Roughley House 'The Pines' and Visitor Interpretation Centre

The Sydney Hills Visitor Interpretation Centre is located at ‘The Pines’ Roughley House in Dural.

Come and take a step back in time to 1856 and see the home which housed four generations of Roughleys. They came as convicts and prospered in this land of opportunity. The house showcases life from then and into more modern times.

Delve into the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the history of the family and the creation of the Great North Road. Enjoy the gardens, which as the name suggests are full of Pines as well as a variety of European and native flora.

Located only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD here you can feel like you’re a million miles away. The region is rich in history and natural beauty, blessed with everything from stunning parks and gardens to unique local food and wine venues.

The site is open on the second Friday of the month and tours of the house are free.

This will be the case until May when it will revert to the Third Friday of the month.

Groups can book a tour here. Roughley House tour bookings are not confirmed until Council staff confirm in writing with the organiser. Occasionally the site may be opened for a private group booking on another day – this is at the discretion of Council.

Location: 656a Old Northern Road, Dural.

History of Roughley House

Built in 1856 this home was the residence of the Roughley family and is an icon of the Dural district. The Roughley family story in Australia began in 1817 when Joseph Roughley and his son James were convicted of theft and given a seven year sentence of transportation to Australia. James Roughley acquired the original 50 acres of land ‘The Pines’ sits on by way of Deed transfer in 1830.

The final family resident, Gordon 'Clive' Roughley, was born in the front room of the house in 1914. He passed away in February 2002 aged 87 years. Prior to his death Clive sold the property to The Hills Shire Council for $1 so that it would be maintained as a living history of colonial life in the Hills and remain accessible to the public.

Clive's oral history is available from The Hills Shire Libraries and is a fascinating recollection of family life through the 20th century.

Please note: This is a museum and is not a venue available for hire.

How do I get there?

The Pines is located at 656 Old Northern Road, Dural just up from the Dural Country Club.

If you are travelling from the south via Pennant Hills/New Line Road or Round Corner Dural/Old Northern Road, follow the signs towards Wisemans Ferry. You will pass Hargraves Nursery and the Old Northern Gallery situated in the small town of Dural. Continue driving north along Old Northern Road and approximately 200 meters past the turn off to Galston/Swanes Nursery you will see a large brown sign on your left saying 'Tourist Information'.

If you are coming from the north via Wisemans Ferry/Central Coast, you will find us just 3 properties past the well sign-posted Dural Country Club.