Step back in time
Millthorpe
Step back in time in this picturesque heritage-listed town tucked between Bathurst and Orange in the Central Tablelands of NSW. Millthorpe sits amidst gently rolling hills, away from the main highway which means it has managed to avoid overdevelopment and retained its 19th century charm. Streets lined with bluestone, cute cottages, picket fences and pretty gardens are complemented with fine dining, galleries and chic shops.
History
The first settlers to this area arrived in 1823 to set up a Government Stock Station and one of the first farms west of Bathurst, Grove Farm. The brick building of Grove Farm still stands today. Rich soils attracted many settlers to the district and the town became famous for its agricultural pursuits. The establishment of the railway line in the 1870’s gave farmers the opportunity to transport their produce to the growing population of Sydney and the town blossomed.
Originally named Spring Grove, the towns name was changed after a huge flour mill was built in 1882. Mill for the mill and thorpe being an old English term for village.
Walk the main streets of town and you will see over 30 historic buildings in Victoria and Pym Streets alone. To learn the history of some of these fabulous old buildings you can download the Millthorpe Historic Points of Interest and Village Walk brochures
The Golden Memories Museum on Park Street, open weekends and public and school holidays, is packed with a wealth of artefacts from a bygone age. The museum is spread through eight large historic buildings, and holds local stories and memorabilia as well as significant Aboriginal items and an added bonus of a craft cottage on the grounds.
Shop, Eat and Drink
Whether you are after local produce, home wears, fashion or antiques the main street of Milthorpe will have something that takes your fancy. In an area famous for its cool climate wines, you will be spoilt for choice with three cellar doors in town.
There are monthly markets to be explored in Pym Street and Millthorp Markets run by the local public school twice a year in April and December, a great opportunity to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
For us Milthorp was an early morning stop as we headed out of the city for a weekend away. We had a lovely breakfast and wandered the main streets, the gardens were full of colour with blossom trees everywhere you looked. It was picturesque. This visit was just a quick stop and confirmed for us that Milthorp deserves a full weekend devoted to exploring this cute town and its history.
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