The Canowindra Museum was established in a former school building which was transported from the outlying center of Murga in 1970. Several other small buildings and two machinery sheds have since been added. The adjacent Railway Cottage, formerly the Stationmasters residence, built in 1910, was purchased by the Historical Society in 1988 with a Bi-Centennial grant.

The Museum is situated in the main street next to the Memorial Park and the Age of Fishes Museum.

Highlights of the Museum are the shepherd’s hut circa 1828, Harold Boyd’s complete dental surgery, a wedding gown collection from 1881-1982, a reconstructed wool shed, wheat harvesters collection from 1843, photo collection and the Pioneers Wall.

The Canowindra Museum is operated by the Canowindra Historical Society. 

For more information visit the link: Canowindra Historical Museum - MGNSW or call 0433 130 859

The Eugowra Museum and Bushranger Centre was opened by Cabonne Council Mayor John Farr on the 25 – 26 October 2003. And a new extension has recently been completed but is not yet open.

This building was formerly a stock and station agent’s shop, but with government grants, gifts and lots of volunteer labour, it was refurbished into a great little building holding a huge variety of antiques and old wares from Eugowra’s past.

Robert Ellis first started the museum years before at his home in Norton Street, and this was subsequently run by Hilton and Jean Clements, grandchildren of Hanbury Clements, pioneer of the town of Eugowra and of Escort Rock fame.

Much of Robert’s collection was given to the Museum, when the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association (EPPA) undertook to operate it.

Eugowra’s claim to fame in most Australian history books is as the place where bushrangers held up the gold escort coach on 15 June, 1862, on its way to Bathurst. This turned out to be very worthwhile for the gang, who got away with fourteen thousand pounds worth of gold and banknotes. It was the biggest gold robbery in Australia’s history and in today’s money would be worth about $8 million.

The Museum also has a significant collection of wartime memorabilia and war souvenirs, and a comprehensive catalogue of Eugowra Service Personnel.

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

All the portraits in this unique collection, were painted by artist Anne Marie Ingham. She gave her time to this project in gratitude for the sacrifices of these men and women, representing all from this area who served in our armed forces. She hoped it would enhance public awareness of their efforts.

The first portraits were unveiled in 2007, another six unveiled in 2008, twenty in January 2009 and five in 2012.

All ceremonies were held in conjunction with Molong & Cabonne Council’s Australia Day celebrations.

Anne Marie died in March 2014 and the last incomplete painted portrait, together with three photographs, were unveiled in October, 2014.

For information visit Molong & District Servicemen & Servicewomen's Portrait Gallery   or contact 02 6366 8105

The Molong museum is housed in a delightful stone building on the corner of Riddell & Gidley Streets and was built in 1860 as a hotel.  It was then called “The Golden Fleece”.  It is known that a rubble mason and also his son lived in Molong at that time and were responsible for several other stone buildings in the town.

The building has had a chequered life as after being a hotel it later became home and surgery for several doctors over many years.  Some of the old surgical instruments of one doctor, Doctor Andrew Ross, are in the Museum’s collection.  After the doctor’s exit from there it was turned into flats by the then owners and was this way for many years and in time was sold to the Molong historical Society for the rates owing.

The building is large and accommodating and in 2009 received a Federal Government Jobs Funding Grant of $89.000 which was used to repair and refurbish the building using local tradespeople.  During this time everything needed to be packed up and then replaced. It is still said that we have a “work in progress” as there are still repairs needed but from the structural work carried out it is hoped that it will be sound for many years to come.

Apart from the building itself and displays the one attracting the most interest is the Fairbridge Room.  Fairbridge was a farm and home for children from the United Kingdom from the early 1930’s until 1975 and was located approximately 5 kms on the Mitchell Highway towards Orange.   Research was done by interviewing old identities from Fairbridge and older Molong people who remember the farm and school as a thriving little community.

One of the interesting questions asked, by people in the know is, “have you ever seen the ghost”?-  No we haven’t but several members have had some strange experiences so on leaving the building at lockup time we usually talk it “her” and say goodnight.  There is a lovely atmosphere throughout the building so we think “she” is happy and content as “she” can see us all over the building and care for it.

For information visit Molong Museum  or call 0400 425 015.

JUNE-2026-NEWSLETTER.pub-1.pdf(PDF, 841KB)

Yeoval Historical Museum was once the home of Mr and Mrs O’Halloran, today its home to the local history of the Yeoval region.

The homestead of the O’Halloran’s, aside the now Buckinbah Park contained a store front where Mr O’Halloran worked as saddler, boot maker and gunsmith.

The Yeoval Historical & Family Museum is a living museum that preserves the region’s rich oral history and memorabilia through immersive displays, with a special focus on local family histories. Visitors are welcome when the museum is open or by appointment. Call to book in advance for a guided tour, offering a personalised journey through Yeoval’s past.

Visit the Museum
Open: Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Group appointments and research: Wednesday, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Also open by appointment - 0409 440 931
email: yhfmuseumbootys1@gmail.com
Address: 26 Forbes Street, Yeoval

Website

For information visit Yeoval Historical & Family Museum - O’Hallorans Cottage  or call 0409 440 931.

