FOR almost half a century, Timbertown has stood as one of Wauchope’s most loved attractions, a place where history comes alive through steam, sawdust and storytelling.
It is now being offered for sale for the second time in its history.
The concept of Timbertown began after a report was commissioned in 1970.
The planners had envisaged the re-creation of an 1880 to 1910 working timber settlement.
It became a living museum that would celebrate Wauchope’s strong links to the timber industry and early pioneering life.
The park officially opened to the public on 11 December 1976, marking the beginning of what would become one of the Mid North Coast’s enduring tourist destinations.
Timbertown has offered generations of visitors a window into Australia’s past.
Families gathered to watch the steam train whistle its way around the track, children panned for gold, and visitors stopped for a meal at the café before wandering through the blacksmith’s forge or watching the old sawmill in action.
More than just a tourist park, Timbertown became part of the cultural fabric of the Hastings region.
For locals, Timbertown was never just a destination.
It was a memory-maker.
The rhythmic chug of the locomotive, the scent of freshly milled wood, and the friendly faces brought an authentic warmth that kept visitors returning year after year.
It offered a link to Wauchope’s identity as a timber town and served as a reminder of the region’s proud working roots.
In 2009, Timbertown was sold to the Waite family who officially opened the site on 1 June 2010.
David Waite shared on social media that following 16 years of ownership, he and his wife are retiring.
“Timbertown has been an incredible journey but with [two] recently arrived grandchildren, it’s time for family.
“I have enjoyed being in business for over 35 years but the [seven] days a week is about to change.
“Physically, emotionally and financially the past 16 years [have] been incredibly challenging but we wouldn’t change too much.
“[These] summer school holidays will see the end of being the train driver for the past eight years.
“Thank you so much to my wife and kids who supported my dream.”
Sales agents at Savills informed News Of The Area that Timbertown presents an opportunity for significant tourism and accommodation expansion.
A Development Application was recently submitted for a caravan park expansion.
Leon Alaban, Head of Hotels – National at Savills Australia and New Zealand said, “The scale and location of Timbertown are unmatched on the Mid North Coast.
“The proposed DA for [the] caravan park expansion is just the beginning of what’s possible here.”
Expressions of Interest close Friday 21 November at 2pm.
The sale is expected to fetch upwards of $10 million.
By Sis HIGGINS
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