Walk: The Milk Run; Sunday, 20 July 2025

Description

Start: 10am at Macquarie Lodge Retirement Village, 171 Wollongong Road, Arncliffe
Finish: approx. 12.30pm at Lydham Hall Historic House Museum, 18 Lydham Avenue, Rockdale

Recreate Christina Stead’s walk from Dappeto, her grandfather’s former home, to Lydham Hall, her childhood home.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see inside the heritage-listed Dappeto.

Conclude the walk at Lydham Hall with a complimentary light lunch. Mention any dietary requirements in the “Order Notes” when booking.

SGHS members enjoy a $10 discount for this event (booking required).

Please arrive at the start point 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a hat and/or umbrella – the tour will operate regardless of weather.
Free on-street parking available.

The Macquarie Lodge Retirement Village was once known as Dappeto. Perched on top of the hill, the distinctive, elegant two-story beloved family home was built in 1885 by Frederick John Gibbins, wealthy oyster merchant and trawling magnate.

One of the oldest homes in the St George area, New South Wales State Heritage-listed, Lydham Hall is a sandstone villa built in the late 1870s for businessman Joseph Davis, his wife Ellen and their family. The interior of Lydham Hall is presented in the style of a late Victorian residence, with a fine collection of antique furniture and over 1,500 objects of local and historical interest.

The acclaimed author Christina Stead (1902-1983) included references to ‘Lydham Hill’ and the surrounding area in her books and short stories.