Willandra Men's Quarters
Willandra Station was once famous for its wool, and these days it offers an insight into the pastoral history of the region. The homestead and associated buildings, surrounded by gardens and overlooking peaceful Willandra Creek, have been restored to their former glory and are now available for accommodation and functions.
The station's corrugated iron Men's Quarters can accommodate up to 24 guests. The building, built in 1965, comprises six bedrooms opening onto a gauzed verandah. There is a communal kitchen with two gas stoves and dining area. All cooking and eating utensils are provided. This building is not air-conditioned and portable electric heaters are used in winter. The bathroom and toilets are located in separate buildings.
Other purpose of venue: accommodation
Location:
shown on Homestead map
Getting there: Willandra is 64km north-west of Hillston, mainly along unsealed roads. Roads can be impassable after wet weather. Before you leave, get a map and advice about current road conditions from the park office.
The nearest airport with daily services from Sydney is at Griffith. Hillston is 110km from Griffith via a sealed highway.
Parking: There is ample parking at the site
When this venue is available
You can book this venue for your exclusive use. The venue is usually open seven days a week. Check with the park office to confirm availability.
Events this venue is suitable for
- Wedding ceremonies (min 12 people)
- Wedding receptions (min 12 people)
- Private/corporate lunches (min 2 people)
- Parties (min 2 people)
- Filming and photography shoots (min 2 people)
Venue facilities: drinking water, electric power, carpark
Electric power: Mains power is available.
Other facilities: There's a communal kitchen and dining room with all cooking and eating utensils supplied. You'll also find two fridges, two gas stoves and an open fire. An amenities block with three hot showers is just outside, where you'll also find two flushing toilets.
Fees
Venue fees:
- Per room per night (includes accommodation): $25
- Entire quarters per night (includes accommodation): $150
Conditions
Permitted here:
- Commercial catering.
- Alcohol.
- Non-amplified music.
- Dancing.
- Candles or other open flames.
- Confetti, rice, petals or similar.
- Vines and other exotic plant material.
Not permitted here:
- Domestic animals.
- Amplified/loud music and/or public address systems.
- Tents/marquees.
Bookings, payments and refunds
Bookings are essential. Pre-payment is preferred.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the unsealed road to Willandra gets cut off by rain?
You would need to wait at the homestead until the road is sufficiently dry to leave. Rainfall is not high (about 350 millimetres a year) so the road does not get cut often: generally only a few days each year and then mostly in the winter. It is unusual for someone to be stuck there more than a day or two, but it can happen, so it is wise to carry extra food. If rain is possible you will be advised about travel to Willandra by the national parks office.
Can I take a 2WD car there?
Yes. About 60 kilometres of road between Hillston and Willandra is unsealed. Crossing flat, plains country, this road is probably easier to negotiate in a two wheel drive vehicle than many of the unsealed roads around Sydney.
What is there to do there?
Mostly relax. But there is also much to explore, most of the old pastoral station buildings, including the shearing shed and shearers quarters are standing and in beautiful condition. A walking track threads through the blackbox woodland along the banks of the creek. A tennis court is available for use, but the surface is uneven and would be a challenge for a Wimbledon champion. Those used to the meagre night sky of Sydney will be stunned by the star-studded Willandra sky.
How long would it take to drive to Willandra from Sydney?
It takes six to seven hours to drive to Griffith, another hour to Hillston, and another hour from there to Willandra. Allow eight to nine hours for the entire trip. The most direct route is to take the Hume Highway to Yass, then travel to Griffith along the Burley Griffin Way via Temora.
Interested in this venue?
Contact:
Griffith, Phone: (02) 6966 8100
