A new chapter to be written as historic Bombala post office hits the market

The Bombala Post Office made history in 1962 when the state’s last Morse code telegram was received. Photo: One Agency Cooma.

Bombala’s little red post office holds a special place in the state’s postal service history books, and new owners will soon have an opportunity to write their own chapter with the building hitting the market.

The village post office rose to fame almost 60 years ago when the last Morse code telegram transmitted in NSW was sent to Bombala from the Sydney GPO on 13 December 1962.

The final message sent through the ‘dot-and-dash’ system signalled the postal department’s NSW changeover to a modern teleprinter service for the transmission of telegrams.

Purpose-built around 1914 in the federation period, the red brick building features high ceilings with pressed metal detailing.

The current owners have operated the post office for about four years and are looking to retire.

One Agency Cooma sales agent Craig Schofield said both the historic building on a 769 square metre block and the business are for sale, with a buyer having an opportunity to continue operating the post office or purchasing just the building for an alternate use.

The building is on the market for $450,000 while the business is listed at $449,000.

“The building and business are being sold separately, so you have the chance of owning an iconic, historic building with a secure tenant, or purchase both and continue with the successful business,” Craig said.

“It would be a perfect husband and wife opportunity if you were looking for a tree change or, if you have an extended family, the postal runs could be taken care of by the rest of the family.”

The exterior of the historic post office building.

Inside, the postal service continues as it has for decades.

There's opportunities galore for a new owner.

The postal shop is fully stocked, while Services Australia also hires a space making it the access point in the area for anything to do with Medicare, Centrelink and other services.

“Besides postal services, they also offer insurance, passport renewals and applications, police checks, money transfers, foreign currency exchange, gift cards and more,” Craig explained.

Located in a prominent position in the centre of the main street, he says the building has “great street appeal” and has been well maintained over the years and comprises a showroom, counter area, back office, kitchen, front and rear sorting rooms, storeroom, and office.

Located on the banks of the Bombala River, the town is positioned between Canberra, the NSW Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast.

For more information about the Bombala Post Office, contact Craig Schofield on 0414 865 922.