Historic
"Norville"
on
Rock Dhu,
Murrurundi, NSW
"Norville" can be found on the 4,000 acre property Rock Dhu on Scotts Creek Road , 25km from Murrurundi, and is a retreat for artists, or anyone at all!
Workshops welcome.
Accommodation by donation.
Shearing
"The Hut",
the original homestead on Rock Dhu
The oldest known picture of a Norvill
Samuel Norville who lived from 1777-1854, UK
This is a photo of a portrait.
The Norvill family originated in England and arrived in Australia during the mid-1800s.
And, of course, we can't forget the other “members of the family”!
Snapper
Candy at the Waterfalls
Sittuated in the beautiful Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Rock Dhu is an idyllic, utopian location where you can just “get away from it all”. Paint, relax, or just simply enjoy the natural delights this stunningly beautiful property has to offer - why not do some birdwatching; take a peaceful stroll beside Warlands Creek; rest quietly on the grass beneath a shady tree; practise your photographic skills; watch the farm hands at work; drive some of the scenic tracks which cris-cross the property (4x4 only); take time to browse through the interesting and comprehensive collection of books, photographs and historical records of Rock Dhu and the surrounding district.
Peter Norvill is the owner/operator of Rock Dhu , a sheep and cattle property of 4,000 acres, 25km NE of Murrurundi in the Hunter Valley of NSW.
The Norvill family has been working this land for generations.
(See Family page for photos and details)
In 1988, Peter became the first Australian to fly solo around the world in an aeroplane and was awarded an OAM in recognition of that achievement. He has also undertaken many other commemorative and record-breaking flights. As you could imagine, it is essential for a pilot to have a good working knowledge of weather and weather patterns and he now broadcasts his own live-to-air weather show ten times a week for a commercial radio station.
Rock Dhu was the inspiration for the biennial Norvill Art Prize, now hosted by the Murrurundi Arts Council, with a $10,000 prize for the winner (www.norvillprize.org). Peter is an artist himself and there is nothing he enjoys more than having other artists, of whatever style and persuasion, visit Rock Dhu and either stay in the fully self-contained accommodation available at “Norville” or, for the more adventurous, camp beside picturesque Warlands Creek.
Rock Dhu is the perfect place to get away from it all, forget the rat-race, and have as much time, peace and solitude as you could ever need.
But, you don't have to be an artist to take Peter up on his invitation to visit – everyone's welcome at Rock Dhu ; bird watchers, campers, photographers, people who just love to get out into the country and enjoy the sights.
So, pack your palette, camera, picnic blanket and toothbrush and join the many who have been both impressed and inspired by the beautiful countryside at Rock Dhu !
We have hares.....
... and tortoises!
....and Black Cockatoos, along with at least another 100 varieties of birds.
Time to reflect.
As evening falls, brilliant sunlight is eclipsed by clear evening skies, a Moon you wouldn't believe, and more stars than you could ever dream of!
The Hill
But, it isn't ALL clear skies and warm, sunny days!
Snow-covered peaks above the cabins at “Norville” –
but don't despair! There's heating provided in the cottage and cabins .
Contact us:
Ph: (02) 6546-6175
Mobile : 0409-660583
Email: peternorvill@bigpond.com