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Picnic at Cooma Cottage and Hume's Heyday Festival

11/4/2015

25 Comments

 
The historic stables at Cooma Cottage, Yass
It was in the 1960s in a fourth grade social studies class that I first learned about the great Australian explorer, Hamilton Hume. The pages of my text books listed his adventures in the era of fellow explorers William Hovell, Charles Sturt, John Oxley, Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson. With this in mind, I feel more than a little excited to be visiting Cooma Cottage, the home of Hamilton Hume. And I've been invited to stay for a picnic lunch, but more about that later.

So, who was Hamilton Hume? In short, Hamilton Hume was born in 1797 on his father's property near Parramatta in New South Wales. Having grown up in the bush, Hume was a skilled adventurer and explorer, and had gained a good understanding of bushcraft and the Australian landscape from the local indigenous people. In 1814, together with his younger brother and an Aboriginal lad, Hume set out on an adventure to find a way through to the Berrima district in the Southern Highlands. In the following two years, he made several more journeys, venturing as far as the Bungonia area. In 1821, Hume accompanied his brother-in-law, George Barber, to the Gunning district, apparently to establish a station. It was at this time that the party discovered Lake George and the Yass Plains. By the next year, Hume and Alexander Berry had travelled along the south coast to the Clyde River, exploring inland regions around what is now Braidwood. Incidentally, I might just throw in that it was Berry who introduced Hume to fellow explorer, Captain William Hovell. 

Of course, Hume is best known for his controversial 1824 expedition with said William Hovell, on which the pair trekked from Gunning in NSW to Corio Bay, Geelong. This was the expedition that saw the discovery of the overland route between Sydney and what is now Melbourne. The eleven-week journey was extremely difficult and covered more than 900 kilometres of crossing mountains and rivers. Stories from the time tell of the squabbles that soon erupted between Hovell and Hume, resulting in a brief parting of company. There's even talk of them bickering over who should take ownership of a frypan, and cutting a tent in two! This quarrel was to continue for many years after their return. 

In 1839, with grants rewarded for his discoveries, Hume purchased a bungalow and stables on 100 acres of sheep grazing land in the Yass Valley, near the Yass River. He spent the next twenty years enthusiastically building a series of extensions, which included a fashionable portico and various wings. Hamilton Hume died in Cooma Cottage, in 1873. His wife, Elizabeth, died thirteen years later. They are buried side by side at the Yass Cemetery.

Cooma Cottage: a National Trust Property...

According to tour guide, Dr Rick Williams, Manager of Cooma Cottage, because Hamilton Hume lived in the property for some 30 years after his days as an explorer ended, the significance of the property is huge. 'Cooma Cottage is the only 'standing' property that one of Australia's explorers actually lived in. It's era and how it was put together, what it's made of, the floor plan and structure are all significant. If it hadn't been for Hume owning this house, it probably would have been in complete ruins by now. In fact, the National Trust restored the property because it had been built and owned by Hume,' Dr Williams explains, as he leads the tour of the property.

So now, let's take a tour of Cooma Cottage...

Old bell at Cooma Cottage in the Yass Valley of NSW - image by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Brass bell in the entry hall of Cooma Cottage in the Yass Valley
Kitchen table at Cooma Cottage by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Kitchen table, fireplace and accoutrements
Cobwebbed mantle in the kitchen at Cooma Cottage
Candlestick on the mantle in the kitchen
Lacy curtains look out to the garden at Cooma Cottage
Lace curtains on the window at the front of the kitchen
Old enamel cup on the kitchen table at Cooma Cottage
Old enamelware cup on the kitchen table
Shelves in the larder at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
The dusty larder - a fascinating collection of kitchenware
Mortar and pestle in the larder at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Mortar and pestle in the larder, together with pie dishes
Old scales and kitchenware at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Kitchen scales, bakeware, timber utensil and candlestick in the larder
Water pitcher and lavender sprays on windowsill at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Water pitcher and sprays of lavender on windowsill (note the wallpaper)
Old enamelware and a flour cannister in the larder at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Pile of enamelware and a flour cannister in the larder
Carved furniture against wallpaper at Cooma Cottage in Yass - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Carved timberwork against the papered walls
Little girl ornament against wallpaper at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
A porcelain ornament on a shelf against the wallpaper
Child's bedroom at Cooma Cottage Yass - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Child's or guest bedroom - Hume and his wife had no children
Bowl of nuts on lace at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Glass dish with assorted nuts on a side table and doily
Walnut chair against wallpaper
Walnut chair in the corner of the room
Ornately carved furniture against wallpaper at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Decorative work on timber furniture against the wallpaper

The grounds at Cooma Cottage... 

