Colebrook/Campania- A Profile
Colebrook, Campania and surrounds
The area covered by this page ranges from the Midlands Highway along Mud Walls Road and Colebrook Road to Richmond. and includes the townships of Colebrook and Campania.
Jericho was also the location of a substantial ‘probation station’. Work began on the station in 1840, with the unusual choice of ‘pise’ construction.
This method uses rammed earth forced into timber formwork, and a small section of the station (which gave its name to the Mud Walls Road) survives to this day on the old Midlands Highway.
At its peak, the station could house over 300 convicts, most of whom were set to work on the roads.
Convicts from this station also built the stone bridge over Jericho, with an outstation in the tiers above Jericho providing the timbers for the bridge decking.
After turning off the Midlands Highway onto Mud Walls Road, I consider this 46.7 km (35 min.) drive through to Richmond an attraction in itself and just for the cost of fuel.
Take the time to have a look around and a picnic lunch on the way and you can have an extremely inexpensive half day.
There are four listed campsites along its length (and surrounds) should you choose to stay.
Colebrook Park Camp ground
Youcamp Booking Required
63 Craigbourne Road,
Colebrook
0499 527 390
The Craigbourne Dam is a all year round recreational fishing ground and stocks many species of fish i.e. Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout to name a few.
The property is pet friendly park, but patrons are asked to be considerate of the surrounding farmland and livestock.
Contained campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place. Firewood for sale for a small fee (see Extras).
IMPORTANT : Any guest that wish to fish the Craigbourne Dam will be asked to purchase an angling licence for the duration of their stay
Estate Road,
Campania
0409 424 906
Camping in tents is not permitted. You must be fully self-contained and book in advance.
534 Colebrook Road,
Campania
0418 486 686
This paid camp ground offers drinking water and is accessible to RVs, caravans and big rigs.
Camping in tents is not permitted. You must be fully self-contained and book in advance.
Colebrook
The Colebrook Progress Association offers a chance to take a stroll through history and enjoy country hospitality on the 1st Sunday of each month (depending on numbers).
Walk through the village of Colebrook and visit the old Jerusalem Probation Station, St James' Anglican Church, with its beautiful stain glass window, and St Patrick's Catholic Church designed by Augustus Welby Pugin.
The Chimneys
The Chimneys, a National Trust listed building, started life as
the home of the district constable in 1854. It became a convent and
remained so until 1967 when it closed. After the bushfires of 1967 it
became a Bed and Breakfast destination, and today it is a private home.
It is not open for inspection, but from the outside it is easy to admire
its original charm.
Colebrook Court House
The old Colebrook Court House in the town's main street is a
handsome sandstone structure which was built by convicts. It is now a
private residence and is not open for inspection. The convicts built a
gaol adjacent to the Court House at the same time as they were building
the Court House.
St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
Located in Arthur Street, St Patrick's is an interesting Gothic Revival church which was consecrated in January 1857.
Colebrook History Room
Colebrook History Room, located in the park on the former school
site, is open by appointment only. Tel: (03) 6259 7140. The history room
has a wonderful collection of memorabilia, artifacts and information
Campania
The small township of Campania contains several notable examples of colonial architecture and the Flour Mill Park with its bronze sculpture is a nice place to stop for a rest, picnic, BBQ or just relax.
There are BBQ huts and large areas of open space to spread out and relax, making it a popular spot with travellers looking to break the journey from the Midlands Highway to Richmond.
Buildings
The Old Flour Mill (1884) was designed by William Greenlaw for his cousin H.J. Brock. The two-story mill and storage was built adjacent to the railway.
The General Store (1879) was built by J.W. Nichols of Richmond.
St. George's Church (1894) was built and furnished at a cost of 450. Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Brock donated 300 towards the completion of the church.
Campania House (Private Residence) Campania House (right) was built for Lieutenant Gunning in the 1800s
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