As one of Australia’s early pioneering regions, Wollondilly has railway heritage, stories of early settlers, and surprising discoveries. If you love history, you’ll find your something on this historic day trip. If you can’t fit it all into one day, don’t rush. Just skip a few stops and come back for a second daytrip. You’re always welcome in the Dilly.

Historic Wollondilly Day Trip

In the early hours of the morning on the 17th of April 1816, under orders from Governor Lachlan Macquarie and the British Government, colonial soldiers commanded by Captain James Wallis shot at and drove a group of Aboriginal men, women and children over the gorge. Fourteen lives were counted as lost however the true number will never be known.

The site acknowledges the impact this day had and continues to have on the Aboriginal people of this land.

Learn more from our Appin Massacre Memorial Audio Guide.

[https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-2-appin-massacre-memorial?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing](https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-2-appin-massacre-memorial?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing)

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Appin Massacre Memorial

This is a unique opportunity to admire one of the finest Regency Gothic churches in Australia, while you wander around the grounds and discover the many historic headstones.

Listen to the audio guide for more history of St Bede’s.

[https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-4-st-bedes-catholic-church?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing](https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-4-st-bedes-catholic-church?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing)

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St Bede's Catholic Church Appin

The Appin Hotel is a much-loved local landmark with a history spanning more than a century. The current hotel building was constructed in 1930, replacing the original Royal Hotel, which operated on this important route through Appin from the 1840s. After the Royal Hotel was destroyed by fire, the present-day building was established, continuing the site’s long tradition as a welcoming stop for locals, travellers and the wider community. Today, the Appin Hotel remains at the heart of Appin life, offering a bistro, sports bar and kids’ playground while continuing its role as a gathering place for community events, live music and sporting celebrations. The pub has also played a significant role in local sport, with the foundations of Appin rugby league beginning here in 1990 when a steering committee first met with the publican to discuss forming the club. More than just a pub, the Appin Hotel is a place where generations of locals have shared stories, celebrated milestones and created memories.

Appin Hotel

It was one of the first Inns to have a liquor licence on the Appin Road providing accommodation for travellers. The building was purchased by Andrew Lysaght in 1912. He demolished most of the building and rebuilt it as a boarding house which he renamed “Carrollan” after his wife’s family. The Langdon family also operated it as a guest house, then it became a private residence. The building had been unoccupied since 2004 and was in an extremely poor state of repair. After falling into disrepair, the historic building was saved from collapse through a $1.2 million restoration by the Walker Corporation in 2018.

Old Appin Inn

Step back in time with the Appin Historical Society, a passionate community group dedicated to preserving and sharing Appin's rich history. From early settlement stories to treasured local memories, the Society plays an important role in keeping the town's heritage alive. Based in the beautifully restored stone cottage at 78 Appin Road, the Society welcomes locals and visitors eager to discover Appin's unique story. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, it's the perfect place to explore local history, research family connections, browse fascinating displays, or chat with knowledgeable volunteers. For a memorable experience, join one of the Society's popular ghost tours and uncover Appin's intriguing past after dark.

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And while you’re in Appin, stop at the famous award winning Appin Bakery on Appin Road for some of their freshly baked bread, sweet treats, pastries and specialty cakes.

Appin Historical Society Inc Australia

At the time of its construction from 1902 to 1907, Cataract Dam was one of the biggest engineering products in Australia and the fourth biggest in the world. Cataract Dam is 56 metres high and 247 metres long with a catchment area of 130 square kilometres. Cataract was the first of the four dams constructed to collect water from the Illawarra Plateau.

Learn more from our Cataract Dam audio guide.

[https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-1-cataract-dam?in=ltd-176190200/sets/historic-dilly-1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing](https://soundcloud.com/ltd-176190200/history-dilly-ep-1-cataract-dam?in=ltd-176190200/sets/historic-dilly-1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing)

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