Cottage garden against the house at Cooma Cottage Yass - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Cottage garden at the side of the homestead
Fencing at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Timber gate post in the side garden
Quinces growing in the garden near the outbuildings at Cooma Cottage Yass - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Quinces in the orchard near the outbuildings
Old chair in the garden at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Colonial chair sits outside near the rear verandah
Buddleja davidii or butterfly bush at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Buddleja or butterfly bush at the side of the cottage
Sheep with baby lambs at Cooma Cottage in Yass, NSW
Sheep with baby lambs in the garden at the cottage
160-year old olive tree at Cooma Cottage with Australian landscape in the background - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Sheep shelter in the shade of a 160-year old olive tree
Weathervane on the stables at Cooma Cottage - Liz Posmyk Good Things
The weathervane on the stables at Cooma Cottage
Historic stables at Cooma Cottage Yass - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Historical stables at Cooma Cottage
The historic stables at Cooma Cottage in Yass NSW
The stables and a colonial wagon at Cooma Cottage

Dr Rick Williams, Manager of Cooma Cottage and knowledgeable tour guide... 

Rick Williams, Manager of Cooma Cottage
Dr Rick Williams, Manager, Cooma Cottage

Thyme to Taste deli - picnic at Cooma Cottage...

I mentioned at the top of this article that I was invited for a picnic lunch at Cooma Cottage. The picnic was created by Thyme to Taste, best known as 'the little deli and café' in Yass. Cured meats, roasted vegetables, locally-grown fruit, Homeleigh Grove olives and Small Cow Farm cheeses were amongst the goodies. There was also Pastor's Pleasure pork pie made with free-range pork from Boxgum Grazing, served with ploughman's pickle and salad. I particularly enjoyed the free-range duck terrine made by Kim de Poorter. Local wines were also served. Lunch was finished with freshly-picked, sun-ripened figs from a tree by the outhouses of the Cottage. All in all, it was delicious.
The rear verandah at Cooma Cottage in Yass NSW
The perfect place for an autumn picnic
Picnic lunch provided by Thyme to Taste deli in Comur Street Yass - image by Liz Posmyk, Good Things
My picnic hamper from Thyme to Taste
Figs, berries and cheese from Thyme to Taste - photo Liz Posmyk Good Things
Small Cow Farm cheese, rice crackers and locally grown fruit
Duck Terrine with a garden salad from Thyme to Taste - photo by Liz Posmyk
Duck terrine and a garden salad
A plate of freshly picked figs from the garden at Cooma Cottage - photo by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Freshly-picked sun-ripened figs from the garden
Basket of baguettes - Thyme to Taste picnic at Cooma Cottage
A basket of baguettes
Big old trees in the rear 'garden' at Cooma Cottage, great place for a picnic - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Australiana - the 'backyard' at Cooma Cottage

Hume's Heyday Festival: your chance to visit Cooma Cottage... 

As it happens, the annual Hume's Heyday Festival will be held at Cooma Cottage on Sunday, 26 April 2015, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The festival presents life in the mid 19th century and celebrates Hamilton Hume, his life in Colonial times, and his home. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a ride in a Cobb & Co carriage or have their silhouette portrait cut out by a local artiste. Demonstrations include cow milking, blade shearing, horse ploughing, pole-lathe turning, black-smithing and side-saddle riding. There will also be a fun tug-of-war match, small cart rides for children, an egg tossing contest, a puppet show, wine and olive oil tastings, a petting pen and road coach display. 

Experience life in Colonial times at Cooma Cottage Yass - image Good Things
See how life was lived in the 19th century at Cooma Cottage
Lunches, tea, coffee and ice-cream will be available, and entertainment includes live music, poetry recitals and colonial games. Local artwork, local wine and local jams will also be for sale. Entry cost is $10.00 for adults. Children under 15 years of age are free.
Picture
Old farm equipment outside the picket fence at Cooma Cottage

Hume and Hovell walking track...

According to a guide map produced by the NSW Department of Lands, "the Hume and Hovell Walking Track follows the famous footsteps of Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their expedition to Port Phillip in 1824. Starting at a point outside Cooma Cottage, the track stretches more than 440km between Yass and Albury, and offers a multitude of visually stunning and historically fascinating walking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts". Plan before you go, as this 21-day walk is said to be 'strenuous' and skirts around mountain ranges, farmland and forest tracks. Shorter walks options are shown on the map. 
The Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Start the Hume and Hovell Walk here
Walk this Way - Hume and Hovell walking track - Liz Posmyk Good Things
Walk this way
Timber bench near the Hume and Hovell walking track - Liz Posmyk Good Things
A timber bench under Eucalypts at the start of the Walk

Thank you...

Good Things would like to thank Yass Valley Tourism, Cooma Cottage, Thyme to Taste, Black Glass Wine Tours and Threesides Media for the generous hospitality during my visit to the Yass Valley. I was accompanied by a lovely little party of food bloggers and Instagrammers.

Cooma Cottage information...

Cooma Cottage is located ten minutes from Yass and 45 minutes from the Canberra CBD, at 756 Yass Valley Way, Yass, NSW, Australia. Opening hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4.00pm. Guided tours and groups of visitors are welcome by appointment. Telephone (02) 6226 1470 for details. Admission fees apply. 

