The Richmond Vale Railway Museum is located just outside of Kurri Kurri New South Wales. Run by volunteers, it is set in the old Pelaw Main colliery and aims to preserve local railway history. Unfortunately a bushfire went through the area in early 2018, destroying a large section of track and many old wagons that were in storage. The volunteers have restored some of the track, so the trains are running again, but not out to the old colliery. You do however get to ride in a steam train.
Bushfire Damaged Carriages
The entry fee allows access to the grounds, manager’s residence and the steam train ride. The old colliery buildings and processing plant are fenced off for safety reasons, but you can still take photos as the view through the fence is good. Unfortunately, when we visited the old manager’s residence was locked, so we couldn’t look through the interior. However, it was worth a look around the outside of this impressive looking building.
Manager’s Residence
On the grounds, you will find a nicely preserved old steam train and the steam train ride. The train runs regularly, so don’t worry if you miss it. The ride is not very long but enjoyable.
Steam Train Ride at the Museum Richmond Vale Railway Museum Steam Train Ride Steam Train at Richmond Vale Railway Museum
There is a small playground, where children can climb over a small train engine. Nearby a miniature train provides rides for visitors.
Old Coal Wagons Old Mine Processing Plant
To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
Located in Denman a small town in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, the Denman and District Heritage Village has an extensive and unique exhibition made up of objects and artefacts. Donated primarily by local Jeff Wolfgang, the exhibits are housed in a beautiful, new building that opened in November 2023.
Run by a staff of volunteers, the museum is bright and spacious with lots of room around the displays. Unlike many local museums, this one is not over-crowded with exhibits getting in each others way. It was easy to move around and view all of the items on display.
With its location in a farming district, it’s not surprising that there is a lot of farm equipment, from the first Caterpillar dozer to old cheese making presses and butter churns. A significant portion of the items on display are cars. For a small museum, it’s an impressive collection and worth the visit in itself.
Obviously passionate about the museum, the volunteer staff were great to talk to, with stories about the displays and their history.
Farm Equipment
1929 2 Ton Caterpillar1929 2 Ton Caterpillar1911 International Auto WagonCheese PressButter ChurnsTorpedo WasherHorse Buggy
Cars
1906 Darracq 7hp
1906 Darracq 7hpFront view of the 1906 Darracq 7hp1906 Darracq 7hpEngine of the 1906 Darracq 7hp
1910 Brush Penny Car
1910 Brush Penny CarFront view of the 1910 Brush Penny Car1910 Brush Penny CarRadiator and name plate 1910 Brush Penny CarLight and horn 1910 Brush Penny Car
1927 Whippet
1927 WhippetFront view of the1927 Whippet1927 WhippetFront seat 1927 Whippet
Buick
Buick
1938 Standard
1938 StandardFront view of the 1938 Standard1938 Standard
1934 Austin 7
Front right view of the 1934 Austin 71934 Austin 71934 Austin 7
1958 Gogomobil
Front view of the 1958 Gogomobil1958 Gogomobil1958 Gogomobil
1900 Locomobile Steam Car
Locomobile 1908 Steam Car1900 Locomobile Steam CarA 1900 Locomobile Steam Car1900 Locomobile Steam Car1900 Locomobile Steam Car
1913 Sunbeam
Front view1913 Sunbeam1913 SunbeamFront seats of the 1913 Sunbeam1913 Sunbeam1913 SunbeamBack seats of the 1913 Sunbeam1913 Sunbeam Front Seats1913 Sunbeam Front Seats
Although outdated and no longer in use, the Maitland Gaol in NSW Australia is now a tourist attraction. Several options are available when visiting, guided tours, self guided tours or a guard tower tour. We chose the last option, as this takes you up onto the walls of the gaol, providing better views over the buildings. The guide also gives a commentary full of interesting information. Additionally, you can do the self guided tour when you finish on the walls.
Getting There
Located in East Maitland NSW Australia, the gaol has its own car park, so self -drive is usually not a problem.
Watch Towers
Before undertaking the tour, a safety talk ensures that you understand the risks and behaviour expected. The main risks are heights and enclosed spaces. These are all managed with guard rails, but if you suffer from heights and enclosed spaces, the guard tower tour might not be for you.
Climbing to the top of the tower is via a modern metal spiral staircase inside one of the towers. Once at the top, you are safely enclosed by a metal frame and mesh wire. The view from the top is amazing, providing views over the gaol. The hour long tour took us along the walls where guards used to patrol and through several towers.
Guard TowerStairs up to the watch towerOuter WallWalkway on the wallDividing Wall and Razor Wire
Prison Cells
Originally opening in December 1848, Maitland Gaol did not close until January 1998. By this time it no longer met community standards.
The cells and exercise yards are open for visitors to explore where you get to see the conditions the prisoners were held in. The rooms are small and basic reflecting the times in which they were built.
Gaol CellsGaol CellB-Wing CellsExercise Area
Buildings
Built of sandstone, the buildings are impressive in size and certainly look substantial and difficult to escape from.
In addition to the cell blocks, there is a chapel with stain glass windows where religious services took place weekly.
As the number of prisoners increased over time, the gaol expanded. This is best seen from the guard towers where the original wall now runs down the centre of the gaol forming a dividing wall.
At this time a building for female prisoners was added. It originally had a balcony and doors facing into the gaol. Later, the women were relocated to another facility and the balcony was removed and the doors filled in. Different coloured sandstone in the walls shows where this happened.
A-Wing and the ChapelLooking at A-Wing from the Watch TowerDividing Wall and Razor WireThe old Female Section (rear) and day-cells. The different sandstone blocks show where the doorways onto the balcony used to be.Stained Glass Windows in the ChapelThe Kitchen Workers’ Cells
Other Buildings Nearby
Opposite the gaol is the East Maitland Courthouse. This building is still operating as a children’s’ court, so access is restricted. However, if the court is closed, you can enter the carpark and see the front facade.
Located next to the gaol on Lindesay Street are the old Mounted Police Barracks. Used by the Maitland and Beyond Family Heritage, it is generally closed to the public. However the outside of the buildings can be viewed from the road.
East Maitland Court HouseMounted Police BarracksMounted Police Barracks
