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.

BMHS June Excursion – Female Factory and St John’s Cemetery

June 17, 2026 8:30 am

The visit to the Female Factory and St John’s Cemetery will present an excellent opportunity for members to inspect buildings critical to Australia’s early colonial

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BMHS Management Committee Meeting

June 19, 2026 10:00 am

The BMHS Management Committee meets on the the 3rd Friday of each month. Society members are welcome to attend the meeting. Please contact the Secretary,

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BMHS – Tarella Historic Cottage Open Day

June 28, 2026 10:00 am

The Blue Mountains Historical Society (BMHS) will conduct a Community Open Day at Tarella, its Historic Cottage Museum. Visitors are invited to view this fine

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RECENT POSTS

Robyne Ridge discusses the recent day excursions / bus tour to Sydney’s Vaucluse House.

The History Of Pharmacies in Katoomba- A Talk by Paul Innes- 6/ 6/26

Scenic World Katoomba – social and historic impact

Splendour Rock – A talk by Keith Maxwell

The Mclaughlins & Tarella, a talk by Robyne Ridge 11/04/2026

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

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 – 17 June 2026

$20.00$45.00

John Britty North – Merchant, Mine Owner & Stockbroker

$35.00

Platinum-Blue Mountains Historical Society at 70

$25.00