Dundullimal

Item details


Name of item:	Dundullimal
Other name/s:	Dundullimal Homestead
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Homestead Complex
Location:	Lat: -32.2861021866 Long: 148.6033309950
Primary address:	Obley Road, Dubbo, NSW 2830
Parish:	Dubbo
County:	Gordon
Local govt. area:	Dubbo Regional
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Dubbo

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	800756

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Obley Road	Dubbo	Dubbo Regional	Dubbo	Gordon	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
National Trust of Australia (NSW)	Community Group

Statement of significance:


	Dundullimal is of State significance as the oldest known extant house situated outside the limits of settlement (the 19 counties proclaimed by Governor Darling in 1826) It is the oldest known squatters residence in this part of New South Wales, having been built c1842. The original homestead building, in its original form, has survived in a near-unaltered condition since its construction in the 1840s. It has well detailed joinery. Associated with the house is a fine stone stables/barn and a large timber shed which is sympathetic to the earlier buildings. (Lucas, Dawson 1985) (Heritage Office files)
	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


Builder/Maker:	John Maughan
Construction years:	1842-1842
Physical description:	Site: The house's verandah has an oblique view north over the Macquarie River (Mackay, 2004, 17). The site is roughly rectangular and sits to the east of the Dubbo Railway line, with a level crossing half way along its length, south of the homestead and north of the stables. An access road used (1986) to go under the railway and approach the homestead group from the north, curving to the group's east and splitting into two drives alongside (parallel) to the stables, around a eucalypt. The 19th century Wellington-Dubbo Road and former entrance run along (and inside) the site's southern boundary, parallel to it. These cross the railway line to the homestead group's south-west (1986 site plan). The site has a cluster of buildings (see below). Two yards surround the homestead and the stables/outbuilding/shed in the site's centre. A set of small yards also surround the outbuilding (shed). A bog is to the east-north-east of the homestead and two wells, one with a windmill are on site. A range of trees on site include a quince (Cydonia oblonga cv.) in the north-western corner, a fig (Ficus carica cv.) in the north-east near the access road. a kurrajong (Brachychiton acerifolium) east of the former kitchen's site, a silky oak (c.2.5m from the western wall of the homestead), a row of three peppercorns (Schinus molle var. areira) east of the kurrajong, another peppercorn and a eucalypt just south of fence dividing the homestead yard and stables yard, two further eucalypts straddling the 'inner' split drive east of the stables and another eucalypt south-west of the stables. Since 1986, broadly the two yards (paddocks) around the homestead and stables are now one paddock, which is 'framed' by perimeter plantings of a range of species (see below). WIthin this 'frame' a few specimen trees exist closer to the buildings. Further shrubs line a fence between the stables' south-east corner and the outbuilding (shed)'s north-western corner and run along its western side to the southern fence (Kannelakis, 1994). A driveway crosses the railway line at the level crossing, turns south and runs close and parallel to the railway line to form a 'carriage loop' south of the fence running east-west to the southern wall of the outbuilding (shed)'s southern wall (i.e. around and south of the homestead/stables/outbuilding/garden 'paddock' (Kannelakis, 1994). Plants lining the northern fenceline (running west-east) include a flowering Prunus sp./cv., nectarine (Prunus persica cv.), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), canna lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Iris sp., daisy, box elder (Acer negundo), apricot (Prunus armenaica cv.), firewheel tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus), daisy, honeysuckle (Lonicera sp./cv.), canna lily (Canna edulis cv.), Iris, Chrysanthemum cv., Gladiolus cv., Iris, winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), saisy, honeysuckle, jonquils (Narcissus tazetta cv.), lilies (Lilium sp./cv.), daisy, geranium (Pelargonium hortorum cv.), rose (Rosa cv.), honeysuckle, succulent, creeper, rhododendron, raisy, Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia), the succulent Aloe vera and a peach (Prunus persica cv.)