Old Marulan Town

Item details

Name of item: Old Marulan Town
Other name/s: Site of old Marulan Town, Whole of Township
Type of item: Archaeological-Terrestrial
Group/Collection: Urban Area
Category: Townscape
Location: Lat: -34.7295678092 Long: 149.9834867180
Primary address: Multiples, Marulan, NSW 2579
Parish: Marulan
County: Argyle
Local govt. area: Goulburn Mulwaree
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Pejar
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT2153-3040 DP 
LOT7001 DP1025603
LOT7002 DP1025604
LOT10 DP111641
LOT11 DP111641
LOT101 DP1167866
LOT103 DP1167866
LOT10 DP196132
LOT11 DP196132
LOT12 DP196132
LOT13 DP196132
LOT14 DP196132
LOT15 DP196132
LOT2 DP196132
LOT3 DP196132
LOT4 DP196132
LOT5 DP196132
LOT6 DP196132
LOT7 DP196132
LOT8 DP196132
LOT9 DP196132
LOT1 DP214304
LOT2 DP214304
LOT14 DP230388
LOT122 DP750029
PORTION215 DP750029
PORTION216 DP750029
LOT18DP758653
LOT19DP758653
LOT112DP758653
LOT17DP758653
LOT16DP758653
LOT14DP758653
LOT15DP758653
LOT106DP758653
LOT109DP758653
LOT119DP758653
LOT129DP758653
LOT139DP758653
LOT132DP758653
LOT149DP758653
LOT142DP758653
LOT159DP758653
LOT152DP758653
LOT169DP758653
LOT162DP758653
LOT179DP758653
LOT172DP758653
LOT189DP758653
LOT182DP758653
LOT199DP758653
LOT27DP758653
LOT24DP758653
LOT25DP758653
LOT212DP758653
LOT26DP758653
LOT29DP758653
LOT209DP758653
LOT37DP758653
LOT35DP758653
LOT34DP758653
LOT36DP758653
LOT39DP758653
LOT312DP758653
LOT46DP758653
LOT412DP758653
LOT49DP758653
LOT44DP758653
LOT45DP758653
LOT47DP758653
LOT59DP758653
LOT57DP758653
LOT54DP758653
LOT512DP758653
LOT56DP758653
LOT66DP758653
LOT64DP758653
LOT67DP758653
LOT69DP758653
LOT79DP758653
LOT74DP758653
LOT77DP758653
PART LOT71DP758653
LOT76DP758653
LOT86DP758653
PART LOT81DP758653
LOT84DP758653
LOT89DP758653
LOT87DP758653
LOT97DP758653
LOT99DP758653
LOT94DP758653
LOT96DP758653
LOT1 DP797340
LOT10 DP797340
LOT11 DP797340
LOT12 DP797340
LOT13 DP797340
LOT14 DP797340
LOT2 DP797340
LOT3 DP797340
LOT4 DP797340
LOT5 DP797340
LOT6 DP797340
LOT7 DP797340
LOT8 DP797340
LOT9 DP797340
LOT1 DP827410
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
MultiplesMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgylePrimary Address
Hume HighwayMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Baily StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Flag StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Zamia StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Barber StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Bungonia StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Murray StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address
Page StreetMarulanGoulburn MulwareeMarulanArgyleAlternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
 Private29 Mar 99
Telstra CorporationPrivate29 Mar 99
Transport for NSWState Government29 Mar 99
Trustees Church of EnglandReligious Organisation21 Oct 05
Trustees of the Roman Catholic ChurchReligious Organisation29 Mar 99

Statement of significance:

