Capertee township came about due to the homesteads and
mining activities that occurred in the area.
Some of the shale miners in the Airly gap area, lived in homes carved out of rock.
Historical homes like Airly House flourished in the region.
Capertee hall was built from the blocks of the retorts that had become become disused at Torbane Shale Mine, near Airly gap. The mural above was painted in 2000 by Jo Knox, and it sums up the interaction of Capertee with the Capertee Valley.
View from Railway street.
Capertee Historical Photos.
Contact us to gain access to view the historical photos, war memorial plaques Mary Jo Knox mural and other historical items in our Memory Lane.
There are limited copies of this book still available, please contact us for more information,
Capertee Businesses.
History of the Capertee Royal Hotel
The first timber version of the hotel was built around 1840 but it tragically burnt down in the early 1890s. The story goes that the ladies of the community were fed up with their men spending too much time at the pub, so they torched it! The original timber building was replaced with the stone building because in 1880, the hotel became a rail head (where a railway line ends). In the old days, it used to be a 3-week trip from here to Sydney but suddenly the railway line arrived and the trip became less than 24 hours. Now that’s progress! Back then, there were more than 3,500 people living here whereas numbers have now dwindled to just 180. Fire seems to be a recurring theme because in 1930, a travelling salesman left a candle next to a window and the curtains caught alight. But just as the fabled phoenix arises from the ashes, so too does the Capertee Royal Hotel…
The Hotel today!
Have a refreshing drink, or cuppa at this licenced historic building. Although they can accommodate groups would be best ringing 24 hours before you start your trip, as they are generally very busy. This will allow them to have it ready for your group when you arrive.
Friendly takeaway service or eat there. Although not suited to large groups you can purchase coffee and food for group, and you can take it over to your group in Clarence Pirie Park. Please ring at least 24 hours before you start your trip, as they are generally very busy. This will allow them have it ready for your group when you arrive. Ph: 63500127.
See the Capertee Valley, the largest enclosed canyon in the world by Helicopter.
This is a fantastic place to visit. Craig (Crafty) Field loves to share his distilling journey with visitors to his shed. He is very passionate about the fledgling craft spirits industry in NSW. Would recommend you visit him on your next journey through Capertee. (Todd Poynter)
Walk among the exquisite and varied rock pagoda formations, sandstone cliffs and canyons at Gardens of Stone National Park.