A wonderful museum and cafe to visit, New Italy, NSW

I have a passion for history. Not the stale history in the school curriculum books but the live history as passed down though generations of a family who have cherished and preserved their heritage.

Post and rail fences and old drays have me purring with joy to see.  I only know of half a dozen in all my Australian travels. I'm sure there are more. These totally nail-free constructions are well over a century old. This one is at New Italy in the north east coast of NSW.

The Italians in Australia

Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best

New Italy, is a great place for food buffs and history lovers it is just off the Pacific Highway, 12 km south of Woodburn.

These Italians were basically 'boat people.' They left their old country over a century ago to come to an Island continent near New Guinea and begin a new life.  They arrived in Australia at a time when Visas and entry permits were unheard of and needed to be granted permission to stay.  The ten Italian families settled this area near Woodburn and made fine wine and silk, began a school and called this area, New Italy.

The museum tells the history of their journey here by ship and the early settlement in Australia. It is interesting learning the history of these resilient people who made Australia their home and added so much to our culture.

Excellent food, coffee, clean amenities and plenty of parking for the caravan make this a pleasant place to break the journey.

New Italy

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