The site of Old Marulan Town is considered to be an outstanding archaeological resource which is able to vividly illustrate unrecorded details of Australian history relating to the form and functions of an early colonial service town, and the way of life of its inhabitants. Examination of the ground surface indicates that the total area of the site contains relics relating to the early occupation of the town. Future archaeological research of the site should result in a wealth of information which is only suggested from surface findings. The significance of the relics and deposits within the land is heightened by the limited period of the towns existence and the subsequent lack of further development of the land. The site therefore is a rare "time capsule" relating to colonial town life from 1835-67 which has suffered minimal contamination from latter phases of use. Exploitation of the site in order to gather historic information would necessitate the preparation of a full research study prior to archaeological excavation of any part of the site in order that all possible avenues of research be considered. (Temple)
Date significance updated: 07 Nov 06
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker: Survyeor-General's Department (town plan)
Construction years: 1835-1867
Physical description: A village plan still exists, and it is shown on the 1: 25,000 scale Topographic plan TOWRANG 8828-1-S. The Hume Highway (formerly the Great South Road), Bungonia Street and Barber Street remain in present use, and a number of other streets are still identifiable. Barber Street currently provides access to trucks carrying material from mines in Bungonia Gorge althought the road alignment has been altered at the intersection of the highway.

This plan is the final plan of the village layout dated and a series of earlier plans of the growing town have been located dated 1835, 1839, 1841. A detailed description of archaeological features and relics located in the field survey (Refer to Heritage Council Plan)

(i) Eastern Section
Remains of the town buildings and associated structures are concentrated on the eastern side of the highway (see sections 4, 2, 6, plus lots 122-126 on plan marked appendix 'B'). The approximate position of the N/S property boundaries along the highway is indicated by a fence line with heavy vertical timber posts.

Field survey has identified the position of a substantial number of surface features in these areas associated with the original township.

These include:
(a) foundations of a line of stone, brick and slab buildings which once stood along the highway
(b) evidence of domestic planting
(c) remains of fences, walls and hedges along property boundaries
(d) depressions representing the alignment of streets
(e) refuse piles containing domestic debris
(f) one substantial (possible) communal well
(g) evidence of a blacksmith's forge
(h) an industrial area containing evidence of brick and lime manufacture for the production of building materials
(i) concentrations of brick, worked stone and artefact scatters indicating previous human occupation of the land
(j) various other features such as rectangulat depressions and large bramble brushes which aerodrome characteristic of disturbed land resulting from human occupation
(k) two cemeteries containing burials from the period of settlement to the present time

(ii) Western Section
While the greatest number of sites have been identified on the eastern side of the highway, evidence of the previous occupation is apparent on the western side of the highway.

(Section 1, 7 and 8 and Lot 1 DP 2188S on plan attached as Appendix B).

Sites Include:
(i) a concentration of ceramic and glass fragments and a small number of broken bricks was found on the grass verge on the DMR reserve; though disturbed, it would appear that the material relates to the site of the Woolpack Inn known to have stood on this land.

(ii) mature introduced vegetation in Section 7, indicative of early garden planting

(iii) a large bramble bush (section 5) possibly represents an early building site

Field survey did not locate relics in Section 5 or "Appendix B".

Southern Section of the Site
Field survey did not locate relics in section 3 of Appendix B

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

SUBSURFACE REMAINS

The concentration of surface finds in some areas indicates the location of subsurface, stratified archaeological deposits, however, it is important to note that no systematic archaeological excavation has been undertaken within the curtilage. The deposits of archaeological significance indicating the nature of occupation and settlement of Old Marulan Town are distributed throughout the site.

Surface evidence predominates in some sections of the site and it can be predicted that the whole site contains covered relics which are not visible without excavation. (Temple)
Former use: Aboriginal land, township

History

Historical notes: The establishment of towns outside of the County of Cumberland did not gain momentum until the 1830s. This decade became an intensive period of town founding in New South Wales. The thirteen year boom receded in 1842 when economic depression temporarily halted expansion. During this period however 53 new towns and villages were planned by the colonial administration.

Many Australian towns originiated because of the need for provision of services. Typically, an inn would be established on a colonial road and then other service establishments would be attracted to the location, such as a general store, blacksmith, wheelwright etc. The colonial roads contained many such hamlets providing for travellers needs.

