Tocal Homestead

Tocal Homestead One of Australia's oldest working farms. A historic site offering tours, weddings & accommodation.
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It was a race against the clock yesterday for the Spinning Knitwits in the International Back to Back Wool Challenge! Th...
15/06/2026

It was a race against the clock yesterday for the Spinning Knitwits in the International Back to Back Wool Challenge!

This talented team, who claimed the World Champion title in 2018, set out to blade shear a sheep, spin the wool, and knit a jumper — all in under 8 hours.

A huge effort, plenty of teamwork, and a lot of skill went into the challenge.

The day also included other sheep shearing demonstrations, weaving demonstrations and a plant and woollens trading table.

So, what do you think the Spinning Knitwits final time was for 2026?

Join us this Sunday at the Tocal Homestead Function Centre for the 30th International Back-to-Back Wool Challenge, start...
10/06/2026

Join us this Sunday at the Tocal Homestead Function Centre for the 30th International Back-to-Back Wool Challenge, starting at 9am.

Watch the talented Spinning Knitwits team shear a sheep, spin the wool and knit a jumper in under 8 hours!

* Blade shearing demonstrations
* Craft and weaving displays
* Back-to-Back Beanie Competition (10:30am)
* Refreshments available from Friends of Tocal
* Trading table with plants and woollens

A great day out for wool lovers, crafters and families. Bring along your knitting or crochet project and enjoy the atmosphere!

Tocal Homestead also open for tours (entry fee applies)

Attention Agricultural students! Applications are now open for the Warakirri Cropping Graduate Program 2027. Warakirri ...
09/06/2026

Attention Agricultural students! Applications are now open for the Warakirri Cropping Graduate Program 2027. Warakirri Cropping's Grad Program has been successfully running for 10 years and is offering a two-year, hands-on development program. It's designed for those ready to start their careers in broadacre cropping and want to become a Farm Manager. The program includes two on-farm placements across key cropping regions in Australia and offers structured training, mentoring, and real-world experience in a values-driven, sustainability-focused organisation.

Key details:

Link to job advert: https://smrtr.io/z5rQc
Applications close: 29 June 2026
Program start: January 2027
Contact: Niki Bosman, [email protected]

Where country charm meets timeless romance. ✨🤍Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by rolling hills, historic buildings, a...
05/06/2026

Where country charm meets timeless romance. ✨🤍

Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by rolling hills, historic buildings, and stunning Hunter Valley sunsets. Join us at the Tocal Homestead Wedding Open Day and experience the beauty of our venue for yourself.

💍 Saturday, 27 June 2026
💍 9:00am – 12:00pm

Whether you’re newly engaged or finalising your plans, our wedding coordinators would love to welcome you and help bring your wedding vision to life.

Register here:
https://www.stickytickets.com.au/2dlzay/tocal_homestead_open_day.aspx

📸

31/05/2026

It’s been 156 years since the death of the notorious bushranger Captain Thunderbolt, also known as Fred Ward.

Before becoming one of Australia’s most famous bushrangers, Fred Ward worked at Tocal as a horsebreaker. He later forged the legend of Captain Thunderbolt—a story that has become an enduring part of Australian history and continues to captivate people more than a century and a half after his death.

Have you explored Thunderbolts connection to Tocal?

Visit us on the 4th Sunday of the month, next opening Sunday 28th June and you can see Thunderbolts cottage which was built in the late 1830s.

Step back in time at Tocal Homestead with a school excursion. Our educational programs give infant and primary students ...
30/05/2026

Step back in time at Tocal Homestead with a school excursion.

Our educational programs give infant and primary students the chance to discover how people worked and lived on an Australian farm more than 150 years ago.

Through hands-on activities, storytelling and heritage farm chores, students explore historic buildings, hear stories from the past and gain an understanding of what life was like for children their own age living in another era.

Students and teachers alike enjoy a structured, engaging and memorable day while developing an appreciation for our unique heritage site.

It’s a day filled with a wonderful mix of learning, history and fun in the countryside.

Be sure to tag your school in this post so they can book an excursion at Tocal Homestead.

Our white picket fence gateway, the main entrance to Tocal Homestead, has seen it all. From wedding couples arriving for...
27/05/2026

Our white picket fence gateway, the main entrance to Tocal Homestead, has seen it all.

From wedding couples arriving for their special day, buses filled with school groups and senior tours, visitors attending events and creative workshops — and even flood waters passing through.

12 months apart, these photos are a reminder of the many stories this place holds and the resilience that comes with every season.

Last week was National Volunteer week and we would like to take the time to thank all of our volunteers for their hard w...
25/05/2026

Last week was National Volunteer week and we would like to take the time to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work, passion, and dedication to Tocal Homestead. Their contribution helps keep Tocal Homestead thriving, welcoming, and full of life — we truly couldn’t do it without you. If you are thinking of joining the Friends of Tocal volunteer group, perhaps you would like to help out with our garden group? The garden group meet every second Thursday at Tocal Homestead.

Perhaps gardening is not your thing, well there are plenty of other ways to get involved:
• Helping restore and preserve antique furniture and silverware
• Polishing and caring for our Rolls Royce, Rover and historic farm equipment and machinery
• Assisting with Homestead events, tours and open days
• Baking and food preparation
• Researching and uncovering the rich history and stories of Tocal and its people

For more information on how to join and to learn about the benefits of joining the Friends of Tocal call us on 4939 8901 or email [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering Australia

Step back in time and enjoy a country day out at Tocal Homestead this Sunday 24 May, open from 10am–3pm.Explore the grou...
23/05/2026

Step back in time and enjoy a country day out at Tocal Homestead this Sunday 24 May, open from 10am–3pm.

Explore the grounds with our self-guided audio tours, enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea with our famous homemade scones, or pack a picnic and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

Bring the kids along too — they’ll love seeing the farm animals and exploring the homestead grounds. A perfect family day out in the countryside.

My Maitland Visit Dungog Visit NSW

FLOWER WORKSHOPS with Ela Flora this Sunday 24th May at Tocal Homestead. Set within the historic charm of Blacket Barn, ...
21/05/2026

FLOWER WORKSHOPS with Ela Flora this Sunday 24th May at Tocal Homestead.

Set within the historic charm of Blacket Barn, enjoy a creative morning in the countryside designing your own beautiful arrangement using a ceramic vase and a stunning selection of dried flowers and embellishments.

Your workshop includes:
💐All materials and tools
💐 Refreshments
💐 Step-by-step guidance
💐 A relaxed and inspiring rural setting

Perfect for a catch-up with friends, a creative escape, or simply trying something new.

Only 4 spots left, book now.

https://www.elaflora.com.au/book-a-workshop/p/driedvaseworkshop2

Address

957 Tocal Road
Paterson, NSW
2421

Telephone

+61249398901

Website

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