Founders, Bill and Marie McLachlan travelled to Los Angeles to judge the 1961 World Water Ski Titles at Long Beach California. During their stay the concept of The Australiana Village as it was called then came alive from meeting the Knotts Family of Knotts Berry Farm in Los Angeles. A committed couple, Marie and Bill with their imagination and determination created Australiana Heritage History.

  A local person named Mr Silvo Biencoti moved the buildings in one piece to The Australiana Village. This incorporated moving buildings through traffic during the day, lifting electricity wires and pulling out local road posts to cut the path into now a Historic Society.

Bill and Marie became the proud owners of the Tropicana Hotel Motel which is now the Heritage Hotel located next to The Village. Bill was also the Founder of waterskiing in Australia. The Hawkesbury River is constantly alive with waterskiers, boat enthusiasts and now national events throughout the year.

Over the past many years, the buildings you see today have either been donated or paid for. Each building within The Village was a ‘different deal ‘.

 Bill McLachlan passed away only 1 year after opening The Australiana Village followed by his beautiful wife Marie McLachlan in 2003. They are both at rest at The Australiana Pioneer Village in front of St Phillip’s Church.

The local community have always challenged for The Village to remain opened. The gates were closed for 10 years until Australia Day 2011 when The Village came alive with local people, TV crews, Antique Machinery and children.

Today, history still lives with the passion of a vibrant volunteer committee including dedicated people that have been volunteers for 30 or more years. We trust that you will enjoy

The Australiana Pioneer Village as we do !

Proud to Preserve The Past