The essential qualities of a service town are that it serves a population outside its own boundaries and produces services for sale rather than goods. Marulan began as one such service town in the early days of the boom period of the 1830s.

The colonial administration was responsible for setting aside land for villages and town reserves and subsequently design and layout of these centres. The decision as to their location was based upon constraints relating to the nature of the settlement. Thus the site for a servie town would be determined largely by transport routes. Since river and road transport antedated selection of town sites in most cases, they exerted a controlling influence on site location.

A town of the 1830s was often no more than a small cluster of buidlings and this remained the situation even during the land boom of the 1830s. Apart from the wayside public house, the smallest settlements were hamlets, recognised by the possession of a general store and a blacksmith or shoemaker. In the south, Gunning, Bungendore and Marulan, which depended on road traffic represented this type of town.

The town plans drawn up by the Surveyor General's office reflected the size and type of the individual town. In contrast to the major regional centres, ordinary towns and villages were not given detailed layout plans and the smaller villages such as Marulan, designed to provide services to travellers, were characterised by linear plans following a largely single street pattern.

By reserving an area for a village prior to the growth of that district a certains primacy was afforded to that location. Any businessmen who considered loacting outside the government reserve would have faced considerable disadvantages.

The advantages of the village sites were that within the reserved area
1) It was possible to purchase a small parcel of land.
2) post offices and government buildings were available
3) mailcoaches stopped
4) The government was required to provide services and improved conditions.

The disadvantages of other locations stifled away development from the reserve.

Within the Marulan district only one location possessed the features to satisfy the requirement of a village reserve and that was where the village began.

SITE SELECTION
The Great South Road, south of the Cumberland Plain, was first marked out by Surveyor-General Mitchell in 1829-30. It ran parallel to the coast and passed through the village of Bungonia. A branch road was also marked out to leave the main line at the beginning of the Marulan Range. This road was to lead to the Goulburn Plains and township.

Mitchell then returned to select suitable sites for the founding of towns and villages. At the junction of the roads from Bungonia and Goulburn he selected a place to serve the travellers on these new roads. The name given the site was Marulan. He saw the function of the village as that of a wayside settlement and so chose the site where traffic would be greatest. He also noted the importance of a supply of fresh water and as Barber's Creek was nearby this constraint could be satisfied.

Mitchell instructed a surveyor to lay out some allotments to allow occupation in 1834, although the design of the complete village had not yet been approved. Apparently requests had been made for the early subdivision of sites.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VILLAGE
Marulan was given a simple design with no side streets and will all allotments having frontages to the major roads. The design is unusual in that it does not conform to the 1829 Governent regulations for the laying out of towns and villages, presumably because there was no intention for Marulan to become a town.

Due to the road junctions, reservations were provided on three corners of the intersection, the largest reservation on the high side of the junction was the Church reserve, maintaining the tradition of allocating the most prominent position in a settlement to the church. All other allotments were equally placed around the road junction. Approval of the design was notified in March, 1835.

One of the first buildings in the village area was the Woolpack Inn, Built by Joseph Peters in 1835. Confusion and concern about the future of the village plan in 1835 had prompted Peters to write to the Surveyor General referring to the fact that he had "nearly" completed a large brick house and stable for the accommodation of hte public, and would be unjustly injured if the road was realigned further. Fortunately for Peters the line of the road was not altered.

Subsequently Peters applied to be the Marulan postmaster and was appointed so in 1836. Also at this time a blacksmiths shop was established, and together with the inn and post office, supplied the basic needs of the travellers.

In 1841 the Church Reserve was surveyed with three allotments being created for a church, a dwelling and a school. On a visit in 1847 Bishop Broughton inspected the "commodious chapel in which the divine service is periodically performed".