Monthly Article August 2026

Written by: Victoria Parkes (Yeoval Historical & Family Museum / O’Hallorans Cottage)

YEOVAL - A New Vision

A Historic Milestone for Yeoval

The Yeoval community recently celebrated a significant milestone in the town's history. On 10 July 2026, an Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held to commemorate the adjustment of council boundaries that came into effect on 1 July 2026. After 141 years, the boundary that had long divided the Yeoval community was altered, bringing North Yeoval into the Cabonne Council area. This important administrative change marks the beginning of a more united, progressive and prosperous future for the whole of Yeoval.

Looking Forward Together

The Yeoval community now has an opportunity to embrace a shared vision for the town's future. Working in partnership with Cabonne Council, local community organisations are committed to bringing the community together, strengthening local pride, encouraging growth and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Working in Collaboration

The following organisations are working together to advance Yeoval's future:

• Grow Yeoval Inc.
• Yeoval Historical Society
• Little River Landcare Inc.
• Yeoval & District Progress Association Inc.
• Cabonne Council

A Vision for Present-Day Yeoval

The community recognises that tourism can play an important role in supporting local businesses, attracting investment and encouraging population growth. A number of exciting initiatives are already underway.

Historical Agricultural Antiquities Displays

Visitors are encouraged to explore the upgraded Historical Agricultural Antiquities Exhibitions at the Yeoval Historical & Family Museum/O'Hallorans Cottage and the two rustic display sheds located in Buckinbah Park. The Yeoval Historical Society acknowledges the support of Museums & Galleries NSW, NewSteel Dubbo, Ag n Vet Yeoval, Matthew Phillipson, Daniel Pumpa, Ray Parkes for volunteer construction work, and David Lowe for generous artefact donations.

Buckinbah Park Improvements

Plans are underway for new gardens and landscaping, new signage and upgrades to the community information board. These works will be funded through a Cabonne Council CAP Grant awarded to the Yeoval Historical Society, with native shrubs supplied through Little River Landcare Inc.

Forbes Street Revitalisation

A rejuvenation of Forbes Street is also planned, including refreshed shopfronts with new paintwork by Grow Yeoval Inc. and enlarged historic photographs displayed in vacant shop windows by the Yeoval Historical Society.

Heritage Tourism Development

In collaboration with Cabonne Council, the Yeoval Historical Society is investigating improvements to Banjo Paterson's Poets Walk, which will become part of a broader Yeoval Heritage Walk. A new visitor booklet and map are currently being developed by museum volunteers and will feature historical points of interest, then-and-now photographs and short local history stories.

Cobb & Co Heritage Gold Escort Trail

Cabonne Council and the Yeoval Historical Society are also developing a Cobb & Co Heritage Gold Escort Trail, tracing the historic route from Ophir to Yeoval via Molong, Larras Lee, Cumnock, Baldry and Obley. The initiative aims to encourage visitors to stop in Yeoval and support local accommodation providers, including the caravan park, Royal Hotel and local bed and breakfasts.

Future Streetscape Improvements

Cabonne Council and the Yeoval & District Progress Association are considering future improvements to Forbes Street, including potential roundabout upgrades, town signage for North Yeoval and footpath improvements.

Lessons from Yeoval's Past

Yeoval has a rich and diverse history. Originally established on large squatter runs during the 1840s and 1850s, the region played an important role in supplying the growing colony of New South Wales. The discovery of gold transformed the district. Following the opening of the Goodrich Mine in 1868, more than 20 mining operations emerged across the area and Yeoval experienced rapid growth. As mining activity declined, agriculture became the foundation of the local economy. During the mid-20th century, sheep grazing and wool production supported a thriving rural community, earning Yeoval a reputation as an important agricultural centre. However, from the 1970s onwards, industry changes, farm consolidation, mechanisation and the closure of the Molong to Dubbo railway line reduced employment opportunities and contributed to a gradual decline in population and economic activity.

What Does the Future Hold?

Today, renewed mineral exploration is creating fresh opportunities for the district. The Yeoval area sits within the Lachlan Fold Belt, a region known for significant mineral deposits stretching from Cadia to Tomingley. Modern exploration technology is enabling geologists to investigate areas previously inaccessible to historic miners. Exploration is already underway, with Goldophin/Great Plains Metals conducting diamond drilling programs at the Goodrich and Mount Rose mine sites. Investment of approximately $1.5 million to $2 million is expected in the Yeoval area over the next 18 to 24 months. While any future mining development may still be several years away, the community sees this activity as a potential catalyst for economic growth and investment. Goldophin/Great Plains Metals will host an Open Forum Drop-In Session at Yeoval Memorial Hall on 9 September 2026.

A Vision for Yeoval

Yeoval stands at the beginning of a new chapter. By learning from the past, embracing opportunities in the present and planning for future growth, the community is working together to build a stronger, more vibrant and more connected town.

Learn from the past. Prepare for change. Foster growth for the future.

Written by Victoria Parkes, Yeoval Historical Society.

Goodrich Goldmine

Shearing the 'Fine Wool'

Yeoval - Forbes Street 'Then'

Yeoval - Forbes Street 'Now'