Woodford

Woodford is a historic village in the Blue Mountains of NSW, known for its early colonial inn, rich Indigenous connections, and scenic reserves.​ History Woodford stands on Dharug and Gundungurra Country, with archaeological evidence pointing to occupation spanning thousands of years. The area was called "Twenty Mile Hollow" in the early colonial era and served as a vital stock reserve and camping spot for convicts building Cox's Road in 1814. The first known inn, The Woodman, was built in the 1830s, later becoming King's Arms and then Buss’s Inn, serving gold rush travelers. The site was transformed into Woodford House by Alfred Fairfax in 1868, evolving into a fashionable mountain retreat. In 1907, it became Woodford Academy, a prestigious boys’ school, now one of the oldest surviving colonial building complexes in the Blue Mountains, managed by the National Trust.​ Population Woodford’s population is around 1,900 residents, reflecting its quiet, residential nature and heritage-focused identity.​ Attractions Key attractions include the Woodford Academy, open for tours and events, offering insights into the region’s early history and architecture. Bull’s Camp Reserve features convict-era relics and picnic areas, while walking tracks like the Oaks Fire Trail and accessible National Park areas attract bushwalkers and cyclists. Community events, historic features, and natural beauty make Woodford a notable point on the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains.