The Tocal property has a long history and evidence remaining across the site that tells us about the people who have lived and farmed here.

There is evidence of the changes wrought on the property as Europeans settled here; of the hard times of drought, fire, flood and devastating storms; and of the passing of generations who needed to sell up and move on. Tocal also speaks of the changing faces of rural Australia and the resilience of Australian farmers.

Situated on one of Australia’s oldest colonial working farms this historic site offers education programs, group tours, accommodation and a perfect wedding venue. The Barracks provides boutique accommodation on a unique heritage site.

The Rail Motor Society, based at Paterson, New South Wales, is a community owned collection of preserved self-propelled railway vehicles and equipment from the former New South Wales Government Railways. The items in its collection date from 1923 through to 1972.

The old Station Master’s residence was restored to its 1930’s exterior appearance and colour scheme by State Rail Heritage in 2003. The residence provides a reception centre for visitors, facilities for members and houses a display of railway memorabilia from both the steam and diesel eras.

The Court House opened in November 1858 but within four years it became inadequate for current needs.

In June 1862 tenders were called for substantial renovation and expansion of the near new building, so it could also house a troop of Mounted Police that was to be stationed in Paterson. The roof was removed and the walls raised to two storeys to accommodate a troopers’ barracks above the cells and police quarters. At the same time the court-room was extended, with a vestibule in front, and two wings were added to provide a jury room and a magistrates’ room. Provision was also made for future extension in the form of an additional room in each wing. As part of this work, stables were constructed at the rear of the court house for the troopers’ horses.

Paterson was the centre for administration of justice in the Paterson Valley until the local Court of Petty Sessions was discontinued in 1967.

This is the site where Fry’s Coaching operated. A nearby plaque reads: “From the eighteen 60s to the 1920s, this site was the base of Fry’s Coaching Enterprise which served the Hunter Valley and New South Wales”. Coaches carried passengers and mail often, whilst some were hired to vaudeville companies and travelling salesmen who made regular tours. The two buildings are all that remain of the former business. The brick rectangular building called the Hearse Shed – built in 1880 housed the town’s hearse and the timber structure is a corn straddle built in 1910 was designed to store fodder in a dry vermin-free environment.