Cootamundra Heritage Centre – A Glimpse of the Past
The Cootamundra Heritage Centre is more than just a museum – it is a welcoming place of storytelling, memory, and connection. Since opening in August 2001, the Centre has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Cootamundra and its district. It is housed in the former 1927 Cootamundra Railway Barracks and Rest House, a building with its own unique place in the town’s railway story.
Inside, visitors will discover a thoughtfully curated collection of historical items, photographs, and artefacts that bring the region’s past to life. The Centre is designed around 14 themed rooms, each offering a different perspective on the town’s heritage. Highlights include:
- The Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Training Home – telling the stories of those who lived there as part of the Stolen Generations.
- Cootamundra at War – a moving tribute to local men and women who served their country.
- The Railway Barracks – reflecting the vital role rail played in shaping the town.
- Horse and Harness – celebrating rural traditions and transport.
- Home and Hearth – showcasing the everyday lives of families in earlier times.
- Displays on transport history, aviation, and the RAAF, connecting local history to national stories.
Whether you are tracing family history, exploring Australia’s wartime past, or simply curious about everyday life in years gone by, the Heritage Centre offers something to fascinate every visitor.
Warm, personal, and community-driven, the Cootamundra Heritage Centre truly gives all who enter a “Glimpse of the Past.”
Open 9am – 5pm everyday (except Christmas Day)
Entry by donation.
Address: Railway Complex, Hovell St, Cootamundra
Phone: (02) 6940 2190