Tracing the Footsteps of
Blue Mountains' History

The Blue Mountains Historical Society was established in 1946 by the Blue Mountains Council, later moving to the historic cottage Tarella, which is now used as a museum and is open to the public on the last Sunday of each month from January to November. The Society is housed in a modern building with research rooms, library, kitchen and meeting rooms adjacent to Tarella.

HISTORICAL TARELLA COTTAGE MUSEUM

Come visit our museum, open to the public on the last Sunday of earch month from January to November

HOBBYS RESEARCH CENTRE & LIBRARY

The Research Centre’s normal opening hours are each Tuesday and Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm from mid January to mid December

Unlock Your Home's History

Discover the stories behind your historical property with our donation-based research. Whether you’re a new owner or a history buff, we’ll help uncover the secrets of your house or building’s past.

AGM and monthly talk – Tarella and the story of the Mclaughlin’s (Robyne Ridge)

April 11, 2026 10:30 am

The Blue Mountains Historical Society will conduct its AGM followed by our usual monthly talk. Robyne Ridge will speak about Tarella and tell the story

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BMHS Excursion – Nepean River Cruise, lunch and Selected Penrith Locations

April 15, 2026 8:30 am

The proposed tour for April is a tour and lunch on the Nepean Paddlewheeler Tourist boat. Selected sites in Penrith may also be visited should

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BMHS Management Committee Meeting

April 17, 2026 10:00 am

The BMHS Management Committee meeting on the 3rd Friday of every month, except for January, commencing at 10am. Members are invited to attend as guests.

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RECENT POSTS

The Anzac Day march in Sydney, 1992, as live broadcast by the ABC, digitised from a VHS tape

Dr Catherine Bishop spoke on the topic “Fish Without Bicycles”. This lecture focuses on local Blue Mountains women who earned their own money, independent of men,

The Show Must Go On – The History of Piano players in the Blue Mountains by Colin Semmler. /2/2026

January 2026 Members’ Newsletter

1813: A Tale that Grew in the Telling. A Treasure in the BMHS Library

Blue Mountain Lookouts – A talk by Keith Painter.

Mr Greg North examines Banjo Paterson’s Boer War experiences as a special war correspondent.

‘Colourised ‘ Film footage of Katoomba in the 1920’3, 1930’s and 1950’s

Capturing the Past

Our historical photo archive is a treasure trove of visual history, encompassing snapshots of daily life, iconic landmarks, and significant events that have shaped the area over the years. Members gain access as a part of membership. 

Shop our range of Posters & Books

Excursion fees for Bus Hire and Organisation Expenses

$25.00

John Britty North – Merchant, Mine Owner & Stockbroker

$35.00

Platinum-Blue Mountains Historical Society at 70

$25.00