Historic village famed for the beautiful The Drip
Cassilis is a small, historic village lying between Merriwa and Dunedoo. It spreads out on land beside the Munmurra River and is now little more than a few residences, a hotel, two churches and a sandstone Police Station. The main appeal of the area is the beautiful feature known rather unromantically as "The Drip" where clear spring water breaks through a sandstone cliff and "drips" into the Goulburn River.
Location
Cassilis is located 351 km north-west from Sydney either via the Blue Mountains and Mudgee or via the M1 and Merriwa.
^ TOPOrigin of Name
It is believed that Cassilis takes its name from a small village in Scotland. In the 1830s it was a private village named Dalkeith which served the Cassilis and Dalkeith stations. The former property was granted to Alexander Busby in 1835 and the latter to Donald McIntyre in 1834. It is claimed that Alexander Busby's wife was the daughter of the Earl of Cassilis in Scotland. The village became a stopover for coaches bound west from Muswellbrook. It was gazetted as a town and named Cassilis in 1869.
^ TOPThings to See and Do
Heritage Buildings
The village is spread out with the church on one side of the Munmurra River and the Court House, Police Station and Royal Hotel stretched along Branksome Street which winds and becomes Buccleugh Street.
St Columba's Anglican Church
After you turn off the highway you will see, to the left, St Columba's Anglican Church, also known as the Anglican Church of St Columba of Iona, which was built of sandstone in 1899. It replaced a timber church which had been built on the site in 1864 and which operated as both a church and a school. It was sited on the land granted to Alexander Busby in 1835. Today it is located in the Cassilis War Memorial Park near the Cassilis Bowling Club.
Police Station and Official Residence
Located in Branksome Street, as the visitor enters the village, is the modest Court House which was designed by Alexander Dawson and built of sandstone in 1858. The police residence, designed by Walter Vernon, the Government Architect, dates from 1891. It is listed on the State Heritage Register (see http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4180127) which notes of the combined buildings "The Cassilis Police Station & Residence are a pair of striking sandstone buildings, that are important elements in the streetscape of Cassilis, forming the principal civic element in the town. These buildings have a long and continuous association with the provision of Police services in the local area."
Doctor's Residence
Branksome Street bends to the left, becoming Buccleugh Street. On the right - one of the few elegant buildings in the village - is an attractive timber house dating from the late 19th century when it was the residence of the local doctor.
Royal Hotel
Located prominently in Buccleugh Street is the Royal Hotel which was built of sandstone in 1869. It is still a prominent landmark in the town. It offers both accommodation and food.
St Joseph's Catholic Church
Located near the beginning of Scott Street is St Joseph's Catholic Church, a simple timber structure which was built in 1894 and which is set back from the road.
Other Attractions in the Area
Hands on the Rock
Located 10 km south-west of Cassilis, the Ulan/Mudgee Road heads south off the Golden Highway. About 20 km along this road take the sign posted right hand turn onto a dirt road. After 100 m turn right into a small clearing and a 400 metre walking track starts from the far side. It leads to overhanging rocks where there are important historic Aboriginal hand stencils.
The Drip
It is not easy to find but it is hugely rewarding. Follow these instructions carefully: Drive south on the road to Ulan and 2.3 km beyond the Hands on the Rock turnoff, just before you reach the Goulburn River, there is a sign posted turnoff to the left which leads to a car park. There is a walking track which begins on the northern side of the parking area and follows a cliff face adjacent to the Goulburn River. Follow the rock face and you will cross a small bridge, a tumble of rocks and the Curra Creek. Walk through the ferny glade then you will pass by a large rock to the right. To the left there are rock orchids and ferns on the cliff face. The track then heads around to the sandy riverbank. A sign indicates a left turn back to the honeycombed cliff face which you follow to the end. Cross over the grassy bank and a sharp left brings you to the Drip where the river flows over a rock platform. The result, as the name suggests, is a cliff that drips into the river. It is particularly beautiful because the place where the seepage occurs is covered with weeping ferns and grasses.
The track is relatively flat and easy. It is a 2.4 km return walk where you have to cross the river a number of times and dodge everything from overhangs to wombat holes and rock caves. There is rarely anyone there. It is a genuine bush paradise.
History
* Prior to the arrival of Europeans the area was home to the Wiradjuri First Nations people.
* Cassilis began life as a private village named Dalkeith in the 1830s. The property had been granted to Donald McIntyre in 1834.
* The Court House was built in 1859.
* In 1861 Cassilis had a population of 70-80 people.
* It was gazetted as a town and named Cassilis in 1869.
* The Royal Hotel was built in 1869.
* In the 1890s Jimmy Governor worked as a police tracker at Cassilis just prior to taking up a job at Breelong where he infamously went on a killing spree which resulted in the deaths of twelve people. Governor lived behind the police station when he worked in the town.
* In 1895 the first edition of the Merriwa and Cassilis Standard was published.
* St Columba's Anglican Church was built in 1899 and consecrated in 1900.
^ TOPVisitor Information
There is no visitor information in Cassilis. For information contact the Merriwa Visitor Information Centre, 34 Vennacher Street, tel: (02) 6521 7046.
^ TOPUseful Websites
There is no dedicated website for Cassilis. For information about The Drip, check out http://www.mudgeebusiness.com/the-drip---ulan.html.
^ TOP
My great grandfather was married in the St.Columbas Anglican Church on 13th December 1892. His name John Henry Williams – her name Ellenor Mary Marshall. I have no idea where they lived. I have tried to get a marriage certificate from NSW BDM but they want so many private attachments from me that it is not funny. Also checked electoral rolls – there were some Marshalls in Mudgee but that is as far as I have got. Is there any way you can assist me please????? My wife and I visited your town last September and loved it. Kind Regards
Barry Williams, you can purchase a family history marriage certificate online, to be emailed or posted to you for $35. You don’t need to provide proof of identity for historic certificates, that’s only for more recent ones. Go to “Family history search, start searching your ancestry” at NSW BDM.
There is a very good caravan park at the bowls club
There is a heritage listed Shearing Shed just opposite the entrance to Cassilis off the Golden Highway.
Between Merriwa and Cassilis is Collaroy Station established in 1829. Both are private properties.
As a general principle I try to only mention those that can be viewed or inspected by the public. It is a personal thing. I know if I lived in an historic home (and it was private) I would not want people gawping at it and photographing it.
My ancestor John Chapman was born in Cassilis in 1858, his parents being John Joyce Chapman and Elizabeth Gardiner from England. They had 12 children all told but not all survived and they finished their trip at the Rocks in Sydney. They were my G/G/Grandparents and if anyone remembers the name of Chapman I would love to hear from them as I am researching my family tree.
Hi Lesley, I found a John Chapman who was assigned to William Dun,
Item: 140761
Surname: Dun
First Name: William
Ship: –
Date: 1829 May
Place: Patterson’s Plains
Source: AO NSW Convict Indents Fiche No. 672
Details: John Chapman per ‘Lord Melville’ assigned servant
Unfortunately no ship details are given
There was a grave in the Catholic cemetery that I saw which had 3 Chapman’s listed with their jobs. This website http://www.family.joint.net.au/index.php?mid=14&cid=631 has 2 listed but can not recall if these were on the stone I viewed. I know one of them said they were a cricketer.
My great grandmothers Maiden name was Chapman, she was born in October 1931. Barbara was the eldest of 5.
She has recently passed away. I wish I would have seen this to ask her about her relatives before she passed last week.
Message for Mrs Lesley Dixon
The John Joyce Chapman and Elizabeth Gardiner you mention are my 2x Great Grandparents. I am trying to locate details of their son Frederick James Chapman as I cannot find a birth record for him and not sure if you have any details.
Quaint town
My Mothers family are from Cassilis. Her Father Raymond Henry Roberts and his parents – William Henry and Martha Roberts are buried there. I am trying to find information on Williams parents – Thomas and Sarah Roberts. If anyone has and historical information on them, I would love it as I have come to the end of the line. Cheers.
My Grandfather Cyril (Cec) Alban Hobbins was born in Cassilis on 9th April 1897. His parents were William Hobbins & Ruth Alice Kershaw they had 11 children. It appears the family moved to Gulgong around 1900. Any further information would be very helpful
Could someone let me know if residents of Cassilis have access to services such as domestic assistance and personal care. If not, do you have any suggestions what they should do if they need this kind of assistance
Hi
My name is Arthur James Chapman.
My Grandfather of the same name was I think born at Borambil and worked at Langoran, Tuwinga Station at Bundella Creek and from around WWII at Dalkeith Stations where he died in 1970 buried in the Catholic Church.
He may have been a son of John Chapman, I’m not sure. His mother was Elizabeth Chapman who lived in Cassilis and was a midwife. My cousin, Carol Betts has done work on the family tree.
Lesley, please feel free to contact me.
Arthur.chapman@vinnies.org.au
0400 709 998
The wife and I are hoping to travel through there when we are allowed to cross the border, so is there any accommodation in the town. Would love to stay overnight
The hotel has reopened. I think they have rooms not sure.
Two of my ancestors lived in the Cassilis/Turee area back in the 1840s. One of them, a transported gypsy called Job Stanley, issued the following challenge after he had received his ticket of leave:
“I, Job Stanley, weight 12st 4lbs, do hereby challenge any native of Australia to a fair stand up fight, for from one to five hundred pounds. I now reside at Turee, near Cassilis…” May 19, 1848.
Job later moved to Sydney where he fought as “The Fisherman”, taking on such opponents as “The Enfield General”, “The Darkey” and the “Sprig of Myrtle”. He obtained his ticket of leave after taking part in one of Major Mitchell’s expeditions.
My mother worked at the hotel, for the Lennox family in 1950 when we arrived in Australia as displaced people after ww2 from Europe. The Lennox family were wonderful people who treated my mother, sister and I as family.
Do you have any other details on the Lennox Family? My grandfather, Kieth Christensen, moved back to Cassillis as a boy during the war and he and his siblings attended Cassillis Public School. His Father, Theodore Christensen, trained horses for the Light Horse Brigade and his mothers maiden name was Lennox. They moved back there because of his mother’s family from Young. They then moved on to Gosford.
HI!–Anna you and your sister are on my list. If by chance you read this Anna Tammann
My name is Michael Cameron—If you see this message–you may not remember me–but I went to school with your sister Eva– at Cassilis–my parents owned the Bakery 1950-1951-1952 at Cassilis.I recently drew a map of Cassilis and listed all the kids at the school—plus all residents of the town. I am now 84 years of age–if by chance you read this message–contact me–on mobile 0427212294 or Email mickay218962@outlook.com
Are there any relatives of Lloyd Piper, who was born in Cassilis in 1922, still in the area? Piper was a comic strip artists and is one of the artists who drew Ginger Meggs. I am writing a book on Meggs and looking for information about the artists who drew the comic. Piper died in 1983 and I can not find anyone from his family.
Hi I am the daughter inlaw of the late Lloyd William Piper
My ancestors from Ireland settled in Cassilis in 1844. My grandmother was born there and my great great grandfather Patrick Logan was a constable there 1850. Two of Patrick’s sons married two of the Bourke family daughters (Cecilia Bourke) was one. Most of my ancestors on my grandmother’s side are buried there.
Looking forward to visiting Cassilis and surrounding areas.
Hi. I have recently found out about Patrick Logan and my ancestors Ada Maria Parrott being born here. I believe her Mum Mary married Patrick Logan.
There is a caravan park located next to the bowling club as you enter Cassilis , it has powered and unpowered sites
My great grand mother Agnes Firth born in Cassillis on the 16-2-1862 . She died in Annandale on the 30-6-1927 . Her mother was Frances Firth born in Ireland on the 29-1-1830 died in Mudgee on 22-8-1864. Agnes has a sister a Mary Anne Firth born 1862-1941. Agnes married my grand father a William James Baker and were married in Mudgee on the 24-5-1924. Any information on the Firths would be appreciated.
Sarah Kennedy, who married John Busby from Northumberland, is reportedly the greatniece or great-grand-niece of the eighth and ninth Earls of Carrick. John Busby is the name of the engineer who created the Busby Bore. That John Busby is also the father of James Busby, who introduced wine growing and Devon cattle to Australia and New Zealand, and, that James Busby is famous for his involvement with the New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi.
This Busby line is not of my ancestry, but, has been extensively researched, with a book published; the book being present at the Australian National Library, and, at a couple of libraries in New Zealand.
See
http://www.busby.net/bret/JohnBusby/index.html
for a bit more information about that Busby line.
For information regarding the place after which Cassilis, NSW is named, see
https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/homes-gardens/property-of-the-week/the-3-9million-cassillis-estate-is-steeped-in-history/
and
https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/other-articles/cassillis-house/
My father, George James Busby had a property near Cassillis. He told us it was named after the castle in Scotland which was part of our family estate. It was recently renovated by an Australian woman.
Dads ancestors were connected to the Kennedy’s of Culzean near Ayr where the Marquis’s of Ailsa lived. Sarah Kennedy married George Busby and migrated tomAustralia. He was an engineer who created the Busby Bore, the water system to Sydney town from the now Centennial Park.
Kia ora from Aotearoa New Zealand. My relative Brian Pearson and his sister, and my cousin Bryan Parrott (Parr) have been researching the Parrott family tree. Our family originated from Cassilis. My father’s father was John Logan Parrott. Seems like there may be a connection to the Logan’s mentioned by Kathleen. My father was Patrick Arthur Parrott, was the youngest of 7 siblings most of whom were born in New Zealand after my grandparents John Parrott and his wife Rachel Pickett emigrated to Dannevirke New Zealand along with McDonald cousins. They were Catholic and their were a couple of nuns and maybe a priest among the siblings of John Parrott. Lovely to make any relevant connections and I am especially interested to read about the Aboriginal history of Cassilis who were surely displaced from their lands during colonisation. What a shame Australia does not have a Treaty with its indigenous peoples.
Hi. I am just finding out about my heritage. My great great great grandfather is Patrick Logan who married Mary Logan. Very interesting
Adrienne Baird – replying and keen to hear from you re Aboriginal people of the area. Our family known to have Aboriginal ancestry but hard to find by name records. Please contact me by text first to arrange a call thanks. +61456202646 many thanks.
Hello, we are looking for information about our grandmother Maud Bowler. We believe she and her two siblings Lucy Bowler and Sydney Shearer were put into care at Ironside Cassillis early 1900s. Run by a Hannah O’malley a catholic home.
Any information would greatly appreciated.
King Regards Neisha
My husband and I stayed at the show ground in Cassilis then took a drive into the village.
It’s beautiful and you get the feel of the history.
Chasing up the history of Jemmy the Whisperer, bushranger, who I believe Jemmys Creek, Cassilis is named after. Known as an accomplice of Captain Thunderbolt and known to frequent the area in the 1800s. Any information appreciated.
I lived in the area and went to school at Cassilis in the late 1960’s
We lived on Rotherwood station and I loved every minute of it.
My teacher was Miss Bell, a very attractive blonde lady who left a lasting impression on a young seven year old.
I intend to travel there again in the near future, and I’m hoping it has barely changed.
In Utah – Zion National Park to be precise, is a similar feature. It is named the ‘Weeping Rock’ – a bit more evocative, perhaps mysterious than ‘The Drip’!?
Steve Bennett : my husband’s grandfather, Thomas Hyde Page was manager on Rotherwood Station in the early 1900’s. We have visited Cassilis, found Rotherwood Rd sign, near gates to Dalkeith Station. Where exactly was Rotherwood Satation??
My Grandfather was born in Cassilis in 1861. His parents were James Heron and Ann Buttle/Elliot.
Yes there is accommodation in Cassilis! We are staying at the Royal Hotel tonight with great pub food and friendly atmosphere and staff
I have just discovered that my 3xg grandfather Samuel Thicknesse was a schoolmaster in Cassilis in the mid 1800s and there were 17 girls and 17 boys in the school.
It’s now a destination in my bucket list ☺️
My grandmother and grandfather are both buried in the St Columba’s Anglican Church graveyard. I recently went to check on my grandparent’s graves. I saw my grandparents, uncle, and aunt, and only 1 other family besides my own in the graveyard which shows how small the town is
Seeking information for the Cohen/Healy/Obrien/Devoy families of Cassillis and Uarbry and later Cudgegong .William Cohen born 1855 born at Tongy Station .
George Cohen and Mary Healy live in Cassillis around 1800-1850.
Thanks headed there in a couple of days
Hi,
I’m looking for any information on the Whitby / Bulgin families.
Sophia Whitby (previously Bulgin) was born in Cassilis in 1864. She had a daughter, Laura Whitby born in Cassilis 1901.
I’ve traced my lineage back to here but am after some more info if anyone has any