Willandra Homestead
Willandra National Park
Overview
Visit Willandra Homestead, the lovingly restored pastoral station of Big Willandra. Step back in time, enjoy a barbecue and watch waterbirds on Willandra Creek.
- Type
- Historic buildings/places
- Where
- 91 Willandra Entrance Road, Hillston, NSW, 2675 - in Willandra National Park in Murray-Riverina
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
Willandra Homestead is a fine old rural homestead and a fantastic place to visit if you’re thinking of a historic site for a picnic or barbecue. Step into the past of a remote pastoral station which has been lovingly restored; wander through the sitting rooms and office, viewing the wonderful photographs and reading the accounts of life on the station.
On the beautifully-maintained grounds, with expansive gardens and a rose courtyard, you’ll also find the schoolhouse, meat house and laundry, giving you an idea of just how self-sufficient the inhabitants of this homestead had to be.
Why not enjoy a family barbecue on the lawns before continuing your exploration of Willandra National Park? The contrast between the ordered serenity of the homestead and the wild beauty of the region is amazing.
Map
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/willandra-homestead/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Willandra National Park in the Murray-Riverina region
Willandra National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park uses a self-registration fee collection system. Please bring correct change.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Willandra Homestead.
Getting there and parking
The Willandra Homestead is in the Willandra Homestead precinct of Willandra National Park. To get there:
- From Hillston, drive 53km west along the Mossgiel Trunk Road (unsealed and impassable after rain). Turn north onto Trida Road and drive another 20km until you see the park entrance signposted on the right (east).
- From the Cobb Highway, turn east at Mossgiel and drive 61km east. Turn north onto Trida Road and drive another 20km until you see the park entrance signposted on the right (east).
- Drive another 10km east along the Willandra Creek Trail to reach the Willandra Homestead precinct
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at the Willandra Homestead in a hard-packed ground carpark.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Willandra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Like spring, this season is also a time of mild weather.
Spring
Spring brings mild weather and fantastic birdwatching opportunities, as well as being the best time for wildflower displays. Drive, cycle or walk the scenic Merton trail or follow the Nilla Yannagalang Billana walking trail to make the most of what's on offer at this time of year.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
17°C and 32°C
Highest recorded
46°C
Winter temperature
Average
7°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-4.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
October
Driest month
February
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
119.6mm
Facilities
There is limited water available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Toilets
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
There is a ramp to the homestead.
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Willandra Homestead is in Willandra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A closer look at Aboriginal culture
Evidence of Aboriginal people's lives on this land can best be seen on the scalds near Halls Lake, near the Merton trail, where erosion has exposed a number of objects. Take a look at (but please don't touch) the remains of oven hearths, broken pieces of grinding dishes and stone flakes. Nilla Yannagalang Billana, the only formal walking track in the park, means 'walking along together' in Wiradjuri.
- Merton motor trail Whether you’re driving or cycling, the Merton motor trail at Willandra National Park is the perfect way to experience the park’s various wildlife habitats and historic past.
Plain to see
Windmill, cane, spear and white top - the names of Australian native grasses really have evolved to become far more fun than their original Latin terms. These grasses now make up most of the ground cover on the park's plains. Saltbush and cottonbush dominated - and still does - but Europeans quickly recognised the nutritional value of these plants and a century of grazing has changed the environment. A hike through the wetlands, woodlands and grasslands of the park, rich with birds and animals, is a reminder of how nature continues to adapt.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.
The ringer looks around
Big Willandra Station once stretched from Hillston to Mossgiel and covered an area eight times that of what is now Willandra National Park. Some buildings from the huge merino stud are in ruins, while others have been restored. In its time, Big Willandra saw it all: illegal squatting, leasehold, freehold, homesteading, the establishment of the Western Lands Commission, resumptions and soldier settler occupation. Today, you can enjoy cheap heritage accommodation, ideal for a weekend family or group getaway.
- Merton motor trail Whether you’re driving or cycling, the Merton motor trail at Willandra National Park is the perfect way to experience the park’s various wildlife habitats and historic past.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.
- Willandra Homestead Visit Willandra Homestead, the lovingly restored pastoral station of Big Willandra. Step back in time, enjoy a barbecue and watch waterbirds on Willandra Creek.
- Willandra shearing precinct Explore the rustic and distinctive woolshed and shearers’ quarters of the Willandra Shearing precinct to experience the fascinating working history of Big Willandra.
What bird is that?
Could there really be 195 species of birdlife within an area of less than 20,000ha? The diversity of Willandra's natural environment — from woodland and wetland to grassland and open plain — provides a variety of habitats. The result is an eclectic mix that includes emu, swan, seagull, night heron, raptor and duck. Set yourself the challenge to see how many different birds you can spot during your visit.
- Nilla Yannagalang Billana The Nilla Yannagalang Billana is an easy walking track that follows Willandra Creek and passes sites of great historical and cultural significance.