During the late 1830s and 1840s the sale of land at Marulan continued and the original design of the village was extended. The first additional allotments merely extended the village linearly along the Great South Road, but later depth was added to the village. As the need arose for house sites, side streets were included and allotments were surveyed with frontage to these minor streets. There were however probably not as many residents as appears from the number of lots in the village as often one person owned several lots and other areas were held by absentee landholders.

A decade after the founding of the settlement it was described as "a small cluster of houses with two inns, a post office and three or four stores procuring custom." (Sydney Morning Herald, 11 January 1847)

A notice of sale appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald of 18 February 1850 relating to four allotments in the centre of the village and described as the land at the corner of Barbour Street and opposite the Woolpack Inn. The notice refers to the following improvements:

1. The Australian Store, with attached four bedroom dwelling of brick construction on stone footings;
2. A schoolhouse of timber slabs;
3. A stable for five horses with loft; and
4. A court house of brick on stone foundation, lately out of use, the Court having been discontinued since 1 January, 1850

All the buildings offered for sale were described as being large and of sound construction.

THE RAILWAY
During the 1840s there was much discussion of the possibility of a southern railway either along the line of the Great South Road or through Goulburn.

The decision was finally made in favour of Goulburn. Nevertheless for the route of the railway Marulan was an important point for it stood on the ridge which separated the valleys of the Shoalhaven and Woolondilly Rivers. This was the narrowest piece of land between the two rivers so that whatever route was chosen it had to pass in the vicinity of the village.

Pressure was applied on the government by many local landowners wishing to profit from the proximity of the railway to their land. It would seem that some at least had more influence than the Marulan residents for when finally drawn up in 1857 and confirmed by legislation in 1862 the line passed to the north of the village and not sufficiently near to it to ensure the villages future.

The political decision to so locate the railway completely changed the patterns and means of transport in that district. For Marulan specifically it meant that the village no longer had access to through traffic and had to move to the point where the two transport corridors crossed. If the village had refused to move it is most probable that a completely new settlement would have been founded near the railway.

THE NEW TOWN SITE
At the time of construction of the railway, the population in the neighbourhood of Marulan increased, however at the end of 1867, as work on the viaduct across Barber's Creek neared completion, many of the railway workers moved to the next section of the line.

John Morrice the owner of the property 'Glenrock' took advantage of the railway's construction by subdividing the land fronting the main road in the vicinity of the railway. He named this (new, private) town Mooroowoolen, and an advertisement for the sale of lots appeared in 1867. It was about 2 miles from (old, public town) Marulan.

Unfortunately for Morrice the railway station was not opened until August, 1868, and the demand for his sites was poor. The only real interest was shown by those who operated businesses at Marulan. The Marulan Postmaster and storekeeper, John O'Neill erected new premises at Mooroowoolen and the Mooroowoolen post office operated after February 1868. The inns at the old town were closed, also relocating near the railway.

An article in the "Sydney Morning Herald" of 12 May, 1868, described the impact of the railway.
"The railway crosses the main road at right angles to the little township of Mooroowoolen. Marulan is a curiousity in townships. At one time it was a thriving and busy place, but now the buildings are going to decay, and there seems little prospect of improvement."

Since most of the children attending the Marulan Public School had moved to Mooroowoolen it was decided to also move the school. Temporary premises were rented from June 1870 and occupation of a new school on a site donated by John Morrice commenced in December, 1871.

A new stone church was opened at Mooroowoolen on 1 October, 1878 replacing the chapel at the old town site. The moving of the church represented the final stage of the relocation of Marulan.

Gradually Mooroowoolen became known as Marulan. The old township was in a state of ruin and the new town contained all the relevant services to cater for the needs of travellers. The function of the settlement had not changed and it is interesting to note that the layout of the new township was similar to that of the original village; its form remained basicallylinear still focussing on the main road. (Barnett).

In 1867 a private subdivision was offered for sale close to the location of the new railway station (railhead) and yard, after which the old town (surveyed in 1834) declined and Marulan began to develop around the site of the new railway station (Forsyth, 1989).