(ibid, 1994; botanical names added by Stuart Read). Running north-south along the eastern 'paddock/garden' fence are: ash (Fraxinus sp.) oleander (Nerium oleander), butterfly bush (Cassia sp.: 2), (outside the fence to the east are the three peppercorn trees still); another ash, a holly grape (Mahonia sp.), wattle (Acacia sp.), hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha), oleander, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica cv.), peppercorn, peach, ash, elm/ash, ash (outside the fence to the east, adjacent are another Norfolk Island hibiscus and an unnamed tree), and further south east of the homestead, another Norfolk Island hibiscus and a cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata)(ibid, 1994; botanical names added by Stuart Read). Lining the 'paddock/garden' fence south of the 'driveway bend south) are a hedge of lavender (Lavandula sp.), succulent Agave sp., bulbs, a peppercorn tree, a fig/privet (Ligustrum sp.), an apricot, (in the south-western corner, an ash). Running along the southern 'paddock/garden' fence are three peppercorn trees, a grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana), a jacaranda (J.mimosifolia), another ash, a Norfolk Island hibiscus and a silky oak beside (west of) the outbuilding(shed)(ibid, 1994; botanical names added by Stuart Read). Running west of the outbuilding (shed) and its internal fence to the stables, from south-north, are: silky oaks (3), ash, eucalypts (2), another ash, daisy, geranium, box elder, rhododendron and an oleander bush (ibid, 1994). North of the yard north of the outbuilding (shed) are another ash and a Norfolk Island hibiscus. Another cherokee rose is inside the aforementioned yard (ibid, 1994). Between the stables and the homestead are a peppercorn and eucalypt trees (north- north-east) and (further north-west near the driveway 'bend' south, another eucalypt (ibid, 1994). Around the homestead, starting on the southern side are a butterfly bush on the south-west corner, an unnamed bush on the south-east corner, a daisy bush, rhododendron, oleander, ash (around the fence around the former kitchen site east of the homestead), a wild rose, a banksia bush (northeastern side of house), the climber Wisteria sinensis, violets and jonquils a daisy bush and a rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) to the house's north and another rose (north-west side)(ibid, 1994). Homestead: Cottage ornee, the best and most sophistocated house of its type in the country (Lucas, 2015). An unusual 'T-shaped' in plan with projecting room on its north elevation. A watercolour (painting) and an 1860s photograph proved the house had indeed been of Palladian composition with balancing pavilions. It is built on the same axis as its stone stables and coach house (ibid, 2015). A low cobbled verandah runs along the north elevation and around the projecting room. There is a verandah along the south elevation flanked by two box rooms. The main roof is hipped in form. The building is formed from yellow box vertical slabs fitted into a framework of posts and channelled plates. Rustic ceilings are of cypress pine board resting on exposed beams, with a coffered board ceiling in the main sitting room. The main roof and verandah rafters are formed of unhewn cypress poles. A shingle roof is now covered by corrugated galvanised iron. Windows are 12 pane sashes, the upper sash has 8 panes, the lower 4. Extraordinary glazing patterns (ibid, 2015). Finely crafted, elegant (red) cedar joinery that contasts with the rough texture of the hewn timber slabs (Mackay 2004, 18). The structure has two distinct types of plastering: limewash over a float coat and a set coat over a float coat. The internal doors and skirtings are cypress pine. The remaining (and fine) joinery is red cedar. Smart early Victorian wallpaper, ledged pine cottage doors (ibid, 2015). The sitting room, with its tented ceiling and floral wallpaper, belies the rustic construction of the surrounding architectural envelope (Mackay, 2004, 18). There was a butler's pantry and a springbell system (ibid, 2015). Homestead Group of Outbuildings: Stables - stone Coach House / Outbuilding (Shed)(south-west of homestead and stables). Site of former Kitchen (east of homestead) Site of former privvy (east of homestead and former kitchen site) Windmill and Well (north of homestead) Well (south-east of homestead equidistant between it and the stables Silo (south of stables) Sump (east of Silo) Header Tank (east of homestead)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good.
	Date condition updated:25 Mar 02
Modifications and dates:	1993 adaptation of timber stables outbuidling as an education and visitor centre, and archaeological testing to install services - new hardwood floor on piers over original earth floor, installation of kitchen, toilets, water, power, lighting, earth access ramp for disabled visitors, general repairs to building and yard 2008: operational windmill and water tanks reinstated, reducing the property's dependence on town water (National Trust, 2008, 12). 2013: historic timber church moved onto the property (original Timbrebongie Roman Catholic Church) - Dundullimal as a large working property once had its own church (NTA (NSW) News, 2/2014).
Further information:	CMP policy 6.5 - Garden says the garden features should be preserved and existing species which die or age should be replaced with the same species in the same location. It adds that features from the earliest garden may be reconstructed, including replacement of known original species in original locations. POM excerpt (8.3.3 - Landscape / Garden) both say a garden should be reinstated, consistent with available evidence for this site and general evidence of late 19th/early 20th century gardens (1994 CMP; 1998 Godden Mackay, paraphrased re garden elements).


