National Trust’s Dundullimal Homestead on the outskirts of Dubbo is believed to be the oldest sophisticated slab house in Australia. Built sometime in the 1840s as the homestead for a 6,500-hectare station, the furnished house still retains much of its ambience. The wallpaper in the sitting room has been reproduced from an 1850 patent and there are enough audio interpretations if there isn’t a National Trust volunteer guide at hand to fill in the gaps. Wander the grounds through the renovated stables, blacksmith’s forge, coach room, sunken cool room, and stores. A small 1870s timber church from a nearby township now resides where the original church once stood, and no doubt makes Dundillimal Homestead the perfect property for a wedding. Take tea at The Shed Cafe that’s housed in the refurbished machinery shed, and set up as a cafe/function room. The scones remind me of CWA scones – small (the right size) and creamy. The strawberry jam is average but the thickly whipped cream is exactly what I’d expect to be served with my CWA-style scones. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Admission to the property is $9.50.
Scones:
Jam:
Cream:
Tea: A range of loose-leaf teas served in a teapot.
Price: $$
Overall: A superb historic property well worth the linger.
Location: Dundullimal Homestead, L/23 Obley Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830 Ph: 02 6884 9984
nationaltrust.org.au
Reviewed in April, 2017