A glorious sunny morning greeted travellers who were to be treated to a day that would resemble travel in a time machine in two ways. Firstly, the time passed so quickly that we seemed to be transported into the future and secondly, the "living history" tour of Joadja Creek and Kev Neels Old Time Music Machines took us back to the end of the last century.
Light traffic and clear skies brought an early start to the Joadja Creek tour and almost caught our hosts Debbie and Ian off guard. The tour that followed was a fascinating insight into the lives of mainly Scottish immigrants who could have known little of the life to which they would be coming in Australia. With a little imagination it was easy to visualise a flourishing town which once had 140 children and one schoolmaster at the local school. The once smokey valley with fires and smoking stacks working at peak time and the clatter of machinery and iron rail trolleys must have seemed out of place in such a peaceful spot which now only gave out the sounds of whipbirds and small groups of visitors.
It is believed that the name "Joadja" is a Scottish corruption of the name of an early settler "Joe Hatcher". In the 1880s it was home to over a thousand who had come to the isolated valley to mine and process the Torbanite, or Kerosene Shale, for the Australian Kerosene Oil and Mineral Company. Joadja Creek grew to become an important part of the development of NSW, providing fuel and lubricants for the domestic market and export earnings. Despite its great success (the AKO was listed on the Stock Exchange), by 1907 the company was in liquidation and the mines and works closed.
We were able to see remains of workers' houses, many of the brick ovens and a well preserved chimney stack, the outer shell of the community hall and the house of the mine manager which is still occupied by Debbie and Ian. Heritage Council guidelines place some restrictions on visitors but all areas are made accessible by a guided tour on-board specially designed people-movers. Debbie brought the town to life with an interesting historical perspective aided by a collection of original photographs of the residents.
Our "time machine" was racing through the day and it was surprising to see that our 8.00 a.m. start at the University had brought us to 1 p.m. so quickly. By now appetites were beginning to bring us back to reality and a short distance later the coach arrived in Berrima. Berrima has a good selection of restaurants and cafes and the quick dispersal of all of our travellers to various points of the town suggested that everyone knew exactly what they wanted. At least our friendly coach captain Roy knew exactly which era he wanted to get back to as he headed straight to the lolly shop to evoke memories of his childhood with the purchase of a bag of "dumb-bells".
After lunch we headed for Kev Neels Old Time Music Machines. A trip down memory lane it was indeed although not perhaps so much for Jacinta's young son Steven. However, he too must have been impressed with the views over the Illawarra Coastline. Kev's museum is crammed full of antique gramophones and music memorabilia interspersed with many little risqué verses and writings about the human condition; SBS television would warn you that this museum contains "adult themes". Kev was on hand to answer any questions and to explain any of his jokes!
Our final stop at the Old Cheese Factory satisfied our thirst and replenished our palates with a selection of local cheeses. Gourmet cheeses as well as a range of cordials, mustards, jams, vinegars and oils were available for purchase.
As usual the day was well planned and very interesting. A visit to Joadja Creek is highly recommended. For anyone who reads this account and wishes to follow up an advance booking must be made and the number of Joadja Creek Ghost Town is (02) 4878 5129, Fax (02) 4878 5232 or try the Mittagong Visitors Centre (02) 4871 2888. Our weather was fine and sunny but remember that it can get chilly in the Southern Highlands and some warmer clothing than what you would wear in Sydney on such a day is recommended.