Tell me dear readers, have you heard of Hamilton Hume? And have you ever wondered about life in Colonial times? 
25 Comments
Krista link
12/4/2015 09:57:26 pm

What a fascinating place, Liz! I've not heard of Hume, but I'm fascinated by life in Colonial times. I've been collecting Aussie history books and am looking forward to some down time when I can delve into them. :-)

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:45:46 am

Hi Krista, you will find the story about Hamilton Hume and his explorations very interesting, methinks!

Reply
Frank Burke - Director- Old Hume Highway 31 Limited link
9/8/2015 01:29:28 am

Robert Macklin is nearing completion of an 80,000 word book entitled "Australia's First Hero". the story of Hamilton Hume it is to be professionally published in a few month's time. Robert is a member of our Committee and has in excess of 25 books to his credit plus numerous literary awards.
I feel sure that you enjoy the new CD just produced re the Old Hume Highway. Let me have your email address and I will send you a copy to have a listen to.

Mandy link
13/4/2015 03:38:44 am

Lizzy, thank you so much for sharing Cooma Cottage with us - what a treat. Your picnic basket is a perfect and moreish luncheon.
Have a lovely day.
:-) Mandy xo

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:46:03 am

Hiya Mandy! Thanks so much for your kind words... that picnic hamper was delish!

Reply
John / Kitchen Riffs link
13/4/2015 05:13:52 am

What a fun place to visit! I love visiting historic sites. This is my kind of place! Thanks for introducing me to it.

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:46:19 am

John, thanks ever so much! You'd love to visit this one!

Reply
Francesca link
13/4/2015 11:21:37 am

A lovely part of NSW.

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:46:37 am

The Yass Valley really is lovely and has so many hidden gems!

Reply
Hotly Spiced link
13/4/2015 02:15:13 pm

Gorgeous Lizzy. I just love all the history and I can just imagine there would be some blow-ups on a 900km journey but I doubt I would want to rip a tent in two! My husband is a descendent of Gregory Blaxland and we love all this sort of history xx

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:47:19 am

Oh Charlie, wow... that IS fascinating! I had no idea about the connection between your husband and the explorer Blaxland! Thanks for sharing xo

Reply
Joanne T Ferguson link
13/4/2015 03:17:04 pm

What a lovely post that brightened my day Lizzy!
I love learning about all Australia people, explorers and Australian history!

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:47:32 am

Me too Joanne, thanks for your very kind words!

Reply
Eha
13/4/2015 03:20:20 pm

Living a bare 15 minutes drive from the Hume Highway twixt Sydney and Melbourne I am more than delighted to learn about the background story of the guy - was ignorant of most since I kind'of was a young married gal at the time you learned of this in school :) ! Would love to visit and perhaps one day shall . . . that mortar and pestle aren't half bad for 'borrowing', are they?

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:48:17 am

Hi Eha... you are not too far away at all from all that history, my friend, that is for sure! Cooma Cottage is a fascinating place to visit, and the Yass Valley is just beautiful! Add them to your list x

Reply
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef link
13/4/2015 04:46:19 pm

I learned about Hume and Hovell when I lived in Albury Wodonga. There's the Hume Highway, we had our office on Hovell street and there's the tree in Hume Street Albury that means something. :)

I would LOVE Cooma Cottage! (and the picnic)

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:48:41 am

Ah, full marks Ms Maureen! Thank you for your kind words!

Reply
Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
13/4/2015 08:49:00 pm

what a great visit and the picnic lunch looks good. I hope the nuts on display in the cottage were fresh ;)

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:49:16 am

Thanks Tandy, it was a great visit and a delicious lunch from Thyme to Taste! I think I can safely say that the walnuts and peanuts were not antiques! : )

Reply
David link
14/4/2015 03:30:30 am

Gorgeous photos, Liz! I drooled a both when I saw the quince and figs. I also love the house - it reminds me of one of the house plans we drew up when we bought land here in the desert. We never ended up building but I can imagine that was our house!

Reply
Lizzy
16/4/2015 11:49:58 am

Oh wow, David, how interesting. Yes, I could have photographed those quinces from all angles! And the figs were plump and delicious! Thanks for your kind words.

Reply
Chopinandmysaucepan link
21/4/2015 05:58:53 am

Dear Lizzy,

Thanks for a lovely tour. Some of those artifacts seem priceless.

Reply
Amanda @ Gourmanda link
9/5/2015 08:40:10 pm

This is going to sound really stupid, but I'd never thought about who Hamilton Hume was, even though I've taken the overland route between Sydney and Melbourne a dozen times before!

Reply
Tracey Ballerini
9/1/2017 04:37:06 am

Hi Liz,
My Husband Rocky and we're married at Cooma Cottage 31st December 2005
It was absolutely stunning!
As we had a old world themed wedding
It's wonderful to see that it's been managed again as I know when Mr Ostendorf left it started to get run down. We went back 2012 for our Wedding anniversary and toasted under the tree just off the cottage .

Reply
Susan Bell link
10/2/2018 12:32:31 am

Hi - there is now a great local management committee and experienced guides to walk our visitors through the property. We would welcome both returning and new visitors.

Susan Bell

Reply

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