About

Banjo Paterson...more than a Poet' Exhibition

Located at 43 Forbes Street, the Banjo Paterson… more than a Poet’ Exhibition was opened by the Hon Tim Fischer AO on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson. It is the only exhibition in Australia dedicated to the life and times of Banjo who was born on 17 February 1864 near Orange.

Banjo grew up on a property near Yeoval, 'Buckinbah Station', where he gathered many of the early memories of bush life that he would go on to immortalise in verse.

Some of Banjo's more notable poems include "Waltzing Matilda", "The Man from Snowy River", "Clancy of the Overflow" and “Mulga Bill’s Bicycle”.  Banjo’s poem "First Impressions" tells of his memories growing up in the western area of NSW.

Banjo was a well-known poet and storyteller, but many people do not realise that he was also a solicitor, First World War correspondent, newspaper editor, soldier, journalist, sports commentator, jockey, farmer and a great adventurer – thus “more than a poet”.

Even though a childhood accident left him with a shortened left arm, Banjo rowed competitively for his school and the Sydney and Balmain Rowing Clubs. He was a great horseman. He rode several winners over the hurdles at Sydney race meetings, played Polo for several Sydney clubs and was a member of the NSW Polo Team. He was also a keen cricketer and golfer.

about-sub-image
Banjo-Building
  • Open seven days a week

    Come along and discover the many layers to this legendary Australian character yourself at the exhibition which is open seven days a week from 9am to 3pm thanks to dedicated friendly local volunteers.

    Delve into this extraordinary life via first editions, original letters, Paterson memorabilia, books, magazines and exciting items of the period, as well as fascinating hands-on items. An outstanding presentation of collectables from the city to the bush - all associated with and relating to Paterson poems and the era.

A celebrated local legend…

Yeoval is a character filled rural service centre on the crossroads between Dubbo, Wellington and Parkes. It is surrounded by rich agricultural land known for its production of fine wool, wheat, orchards, canola, vineyards, beef cattle and fat lambs.

The town has embraced the poet’s connection to the area developing the Banjo Paterson Bush Park lined with works of art. The Poet’s Walk features carved slate seats and clay tile walls and a bike track.

The Bush Park also features one of the largest public artworks in Australia – a bronze abstract sculpture of English Sculptor, Henry Moore, weighing in at six tonnes and six metres high.

The town hosts the Mulga Bill Festival – a three-day event celebrating the life of Banjo and his well-known tale of ‘Mulga Bill’s Bicycle’. This includes an iconic bike ride from Cumnock to Yeoval.

Yeoval is situated on the doorstep of the Goobang National Park which is also popular for camping and walking. The exhibition is located in one of the great examples of character filled old buildings throughout the town which also features a country style pub and the old Trading Post building.

How it all began...

The exhibit is the brainchild of Alf Cantrell who has collected an outstanding collection of Banjo and Paterson-related memorabilia. Alf has dedicated his retirement to the project with his wife Sharon. He has a story for every piece, every photograph, every newspaper clipping and every letter in the collection. A 22-stop audio guided tour is available, but Alf is also a wealth of information.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

BANJO PATERSON

more than a poet

43 Forbes Street
Yeoval NSW 2868
Mob: 0427 208 913 | 0458 464 190

wikicamps-oz

OPENING HOURS

9am - 3pm
Open 7 days

Check out What's On for Daily Opening Times & Event Updates.