The Hume + Hovell Track follows the footsteps of famous 1800s explorers, who set off to open up the area for future farmers and homesteaders. Photo: Hume + Hovell Track Facebook.
Two centuries ago, a common-born Australian bushman and an ex-sea captain answered the call to explore.
Today, their mission to find an inland route from Lake George to Bass Strait is celebrated as one of the most important explorative efforts in the region.
Driven by the promise of fertile farmland and the allure of Australian wilds untouched by colonial hands, Hamilton Hume and Captain William Hovell found themselves leading a pioneer expedition that lasted four gruelling months, covering more than 1900 kilometres.
The unlikely pair set off from Appin in October 1824 alongside six convict servants, a handful of cattle, three horses and a small pack of hunting dogs. Four months later, they would return, having travelled to modern-day Geelong and back, with neither livestock nor dogs, two servants in critical condition, but barely a ration to spare.
Despite facing rugged terrain, crossing flooded waterways and climbing mountain gorges together, Hume and Hovell were allegedly less than friendly with one another, and parted ways unceremoniously once the expedition was over.
Hume eventually settled at Yass’s Cooma Cottage, where he lived and worked until his death.
He bought the 100-acre (40-hectare) property in 1839, along with a simple colonial bungalow and stables built on the site by pastoralist Henry O’Brien a few years earlier, to live on with his wife Elizabeth.
Hume spent the next two decades developing it into today’s beautiful homestead, which has recently undergone preservation and refurbishment works.
Hume and Hovell’s tale is full of good, old-fashioned grit that still hits the spot with regional residents, particularly those with a vested interest in Australian history. Images: State Library of NSW.
Long-time volunteer Barbara Foster started as a Cooma Cottage tour guide a decade ago. These days she looks after day-to-day details around the cottage, organising fellow volunteers and managing events such as the upcoming bicentenary celebrations.
“The Hume and Hovell party camped at this site in the first fortnight of their epic journey, and it stands as the beginning of the official Hume & Hovell Track,” she says.
“Cooma Cottage is so significant to our history. It’s where Hume lived out his life after so many years of explorative work that would benefit future generations.
“He was tireless in giving to the local community, working as a magistrate in Yass, providing land for important town buildings, and assisting others that needed a hand up.”
Cooma Cottage is a fantastically preserved example of heritage architecture. Photo: Cooma Cottage Yass – National Trust of Australia NSW Facebook.
Locals and visitors will come together at Cooma Cottage this weekend with a family-friendly day of history and community to honour the 200 years since Hume and Hovell set out on their journey.
The day will feature live music, face painting, heritage woodworking, beekeeping and blacksmithing demonstrations, food and market stalls, guided tours of the cottage and rare access to the original stables. Descendants of Hume and the convict explorers who accompanied him will be special guests.
The Yass Historical Society is also involved in the anniversary celebrations with its Hamilton Hume Going Places exhibition, which opened on 5 October. The exhibition explores Hume’s life, expeditions and continuing legacy to provide a ”deeper understanding of the man behind the name”.
Nick Corbett, general manager of properties at The National Trust of Australia (NSW), says Hume is still held in high regard in the Yass community.
“Hamilton Hume did some pretty amazing things, despite being somewhat shunned by colonial society,” he says.
“He provided hope by opening pathways across unknown lands and showcased colonial Australia as a place of ‘great potential’. He was able to mix freely with the common folk and was respected in the community as someone with a great knowledge of bushcraft and the grit to put it to good use.
“There’s a real sense of pride for everyone involved in celebrating this anniversary – he left a great legacy behind.”
Cooma Cottage will host the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Hume and Hovell expedition from 10 am to 3 pm this Saturday, 12 October, at 756 Yass Valley Way, Yass. Cottage entry and guided tours are $5 each.
The Yass Historical Society Hamilton Hume Going Places exhibition is open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm at 247A Comur Street, Yass. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Loading ...
