History

Out & About

The Braidwood district was discovered by the European community in 1822. Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson (1792 - 1843), a highly respected pioneer of this district, gave his name to the town. A Surgeon Superintendent of convicts transported by the Royal Navy, Dr Braidwood Wilson was a humanitarian and during his several voyages, tried to teach all to read and write.

Cattle and sheep properties developed in the area in the 1820s and 1830s. In the 1850s, Braidwood's population exploded as "gold fever" hit the surrounding region; but, as the gold ran out, the numbers declined and today, Braidwood is listed by the National Trust as an historic town with a population of 1,100.

Nineteenth century architecture dominates the undulating townscape, from workmen's cottages to the larger public buildings. Preservation and restoration are encouraged by the local council and guided by the NSW Heritage Council.

Many of the beautiful early Australian buildings have been restored to their early glory, and now house a variety of businesses, hotels, galleries and sophisticated eating houses. Many writers, quilters, potters and ceramicists call Braidwood home.

The National Theatre Community Centre in Wallace Street, Braidwood, is thought to be the oldest operating picture theatre in Australia. The Braidwood Visitor Information Centre is housed at the Wallace Street entrance to the National Theatre Community Centre.

Braidwood celebrates its historic past each April, at the annual Heritage Festival. Visitors are made aware of Braidwood's diverse past, the turmoil of the gold mining era, the influence of Chinese settlers and the hardworking farmers. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to dress in period costumes to add to the festivity of the day.

Following the discovery of gold in the Araluen Valley in 1851, the infamous bushrangers Ben Hall, the Clarke brothers and the Connell family played their part in the fascinating history of the Palerang Shire.

The Clarke Gang, also known as the "Jingera Mob", held up stores, hotels and homesteads, and shot policemen and "special constables". In January 1867, when the Braidwood Police found the bodies of the four "specials", they wrapped them in bark and buried them nearby. After a few days, Premier Parkes ordered that the bodies be exhumed and brought to Braidwood. Today, a memorial to the four constables can be seen in the Braidwood Cemetery.

Having survived those wild days, Braidwood is now listed by the National Trust. The beautiful buildings from the second half of the 1800s form Braidwood's historical streets cape and interesting original settlers' cottages can be found in the lanes and in the outlying villages.

The old gold mining village of Majors Creek now plays host to "Music at the Creek", held on the first weekend in November. And, while in the vicinity of Nerriga, the adventurous can thrill to the excitement of white-water rafting.

Visitors now enjoy horse riding, bush walking and scenic drives through the very same countryside that was once frequented by the wild colonial boys of bygone days.

You can learn every historical fact there is to know about the local area at the excellent Braidwood museum, which resides in a lovely old stone building opposite the pleasant tree-filled park.

The collection includes over 2100 artifacts and 900 photographs of local origin. A unique attraction is the Nomchong collection consisting of items from the Nomchong family (Chinese traders in the town from the 1870s to the 1990s).

The Museum also features a machinery shed and other rural items displayed in the grounds. A library of local records, newspapers and family histories can be used for research. You can also see the armour worn by Mick Jagger in his portrayal of Ned Kelly in the movie he filmed in and around Braidwood.