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Herberton Historic Village, an extensive private
collection of Australiana located in the town of Herberton on
the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland, re-opened to the
public after major restoration work on 5th April 2009 The collection, currently consists of over 40 original buildings with intact interior displays, original machinery and vehicles, plus thousands of antique items and period memorabilia, is regarded as the most significant private collection ever assembled in Queensland A showpiece attraction in Herberton for 26 years, it was off limits to the public for the past six years when escalating public liability costs forced its closure in 2003 The village is the work of two lifetimes Collectors Harry Skennar and his wife Ellen, who were inspired to salvage and re-assemble the relics, were recognised by the Tablelands Regional Council in 2009 when they were the recipients of its inaugural Australia Day Citizens of the Year Award There is a traditional blacksmith’s workshop, a camera shop, a fully restored Axeman's Hall of Fame, lockups, a carpenters' tool shed, butcher’s shop, garage (complete with a working 7-tonne Ruston engine), a bootmaker, photographer, music shop, radio store, sewing machine shop and ladies salon, toy store, printers, newsagent, a fully stocked display grocer store and Cobb & Co agency The Cashmere Slab Hut shows how families lived in the late 1800s, with its kitchen, dining room and bedroom restored to reflect the pioneers' way of life Of significant local interest in the collection is the heritage-listed Bishop Feetham's cottage, the old Herberton ANZ bank and the original Herberton State School ... over 300 square metres of wooden building transported from its original town location to the banks of the Wild River and Harry's village vision The centrepiece of the village is the Tin Pannikin Pub, built by Harry in the style of Ken Maynard's famed Ettamoggah Pub and topped off with an actual 1926 Essex ute set into its roof line In 2010, onsite accommodation was added with the unique restoration of the 100 year old Julatten Farmhouse The two bedroom building features a broad verandah overlooking the Wild River, and offers an exclusive, after hours perspective on the Village complex for pre-arranged visitors The Village has experienced a rebirth and is now once again a source of pride as a rich tapestry of Australia's past In January 2010, Herberton Historic Village received a significant accolade with the project being recognised by the Tablelands Regional Council in the Australia Day Awards in the category of Development of Commerce and Industry Herberton Historic Village owners Craig and Connie Kimberley believe this Award is particularly significant since the Village is a showcase of vintage Australia "The Village is dedicated to exhibiting the history of the pioneers of this country, and we couldn't be prouder to see it honoured by an Australia Day Award" Admission prices valid until 31 January 2011 are set at: Adults $24 Children $12 Concession $20 Family (2x2) $65 |
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