Valley of Jamberroo, Illawarra. sic (Jamberoo)

Rare early view of Jamberoo by Capt. Robert Westmacott ( 1801 – 1870 ), showing the Woodstock Saw Mills that opened in 1838 on the bank of the Minnamurra River to mill timber mainly cedar.

Jamberoo was on the main rail route from Sydney to Nowra and became a thriving town until it was bypassed in 1888.

Westmacott’s description; ‘The Valley of Jamberoo is well watered, and perhaps for its fertility cannot be surpassed. The valley extends some distance, bounded by lofty hills the soil to the summits is very rich the timber of gigantic size and variety. This extensive valley has at no very distant period been covered by the sea, as shells embedded in the rocks and clay are found in great quantities. The extremity of the valley is fifteen miles from the sea. Extensive Mills have been erected for sawing timber, grinding, &c., and within a short period a Brewery, proving of great benefit to the settler, who gets rid advantageously of his barley. The establishment cultivate their own hops, and as a proof of the good description of land, they grow upwards of twenty five feet high, and yield about thirteen hundred weight to the acre, and are said to be of superior quality there are however other extensive hop plantations in Illawarra.’

From Westmacott, R. Sketches in Australia.