Holbrook
29 Aug 2013
There’s something special about a rural town, especially one with as much history as Holbrook.
There’s no rush as you wander through the streets and cattle grazes on some of the best land in the state of NSW, yet there’s still plenty to do in this small town between Melbourne and Sydney.
A little bit of history
Fondly known as the Submarine Town, Holbrook has had several names over the years. The area was originally home to the Wiradjuri people before explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell landed as the first Europeans.
The town was originally named Ten Mile Creek, before being changed to Germanton in 1858 after local German publican of the Woolpack Hotel John Christopher Pabst.
During World War One, the town name, deemed unpatriotic, was changed again to Holbrook, honouring Lieutenant Norman Douglas Holbrook. Holbrook was a decorated wartime submarine captain and recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Five things to do
Leisurely drive
While not an organised tour per se, taking a leisurely drive around the area can be a spectacular activity, especially if the cattle is out and about.
It’s also a wonderful way to get your bearings of the area and witness how the locals are addressing problems such as erosion, declining water quality and salinity.
While you’re driving around, be sure to make a stop at Grimwoods Store Craft Shop. It’s a replica of the first store that popped up in the town.
Submarine town
The name Submarine Town is largely influenced by the presence of HMAS Otway. However, the moniker is also derived from the town’s actual namesake, submarine commander Holbrook.
Today, you can clamber over and around HMAS Otway before entering the Submarine Museum. There you’ll gain a full understanding of how the HMAS Otway ended up in Holbrook, learn about the brave submariners and explore the amazing display of photos and memorability. There’s even some authentic submarine suits and a torpedo.
Pottery anyone?
If you’re passionate about pottery, a visit to the National Museum of Australian Pottery is a must-see. It’s the only museum dedicated to 19th and 20th century Australian pottery.
Close to 1500 pieces of pottery are on display including everything from simple preservation jars right through to elegant water filters. Plus, there’s a range of exceptionally rare examples of pottery made by convict potter Jonathan Leak.
Amble through the bushes
The Ian Geddes bushwalk follows the Ten Mile Creek away from the highway. It’s a tranquil bushwalk with plenty of birdlife to observe as you stroll along the trail. Start the walk behind Grimwoods Craft Store.
Step into the past
Formerly known as the Criterion Hotel, the Woolpack Inn Museum is an historic, heritage-listed building evoking the pioneering past of Holbrook.
The original inn was opened in 1839. After being destroyed by fire in 1895, a new building was built as the Criteron which continued trading until 1965.
The museum, features a large, unique and varied collection, depicting life in the 19th century, including bedrooms, dining room, sitting room and kitchen among others.
Register for the 2013 Probus Rendezvous and stop in at Holbrook along the way.
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