Current use:	House museum, events centre/cultural facility
Former use:	Aboriginal land, pastoral station

History

Historical notes:

In 1826, Governor Darling established an area known as the 'limits of location', outside which settlement was not permitted. This area comprised 19 counties stretching from north of the Hunter Valley to Yass in the south and west to Wellington. Squatters, however, took their stock beyond these limits, taking up large tracts of land (Silink & Hayes, 2014).

In 1836 in an attempt to control this occupation, licences were granted to 'de-pasture' beyond the limits of location. The licences were renewable each year and the squatters had no legal rights to any particular tract of land. The 'runs' they occupied were determined by agreement amongst themselves. The colony beyond the limits of location was divided into nine squatting districts. Dundullimal Run is situated in what was the Wellington Squatting District which lay between the Lachlan and Macquarie Rivers (ibid, 2014).

In 1848 following pressure from these licencees to have security of tenure, regulations were passed which granted leases of eight or fourteen years, depending on the district. At the end of the lease the occupying tenant could purchase land under pre-emptive right (ibid, 2014).

The Robertson Land Act of 1861 opened up all Crown Lands including the leased area to free selection before survey and reduced the tenure of the pastoral leases. Lease holders also purchased portions of their runs under the provisions of this Act (ibid, 2014).

The Crown Lands Act of 1884 required that each pastoral holding (as a run was now called) be divided into a 'leasehold area' and a 'resumed area'. While maintaining the principle of free selection before survey, the Act gave fixity of tenure to the pastoral leases. Hence the resumed area was available for selection though it could be occupied under licence by the lessee of the pastoral holding until such time as it was selected (ibid, 2014).

In 1895 an Act was passed which converted the leasehold area to a resumed area on the expiry of the pastoral lease. However, the holder could continue occupation by acquiring a preferential occupation licence (ibid, 2014).

Dundullimal:
Dundullimal reflects this general pattern. Dundullimal is an Aboriginal word meaning 'thunderstorm' or 'hailstorm' and was the name of the local Aboriginal group. The first reference to the name is in September 1838 in a letter written from Dundullimal by H F Gisborne (ibid, 2014).

In 1828 John Maugham, retired army officer, came to New South Wales and became a wealthy merchant. He had the house built, having acquired the property in 1842 (ibid, 2015).

The date on which the area was taken up is unknown. The first recorded occupants were Charles and Dalmahoy Campbell. Dalmahoy applied for a de-pasturing licence in 1836 for the Wellington Valley (ibid, 2014). The actual date of construction of Dundullimal's house is still not known. The central part of the house may be the 'timber hut' recorded in the 1839 census. There are similarities between Dundullimal and Bungarribee at Doonside (Sydney) where Dalmahoy Campbell grew up. Dundullimal may therefore be one of the oldest extant homesteads surviving outside the 19 settled counties of the Colony defined by Governor Darling in 1829. Perhaps the introduction of the Lands Act by Governor Bourke and license granted to Campbell in 1836, provided an impetus for construction of a substantial building? (Mackay, 2004, 18).

By 1839 both Charles and Dalmahoy were listed as the licence holders and H Price was the superintendent. There was a slab hut and woolshed, 25 acres of wheat and stock consisting of 360 cattle, 8 horses and 933 sheep. There were over 20 people in residence; 14 free persons (13 males and 1 female all over the age of 12 years) in addition to 5 male convicts and 1 female convict (ibid, 2014).

Dalmahoy was listed as the only licencee in January 1840 though both he, Charles and Price were listed as licencees from July 1840 to June 1841 and in 1841-1842 'Campbell and Price' held the licence (ibid, 2014).

In 1842 John Maughan was listed as holding the licence, paying the yearly licence on 10 June 1842. In 1844 Commissioner Wright visited Dundullimal and recorded that Maughan was both licencee and superintendent. There were 12 people in residence and there was a cottage, store, kitchen, stable, smithy, woolshed and paddocks. From successive lists it appears that both Maughan and Alexander Cruickshank jointly supervised the run (ibid, 2014).

In 1848 Maughan tendered for and received a lease for Dundullimal. In March 1855, Surveyor Davidson surveyed 160 acres 'applied for by Mr Maughan'. Presumably this would have been a pre-emptive purchase. Maughan was to infact purchase 200 acres though when later surveyed, his block (now Portion 159, Parish Dubbo, County Gordon) was found to be only 196 acres and he was accordingly refunded 7 pounds. The block contained the head station and woolshed and secured access to the Macquarie River (ibid, 2014).

The next owners, E.B. Cornish and W.W.Brocklehurst, were English gentry with influential connections (ibid, 2015).

