Last updated 2Jul19

Gregorys Homestead (new Orroral Homestead)

Gregorys Homestead (new Orroral Homestead) is located next to Orroral Homestead in the Namadgi National Park.

Location: House – GR 55H FA 77444-53978 (MGA94); Orchard GR 55H FA 77410-53967 (MGA94), Rendezvous Creek 8626-1S 1:25000


Gregorys house, July 2012


Collapsed pen and metal tank at Gregory’s site, January 2011


Gregory’s orchard, May 2008

Visits: 14 May 11, 3 Jan 11, 27 May 08, 9 Jun 03

Photographs are available.

Documentation:

• KHA Namadgi database (private source). Site 871. The last ‘homestead’ built in the Orroral Valley (soon after the end of WWII), this house was used by NNP staff during the late 1980s, but then suffered vandalism when it became vacant.  It was removed in 1991 leaving just foundations and chimney.

• Gudgenby: A register of archaeological sites in the proposed Gudgenby National Park, J H Winston-Gregson MA thesis, ANU, 1978. Site OR6 1-10. New Orroral Homestead. Weatherboard on brick foundations; two external brick chimneys, two internal chimneys; corrugated metal roof. Site OR6 OR6 4-10. Animal pen. Droplog with shelter made of a ship’s tank. The ship’s tank is unique in the park. See extracts of the relevant pages in the photos above.

• Sites of Significance in the ACT. A 9 volume set, pre-cursor to the ACT Heritage Register. Published in 1988 (Vols 1-7), 1989 (Vol 8) and 1990 (Vol 9); pp38-43. Site G5. … A newer weatherboard house (circa 1960’s) stands higher up the slope 150 metres south of the old homestead. There is an orchard behind the house. Other remnants of the occupation and use of the site as a grazing property include the woolshed, and cattle yards. See extracts of the relevant pages in the photos above.

• Signage: Gregory’s House. 1950s House – After the Second World War, the Orroral Run was purchased by the Gregorys. They built this weatherboard house to accommodate people working on the property. After the construction of this house the original homestead ceased to be used for accommodation. The house was removed in 1991 after being badly damaged by vandals.

• Signage:Orchard. Orchards feature on many rural properties. Fruits such as plums, quinces, apricots, apples or nectarines were planted to feed the family and many workers. Properties had to produce much of their own food as supplies were often difficult to obtain.