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
The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.
In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
Two Rivers Wines
Situated just outside Denman, Two Rivers Wines contains a great selection of sculptures.
The ‘Custodians of the Landscape’ sandstone sculptures were carved onsite at Two Rivers in the winter of 2015 by international artist Ben Dearnley. More than 20 tonnes of stone sourced from the vineyard were used to create this unique and compelling project by Ben. His work directly references the ancient art form of stone masonry whilst reflecting our own landscape here at Two Rivers. Ben says that the flowing and dynamic nature of the sculptures reflects the ever changing moods and seasons of the vineyard where growing the vines is a labour of love in tune with nature itself.
There are 8 pieces of Ben’s work situated around the Cellar Door and entry to the vineyard. These pieces whilst all individual have been designed by Ben to collectively reflect the importance he saw that Two Rivers placed on our unique landscape.
https://www.tworivers.com.au/sculptures
While at Two Rivers, don’t forget to sample some of their excellent wines, or have a meal at the restaurant.
Entrance to Two Rivers Wines
Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Grape Vine Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Face Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Face Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Scenery at Two Rivers Wines
Two Rivers Wines Vineyards
Scenery at Two Rivers Wines
Denman
While passing through Denman to Visit the sculptures at Two River Wines, don’t forget to stop in town and explore what is available. Whilst there we visited the main shopping street, Ogilvie Street and a number of cafe’s that served great meals and drinks, we did not get a chance to do the hotels nearby. Ogilvie Street also contains several interesting old buildings, such as the Memorial Hall.
On your way out of town towards Sandy Hollow and the last stop on the Sculpture Trail, keep and eye out for the two old tractors on poles at the entrance to a farm.
Royal Hotel Denman
Ogilvie St, Denman
Denman Memorial Hall Ogilvie St, Denman
Farm Entrance With Tractors
St Matthias Denman Anglican Church
Located at 35 Palace St, Denman NSW, this beautiful old church is not far from the town centre and worth the short walk to drive to visit. Designed by John Horbury Hunt and consecrated in 1875 by Bishop Tyrrell, St Matthias has been operating for over 130 years .
St Matthias Denman Anglican church
St Matthias Denman Anglican church
Sandy Hollow
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park
Located on the Golden Highway at the intersection with Honey Lane, David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to wander through and explore. The magical sculptures and mosaics allow you to relax while you have a break from driving. We loved looking around because of the unique artworks on display.
The setting is also magnificent, giving great views over the surrounding farmland.
This is the last stop on the Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail and contains the largest number of displays. Parking is easy, as the Park fronts onto the highway, with plenty of spaces outside.
There is also an art gallery and cafe on site, but these were closed during our visit.
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Giant Violin at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Mozaic Display at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Lizard Mozaic at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Eagle Sculpture at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Owl Painting David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Eagle Sculpture at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
What Did We Think?
We had a great time following the Sculpture Trail, and enjoyed all three stops. We also liked Denman where we had a coffee and morning tea before heading on to Sandy Hollow.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
