On Tuesday, May 16 at 3.30pm, local historian Wayne Campbell will lead a group down the road that led from the penal colony and growing city of Newcastle to the continent’s interior. 

Originally impassable by road because of Wallis Creek, the Victoria Bridge was built a little upstream from the existing bridge in 1827 to allow road transport into the village of West Maitland.

Now a byway off the main road, the area still bears witness to the original uses of the land in the early days of Wallis Plains – a former Presbyterian house, two old inns – one with a racecourse behind; three historic homes, and workers cottages on the once-significant Weller family estate.

An afternoon tea will be held at Brough House after the tour. 

The cost is $20 for members of the National Trust and $25 for non-members. Booking are essential, phone Holly on 4934 4314