In 1867 there was agitation to have another post office opened at Marulan Camp where a larger number of railway workers were living. This spot was one or two miles from Marulan proper where the post office was situated. 'The Terminus Hotel' was near Marulan Camp and efforts were made to have the office conducted there. Philip Dignam MP in State Parliament was asked to suggest a name for the new post office and put forward 'Mooroowoolen' after the private township that had been laid out where the railway was to terminate. The Mooroowoolen (post) office was opened on 1/3/1868 and John O'Neil, described as store keeper, was appointed postmaster. His wife took charge of the Marulan office. In those days most storekeepers cheerfully undertook the postal duties as it brought them a lot of customers. From Mooroowoolen mails were despatched by Cobb and Co. coaches to towns further south until the railway line was extended to Goulburn in 1869. That year, the post office was moved to the railway station where it was conducted by the telegraph operator, Charles Winniett, in half of the ladies' waiting room (Revitt, 2008, 30-31).

A contract was let to F. Horn on 8 February 1868 for the combined station building and Station Master's house. A separate contract was awarded to G. Thead on 3 December 1867 for construction of a goods shed (Forsyth, 1989).

The single line from Marulan to Moss Vale was completed in 1868, and Marulan opened to railway traffic on 5 August 1868 (Forsyth, 1989).

A small (post) office was later built behind the station but by this time the name of the station had been changed to Marulan. It was a strange situation with Morroowoolen Post Office thirty yards behind Marulan Railway Station. The conflict was resolved in 1878 when the postmaster asked for a new date stamp. An inspector suggested it not be supplied but the one from the now defunct Marulan Post Office be used and the name changed accordingly. Mooroowoolen Post Office thus became Marulan Post Office. There's nothing left of the original Marulan except cemeteries (ibid, 2008, 31).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Plains and plateaux supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Modification of terrain-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Introduce cultural planting-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Innkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Unseen but Present-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes of urban and rural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Building and maintaining public roads-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Travelling to and within remote areas-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Coaching Inns along roads-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Residential-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. early settlement or worker's cottage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Accommodating travellers and tourists-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal 1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Naming places (toponymy)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Surveying by Thomas Mitchell-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Resuming private lands for public purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Subdivision of rural estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing government towns-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages 19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages living in the country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Impacts of railways on rural development-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Rural Estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Roadside Villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages A quiet Rural District-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Shaping inland settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Cultural Social and religious life-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages (none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Planned towns serving a specific industry-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis Roadways between Inland Settlements-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Private assignment-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with animals-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working at enforced labour-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on pastoral stations-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working with hand tools and implements-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - surveying of land-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - facilitating pastoralism-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Public works-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - town and country planning-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administering public roads and bridges-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Vernacular structures and building techniques-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Community enterprise-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Surveyor-General-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance]
The town site is a valuable historical and archaeological site rich in information relative to the formand function of an early colonial country town and the way of life of its inhabitants. It was established in the earliest expansions of town and village settlement beyond the Cumberland Plain. (Temple)
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity]
Old Marulan's significance is two-fold. First, the number of towns dating from this early period which were not developed after the 1860's is very small. Those known to exist include Carrington, Boydtown and towns associated with mining activities.

Second, although roughly of the same period, Old Marulan is unlike these other town sites. The mining "towns" were mainly canvas settlements built for a transient and itinerant population and generally contained few buildings of even a semipermanent nature. Examples of this type of township include Hill End, Byng and Silvertown from the 1850's and 60's and Newnes and Glen Davis and Joadja from the turn of the century (Temple)
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementProduce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.
Nov 7 2025

PDF Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0012702 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0012711 Jun 82 79 

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenRevitt, Jim and Ronald2008Bungonia - Foundation of a Heritage

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5045370
File number: S90/07432 & HC 30082; 10/24736


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