Dundullimal was advertised for sale in February and March 1858, though it was not until December of that year that ownership of Portion 159 tranferred to E B Cornish and Walter W Brockelhurst. The actual lease of the run was transferred to Cornish and Brocklehurst in February 1859. Cornish and Brockelhurst purchased an area of 440 acres adjacent to Portion 159 under pre-emptive right in 1863 (now Portion 158 Parish Dubbo, County Gordon)(ibid, 2014).

Cornish quit his interest in the run in 1864. The run lease and title of Portion 159 passed to Walter Brockelhurst and his brother, Edward, while title to Portion 158 passed solely to Walter. The latter also selected a further three blocks adjacent to Portion 158 (now Portions 127,128 & 131) and eight blocks downstream of Portion 159 (now Portions 9-16)(ibid, 2014).

In 1870 Brocklehurst returned to England and his inheritance, Hanbury Hall in Cheshire (ibid, 2015).

In 1871 the lease on the run was transferred to Thomas Baird who also purchased all the above freehold portions. Baird continued to purchase land and by 1884 was in possession of over 5000 acres. It was at this time that the Crown Land Act was passed requiring the lessee to divide the run (now a 'pastoral holding') into leasehold and resumed areas. The southern half became the leasehold area and contained a woolshed (in a different location to both the earlier and present woolshed), two wooden cottages, a hut and a number of dams while the northern resumed area contained only a dam and a tank. Both contained amounts of fencing (ibid, 2014).

In 1891 the property was occupied by 13 males, 4 female and 2 male Aborigines.

Thomas Baird died in 1914 and the property passed to his daughters, Kennedy McIntosh Fletcher, Annie E. Baird, Alice L. Palmer and Hannah M. Palmer, as tenants-in-common. In c1927 Hannah Palmer's son Ralph (Pat) Palmer became manager of the property (ibid, 2014).

A watercolour painting by Miss Kennedy Baird and an 1860s photograph proved the houe had indeed been of Palladian composition with balancing pavilions (ibid, 2015).

The Baird family held the property until 1943 when Kennedy Fletcher's quarter share was purchased by Ralph (Pat) Palmer. He continued buying these quarter shares until 1961 when he acquired the final share (ibid, 2014).

Annie Baird and Alice Palmer lived at Dundullimal up until c1950. The last occupant was Wallis Fletcher (a great grandson of Thomas Baird) who vacated the house in c1954. In the following year the house was flooded for the first time. After that time the house was used as a hay shed and cattle shelter. The property was subject to vandalism and it is believed that at one time Ralph (Pat) Palmer considered demolishing the house to prevent further such vandalism occurring (ibid, 2014).

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) gave the property a recorded listing in July 1973 and classified it in May 1986, by when it was severely dilapidated (ibid, 2015).

The property was held under Ralph Palmer's sole freehold ownership until his death in 1982. Palmer's last manager was Kevin Hartley who died in 1986 (ibid, 2014).

The property with the exception of the portion on which the early head station stands is currently owned by the Palmer family and managed by John Macarthur. The family decided to grant the portion of land on which the early head station stands to the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1985 (Le Seuer (2015, 7) cites the date of gifting as 1986. Lucas (2015) cites that in 1985 the buildings and four hectares were gifted to the National Trust by the Palmer family, descendents of Thomas Baird (ibid, 2015).

Richard Mackay (2004, 17) recalls a 1985 visit with Trust representatives as an initial response to an unexpected offer from the executors of the estate of the late Ralph (Pat) Palmer who owned Dundullimal from 1962 until his death in 1982. He recalls errant cows, termites and an ancient, robust Wisteria (climber) had caused much of its northern roof building to collapse and sag. It had rotten base plates and crumbling plaster and was in dilapidated condition. Only by lying down could one appreciate the oblique view north across the Macquarie River.

A Bicentennial Commonwealth government grant, support of Trust Director, the late Peter James and builder Garry Waller, made it possible to restore the complex and it opened to the public in 1988. Later that year the Royal Australian Institute of Architects awarded it the Lachlan Macquarie Award for the best restoration project in Australia (ibid, 2015).

Since then Dundullimal has been used by the National Trust as a working museum (ibid, 2014)

National Trust Magazine (NSW) November 2008-January 2009: An operational windmill and water tanks were reinstated at Dundullimal, dramatically reducing the property's reliance on town water (NTA, 2008).

In 2012-13 the Timbrebongie Church project was undertaken at Dundullimal (NTA (NSW), 2013, v). This old church was relocated from Timbregongie to Dundullimal in 2013 (and is thought to have been owned for 70 years by the uncle of Saint Mary McKillop). The church relocation was funded by a State government community building partnerships grant and donations by Trust members including a targetted appeal (ibid, 2014).

