The Shearers Hall at Wilga Station, 1947
History
Wilga Station is a 260-acre working sheep farm that has been home to the Keith family for three generations. Ownership of the property can be traced back to pioneer William Lawson (1774-1850), when Wilga Station’s land and neighbouring properties were gifted to him after crossing the Blue Mountains.
The Shearers Hall was built around 1947 following the Second World War. Centrally located on the farm and originally the property’s shearing shed, it’s been the hub of Wilga Station during shearing season for decades.
Recently, Hamish and Mez Keith, the current custodians of Wilga Station, transformed The Shearers Hall into a luxurious, five-bedroom country retreat for up to 10 guests. With a relaxed, convivial and quintessentially Australian feel, it commands stunning wide-ranging views over Fitzgerald’s Valley and Wilga Dam. Don’t be surprised if sheep graze right past your window.
Accommodation
The Shearers Hall is the perfect combination of contemporary sophistication and authentic Australian style, with an emphasis on repurposing local materials and vintage pieces. Bespoke custom furniture was handmade from hardwood from the original sheep yards at Wilga Station. Beautifully rustic corrugated iron walls have been decorated with old shearing machines and farm memorabilia - and there’s even a bucket of raw wool for guests to feel. Old wooden crates have been made into bedside tables, and old gates crafted into bed heads.
Corrugated iron has been used both internally and externally, that’s also well-insulated and sound proof. The building has been carefully preserved to honor its rich shearing history, with glass installed so that guests can view the sheep chutes below. The original wool table has been restored to hold pride of place as the dining table.
The Shearers Hall sleeps up to 10 guests in five bedrooms - if less people are staying, the entire accommodation will still be yours, but you'll only pay for the rooms you'll need. Each bedroom features a queen size bed fitted with premium Sheridan linens, and children are welcome to stay with no minimum age.
Two luxurious bathrooms feature a stunning combination of old and new, with corrugated iron walls and bespoke hardwood vanities made from the old sheep yards, along with heated flooring and copper sinks & tapware. A complimentary selection of Australian Leif amenities are included for guests’ use.
The spacious entertaining area features a custom-designed, U-shape sofa, specifically positioned so you can relax while taking in peaceful views of the valley through the large picture window. Light the wood fire, play a board game, or kick back with a glass of wine, and choose a book or magazine from the mini-library.
The fully-equipped kitchen features premium appliances, and a wide range of local ingredients so you can cook up a storm. Also included in your stay is a bottle of local sparkling wine, and a generous hot breakfast hamper for 10 people, with fresh Wilga Station eggs, Trunkey Creek bacon, local milk, grilled Haloumi cheese, large fresh cob loaf, and heirloom cherry tomatoes. Dine in style at the old wool table, restored and repurposed as the room’s centrepiece.
Outside, The Shearers Hall has a large attached deck and outdoor BBQ area overlooking the surrounding sheep paddock, with magical views of Fitzgerald Valley. Gather around the outdoor table with drinks under festoon lights, as the sun sets over the farm.
“We stayed for five nights in The Shearers Hall. The owners have thought of everything! The rooms are lovely, the views amazing, and the small touches - like the Esky in the outdoor kitchen - make this place something to remember. We also loved the way they preserved the history of the building as part of the conversion. ”
Exclusive Offer
Mention Historic Stays when booking, and receive a complimentary round of golf for two guests at the Bathurst Golf Course - winner of the 2022 NSW Regional Golf Course of the Year.
Special Features
Breakfast Provisions
Families Welcome
Working Farm Stay
Scenic Valley Views
Things To Do
Bathurst is just a few minutes away and as Australia’s oldest inland European settlement dating to 1815, is rich in history. Visit Bathurst’s historic precinct to admire beautiful heritage architecture, stop in at one of the many cafes, and browse boutique shops.
Just 10 minutes outside Bathurst is Bathurst Grange Distillery, producers of multi-award winning Australian-made gin and whisky. ‘The Grange’, c. 1823 is Australia’s oldest surviving farmstead, and the second house built west of the Blue Mountains. Take a tour of this grand heritage-listed home by appointment.
It’s a scenic 30 minute drive to the historic and picturesque village of Rockley, where you can dine at Chef Matt Moran’s new pub, The Rockley Pub, in a restored Victorian building dating to 1872.
Enjoy some local wine tasting at Printhie Wines cellar door, who also offer a range of experiences including cheese platters in the Wine Bar, five course degustation lunch at Printhie Dining - where oysters are shucked to order, picnics, sparkling masterclasses, private fly fishing experience, and even a helicopter winery tour.
And a visit to Mayfield Garden, 35 minutes from Wilga Station, is an absolute must. At 160 acres, it is the largest private cool-climate garden in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a joy to wander through. There’s also a lovely cafe on site, serving fresh produce for breakfast and lunch.
Images by Monique Lovick photography
