Morvern Valley Farm Stay’s story begins in 1857 – and indeed Bundanoon Village’s too… Settlement in NSW followed the construction of the railway line to connect our growing nation.
The Southern Highlands area had not only good pasture lands but also the necessary supplies of coal, freestone and timber.
But Bundanoon additionally had something even more, the beauty of it’s natural landscape which is SPECTACULAR.
Samuel Tooth was a foreman building that rail line. He found Morvern Valley & Bundanoon. He quickly returned to Sydney, collected his wife Emily and his new son. He staked his claim!
He was first owner of Morvern valley farmstay, choosing Bundanoon’s finest land to settle, with a creek and fertile land.
Bundanooon had been just a rail siding up until this time. But Samuel was simply captivated by the land he saw.
Samuel and Emily were one of a group of First settlers of Bundanoon who vigorously helped build the village – the school, churches and the Soldiers Memorial Hall. Samuel and Emily were well respected, busy and had 13 children.
That’s why Bundanoon village is so very close to Morvern Valley farm, and is so convenient for our guests with its shops and restaurants. AND why its so close to all the scenic spots in the Morton National Park too.
Samuel helped propel Bundanoon into an iconic Mountain Tourist Destination. He was from the very first, eager to show off Bundanoon’s escarpments and waterfalls.
Samuel founded the Wishing Well (originally known as Tooth’s Folly) , Tooth’s Lookout, Tooth’s walk and was instrumental in building tourism in the village.
Coal mines were established early in the Gullies and at least three timber mills sourced timber from the Gullies too, hauled up by a ‘10 Strong’ Bullock Team to the railway. Two of these timber mills were owned by Samuel Tooth and later his sons.
While Samuel sold timber, Emily Tooth ran Morvern Farm Stay advertising in the Sydney Morning Herald. She also offered Devonshire Teas out on the verandah of the Original Homestead to those who would walk past Morvern Valley, on their way to see the sights in Morton National Park. Morvern Valley cropped daffodils, which were sold at Central Railway Station in Sydney.
Bundanoon as a tourist destination for Sydneysiders flourished. Shops and various other businesses began to emerge along both sides of the railway line.
Guest houses and tearooms became popular as tourists from Sydney used the new railway to holiday in the area described as just as scenic and beautiful as the Blue Mountains. There was Tennis, Croquet, Riding schools and a Cinema just like now!
During the peak years for tourism, Bundanoon had approximately 86 guest houses, some large, some just the family home catering for paying guests. There were horse riding stables, a cinema, dance hall, 7 golf courses, tennis Courts and more!
One of these guest houses was Morvern Valley Farm Stay – its been a Farm Stay since the 1890’s!
Julie, your host has researched and written the complete history of Bundanoon. The book ‘Brave Bundanoon’ – follows the story of the Tooth Family, from their immigration from Wolverhampton – to their trials, triumphs and tragedies becoming Pioneers of Bundanoon.
You are welcome to read the copy found in your Cottage while you stay.
It would be a shame to come to Bundanoon and not visit these STUNNING places. Drive from Lookout to Lookout to view the escarpments should you not like to Bushwalk, or have little ones. Bundanoon Creek is a longer bushwalk – but you will be alone to swim in the cool clear river. There are 9 lookouts and 7 bushwalks in this area located directly behind Morvern Valleys 25 acres.
Everywhere in Bundanoon you will feel and see connections to the past. Bundanoon is a traditional Australian Village, with an active village community. It’s welcoming resident’s, have always liked to share the beauty of the unique Southern Highland’s Morton National Park with city visitors. There are 22 clubs and organisations – the spirit of the locals is warm and relaxed.
3 of these 5 Discovery Rambles go right past Morvern Valley Farm, so you can start your Ramble outside your
accommodation. These are self guided and great fun. There are parks along the way, so pack a picnic, or buy sandwiches in
the village – Picnic Park is just opposite the shops, and there are many spots to stop along the way.
These walks were designed by ‘The Bundanoon Community Association’, maps are to be found in your Morvern Valley.