In 2014 a bequest by Barbara West allowed restoration of homestead and stables and major upgrade works to create the Shed Function Centre. November 2013 saw the first wedding held in the Old Timbregongie Church (ibid, 2014).

In 2015 the Shed Function Centre was completed, with modern kitchen and facilities. The farm museum and modern cafe are proving popular with visitors. A recent NSW Community grant of $35,542 allowed the Trust to restore the stock yards and eastern skillion of the shed, which had been deteriorating and collapsed in the storms of 2013-14 (NTA, 2015, 4).

In 2020 internal and external repairs were able to be carried out (Richard Silink, webinar, 6/2020).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local 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.	Gardens-
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.	River flats-
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-
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: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working on private assignment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Cereal production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures fencing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Farming wheat and other grains-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
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	Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
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 countryside of rural charm-
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	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Horse breeding and raising-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Sheep farming for lamb and mutton-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	cattle-
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.	Country Homes-
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.	Worker's Dwellings-
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.	Timber and iron vernacular-
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.	Gentlemens Villas-
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.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
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.	Farm homestead-
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.	Pastoral Homestead-
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.	Shearers' Accommodation-
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.	Living on the land-
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.	Crude huts-
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.	Housing for farm and station hands-
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.	Housing working animals-
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	Early 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	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	Selecting land for pastoral or agricultural purposes-
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	Living on the fringes without formal occupancy-
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	Bounding adminstrative areas-
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	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	Fencing boundaries - wooden post and rail-
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	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
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	Selecting land under Robertson's Land Act 1861-
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	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-
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.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial vernacular-
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.	Applying architectural design to industrial structures-
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.	Interior design styles and periods - Colonial-
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.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
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	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 climate - bushfires-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
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	Tourism-
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-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Maugham, retired army officer, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Campbell, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dalmahoy Campbell, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Alexander Cruikshank, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with E.B. Cornish, English gentry grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with W.W. Brocklehurst, English gentry grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor (Mjr-Gen., later Gnl., Sir) Ralph Darling and Eliza Darling, 1826-1830-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Dundullimal is of State significance as the oldest known extant house situated outside the limits of settlement (the 19 counties proclaimed by Governor Darling in 1826) It is the oldest known squatters residence in this part of New South Wales, having been built c1842. (National Trust Report, 1986)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Dundullimal is the most sophisticated extant slab building in this part of New South Wasles. This sophistocation results from its unique plan form, its unusual and extremely well executed joinery and finish, and its formal relationship to the stables immediately to the south. It has well detailed joinery. Associated with the house is a fine stone stables/barn and a large timber shed which is sympathetic to the earlier buildings. (Lucas, Dawson 1985) (National Trust Report, 1986)
Integrity/Intactness:	Dunudullimal is almost completely unaltered from the time of its construction. (National Trust Report, 1986)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the 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 Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard 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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	01497	01 Mar 02	54	1449
Local Environmental Plan		16 Mar 90
National Trust of Australia register		27 May 85
Register of the National Estate		30 Jun 92

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Dargin, Pat	2011	It's only an old house
Written	Dargin, Pat & Peter Dundullimal Committee Macquarie Regional Committee	1996	Dundullimal Guides Manual & Education Kit
Written	Godden Mackay	1994	Dundullimal Homestead - Plan of Management - Executive Summary; Conservation Plan; Business Plan; Marketing Strategy - Final Report
Written	Kelly, Matthew; and Kannellakis, Christina	1994	Dundullimal Garden Plan
Written	Lavelle, Siobahn	1993	Report on Archaeological Work Dundullimal Dubbo NSW
Written	Le Seuer, Angela	2015	'National Trust celebrates its 70th anniversary'
Written	Le Sueur, Angela	2014	'A Church comes back to Dundullimal'
Written	Mackay, Richard	2004	Dundullimal
Tourism	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2007	Dundullimal	View detail
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2021	"In Review: Conserving Heritage"	View detail
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2015	'Properties and Collection Highlights', in Annual Report 2015
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2013	Museums, Galleries and Collections
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)	2008	Annual Review
Written	National Trust of Australia (NSW)(Clive Lucas, Judy Birmingham, Richard Mackay, Peter James, Ahmad Maad)	1988	Dundullimal Conservation & Management Plan
Written	Silink, Richard & Hayes, Gerry	2014	'Dundullimal Homestead, Dubbo'
Written	Todd, Stephen	2017	'Simply Put - an 1840s homestead of quiet sophistocation'

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

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5051311
File number:	EF10/21019; S91/2006

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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