NSW Heritage Week is celebrated throughout the State in April/May each year.

Willandra Open Day 2019 – Sunday 17 May from 10 am to 3 pm.

Willandra Open Day 2017

Visit Willandra to see a display of memorabilia from Ryde’s history, and tours of the house, St Anne’s churchyard and Ryde Village. Images of Ryde’s origins and history will also be on display.

Willandra is an 1840’s Georgian home built by James Devlin on land granted to John Small in 1794.

Early photograph of Willandra House

The house was saved from demolition by the community in the 1970’s, Willandra had been a house, and from 1951 until 1976, a service station. A private buyer proposed to demolish, remove and rebuild the house in the Hunter Valley, however, community agitation led by the Ryde District Historical Society resulted in Federal and State government grants enabling the purchase of the house by Ryde Municipal Council.

Willandra House before it was restored

The restored building was opened in 1980 and is home to the Ryde District Historical Society and the City of Ryde Arts Society. During the Open Day, you can explore the house and its views of the Parramatta River, watch a continual digital display of images of Ryde- then and now- see what’s in our Archives, relax and enjoy a Devonshire Tea, and purchase RDHS publications.

Historic Willandra House, after restoration

A tour of St Anne’s churchyard and Ryde Village will be held, leaving Willandra at 2pm.

Willandra Open Day 2017

Willandra Open Day 2017

Willandra Open Day 2017