Woodford Academy - National Trust of Australia NSW

12/10/2026

This lovely young woman is Kathleen Maxwell and her name often appears in the Woodford Academy's collection in letters to Gertie and Jessie, on cards, gifts of books and in this poignant poem written by John McManamey;

To Kathleen

You say you'll come ere many days
now that lush summer makes aglow
the woods and almost sets ablaze
the garden where the roses blow

then if you deem my words have skill
to move in any way at all
these lines be witness of my will
you take them as a threefold call

the garden blooms 'neath Gertrude’s care
the fields re soft to foot and green
our well-known tree, the ancient pear
is thick with shade the sun to screen

Jessie shall deftly brew the tea
Gertrude perfect the scones and cake
and browning `stepping actively
amends for these lame verses make

Kathleen was John's niece, Gertrude and Jessie his daughters and the ancient china pear tree still grows and bears fruit in the Academy grounds.

At our next Open Day on Saturday, 17th October, we'll be featuring images and information about members of the Academy family including John, Jessie and Gertie.

11/10/2026

As part of our celebration of International Family History Month we welcome the Blue Mountains Family History Society to our Open Day on Saturday, the 17th October to talk about facilitating the family history research needs of Blue Mountains residents. They will be talking about their services and resources at 1pm. The Academy will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Mountains-Family-History-Society-Inc/148922978528279

Family History meetings, research and support in the Blue Mountains of NSW Australia

01/10/2026

October is International Family History Month and Woodford Academy celebrates the McManamey family, the last private owners of the oldest building in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains Family History Society will be present to showcase their work and offer advice on researching family histories.
Saturday 17 October
Open from 10 am to 4 pm
Drinks and wonderful cakes available at our volunteer-run cafe
Talk at 1 pm

28/09/2026

Did you know the Bogong Moth is a native species and is endangered. You wouldn't think it with all the moths flying about. Our museum has been inundated.

Each spring, Bogong Moths travel hundreds of kilometres to the Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains, where they provide an important food source for the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum and other alpine wildlife.

For collecting organisations like ours, it's a timely reminder to closely monitor collections such as textiles. We are opening our windows and gently ushering them outside to continue their migration.

You can track your moth sightings here https://mothtracker.swifft.net.au/

Welcome to Moth Tracker, a place to record your Bogong Moth sightings to help the conservation of Endangered Bogong Moths and Critically Endangered Mountain Pygmy-possums.

28/09/2026

The National Trust NSW owns and runs a number of historic houses open to the public which is why we encourage you to become a member of our organisation. Once a member, you get free entry to all our houses, both in NSW and interstate. When you visit Woodford Academy ask us about Membership.

This photo was recently taken during a visit by our hard working colleagues in the southern properties who run our sister sites, Retford Park, Harper's Mansion, and Goldenvale. It was a pleasure to host them here at Woodford and tell them all the rich stories of the oldest building in the Blue Mountains.

27/09/2026

Saturday afternoon was a perfect time to welcome participants of the ‘Looking at Architecture Weekend’ with a refreshing drink and delicious canapés while relaxing in the evening light in the Woodford Academy courtyard, including the chance to visit the ceramic studio of Caitlin Hepworth.

26/09/2026

A big thank you to Jack from All Locks who came to the rescue on Thursday when the door lock to a very important comfort facility was broken. His speedy response and quick repair ensured our visitors were not inconvenienced. https://all-locks.com.au/blaxland/

23/09/2026

A wonderful day of heritage, art and community at Woodford Academy at our Open Day on Saturday ❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us to explore the Academy, hear from our Artist in Residence Peta Hinton, and enjoy the atmosphere of this special historic place.

artistinresidence whatsonbluemountains

18/09/2026

A little look back at some lovely moments from our August Open Day 💫

We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our next monthly Open Day tomorrow, Saturday 19 September, with the Woodford Academy open from 10am–4pm.

At 1pm, join us for a special talk by our new Artist in Residence, Peta Hinton 🎨

Our volunteer-run café will also be open, serving hot drinks and delicious sweet treats as usual ☕🍰
A special thank you to Alice Owens Wheeler Gunning For Cakes and Sustainable + Organic Bakery in the Blue Mountains for their generous cake donations to our café — they are always very much appreciated! ❤️

We hope these snapshots from August give you a taste of the day, and we’d love to see you at the Academy tomorrow!

16/09/2026

🌿 Research mode: ON

Artist in Residence Peta Hinton has just started her residency at Woodford Academy, and it looks like she’s already getting into the research! 👀🌿

This OPEN DAY Saturday 19 September, Peta will also be joining us for an ARTIST TALK at 1pm, sharing more about her practice and what fascinates her about Woodford Academy.

Come along, and hear Peta talk about her work and creative practice

📍 Woodford Academy
🗓️ Saturday 19 September
🕐 Artist Talk 1pm