The Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society was set up in 1967 by interested townspeople. The current Museum building was opened in 1997, and has been extended a number of times to the beautiful complex you see today.

An extensive and exciting range of agricultural plant and machinery is housed in the Gilgandra Rural Museum. Items of interest include:

• The Howard Rotary Hoe - invented in Gilgandra in 1920
• Ridley Stripper
• Ruston & Proctor Steam Traction Engine
• 70 HP electric motor that powered the Castlereagh Gilgandra Flour Mill from the mid 1950's
• Original historic buildings including the Tooraweenah lock-up, the Uargon Subsidised School, shearers quarters from "Bullagreen", and the Book-keeper's Office and residence from "Berida"
• The Mergenthaler Linotype machine used by the Gilgandra Weekly Newspaper from around 1920 for almost 60 years
• An "Iron Turbine" windmill, circa 1876, made in Ohio, USA
• A rare "Plavia" windmill, thought to be the only remaining example in Australia

And so much more!

Group bookings are welcome.

Entry is $5 for adults and children admitted free.

• Location: 6 Castlereagh Street, Gilgandra NSW, 2827
• Open: 9am - 1pm daily and other times by arrangement (Closed Christmas Day)
• Phone: (02) 6847 0806 (during opening hours)
• Email: gilgandramuseum@outlook.com
• Website: gilgandraruralmuseum.com/

Gilgandra Museum is situated on the southern approach to the Gilgandra Township on the Newell Highway. The museum features a large Southern Cross windmill at its front boundary.

Exhibits offer a trip back in time through varied displays which illustrate the area’s long association with agriculture, which has been and is still the industry on which exists. You can see old shearing equipment, horse drawn buggies, a variety of tractors and machinery which have served the farmer well over many years. Of special interest is the Howard Rotary Hoe exhibit. This machine was invented in the area by Arthur Clifford Howard, whose relatives still remain in the district to this day.

Within the grounds can be found the old gaol from Tooraweenah, the Uargon School, Berida Bookkeeper’s Hut, Bullagreen Shearer’s Quarters, Blacksmith’s Shop and other buildings of local interest. Many of these buildings contain items from bygone days from kitchenware to doctors and hospital equipment and even an old ‘chip heater’ in the bathroom.

Also on display are old sewing machines and a collection of musical instruments.

Our comfortable office building is air-conditioned and cool drinks and ice-creams may be purchased. Second-hand books are also popular with visitors who are looking for an interesting and cheap read during their trip away from home. Disabled access is available together with male, female and disabled toilets. There is ample coach and caravan parking.

Gilgandra Museum & Historical Society Inc members are willing to assist with information, are a great source of local knowledge and are willing to show you or your group around the museum.