each month, and the paddle boats are fun for all ages. At the Earthcare Nursery you can view a large selection of rare and unusual plants, trees and shrubs. Other displays, demonstrations and activities include steam engines, a heritage playground, whip cracking, farmyard patting pen, and pony and donkey rides. For lovers of woodwork, visit the Hastings Woodworkers Guild where timber art is produced by master craftsmen, and the Timbertown Wood Turner turning wood into works of art. Costs apply to some individual activities within the Park.
Public Holiday: 9.30am – 3.30pm (4.30pm in NSW School Holidays) Closed Christmas Day. 9.30am – 3.30pm Daily (4.30pm in NSW School Holidays) Opening time is 9:30am. Closing time is 15:30pm. Timbertown is a great family day out with lots of attractions and activities for the children to be entertained. In the school holidays we run special activity programs, visit www.timbertown.com.au to find out more details
Timbertown is a great place to come and experience a tranquil setting. The Steam Train, most of the historical displays, the bullock demonstration and the Maul and Wedge restaurant are accessible for wheelchairs, we also have ammenities. The journey into the park is a 500m downhill pathway, which is to be kept in mind for your journey out of the park.
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