Gresford

The Hunter Valley was locked out to free settlers prior to 1820, which resulted in the first local land grants being made around 1826 when George Townshend (Trevallyn), Charles Boydell (Camyr Allyn) and Alexander Park (Lewinsbrook), all from Wales, received their grants. After encouraging many other welsh settlers to follow locality names in the area continue to reflect these strong Welsh links. They grew tobacco, fruit, wheat and corn which were transported by road to Paterson before being shipped to Morpeth for distribution to local and overseas markets.

Amongst the earliest vineyards in the Hunter Valley grapes were planted by Charles Boydell at Camyr Allyn in the late 1820s, in Gresford with viticulture in the area growing in importance during the 1830s. However history shows that it was with the arrival of Dr Henry Lindeman in 1841, that wine production became a major industry. Dr Lindeman brought a professional approach to the local industry which is found in the area again today with quality boutique wines being produced.

The district is now involved in the production of quality wine, dairy, beef and olives. Organic poultry and vegetable farming is filling niche markets with superb produce both locally and overseas. Small businesses are continually providing specialist products and services to locals and visitors to the district. The tourism industry hosts a growing number of visitors who recognise the magnificent environment, rich history, friendly people and proximity to major centres.

What to do in and around Gresford:

• The Gresford Post Office Store which can provide tourist information
• Beatty Hotel
• St Anne’s Anglican Church and Suspension Bridge
• Lostock Dam
• The Northern Drive
• Natural Furniture Works
• Clevedon (a gracious and impressive building on land originally belonging to the pioneering Townshend family)
• Henry Lindeman's Cawarra Estate (one of Australia's most famous vineyards)
• The Annual Gresford Show
• The Gresford rodeo

Don’t Miss:

• The Northern Drive
• Natural Furniture Works
• “Clevedon” (a gracious and impressive building on land originally belonging to the pioneering Townshend family)
• St Mary’s on Allyn

For More Information:

Dungog Visitor Information Centre:

193 Dowling Street Dungog, NSW 2420
Tel: (02) 49922212
Email: tourism@dungog.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.visitdungog.com.au