Old Araluen Courthouse

Araluen Old Courthouse, Araluen Rd, Araluen, NSW

Araluen is a peaceful village located 25 kilometres south of Braidwood, just 3 hours from Sydney, 1 hour from Canberra and 1 hour from Batemans Bay.

The historic Old Courthouse is a Victorian period quadruple brick building. A fine example of early Australian architecture, it was built around 1861 when the gold rush of Araluen was in its' full glory. Araluen was the richest alluvial gold field in Australia and at its peak had up to 6 suburbs, 35,000 people, 27 pubs, 8 schools and 2 police stations.

The circa 1861 Courthouse is now a resort-style Bed and Breakfast.  Dining, games and lounge rooms are all in a part of the original building that previously served as the courtroom and police room.  The outdoor dining area is the old prisoner exercise yard leading from the gaol cells. Two of these cells are now modern guest rooms. The gaol cells and prisoner exercise yard are complete with original heavy iron doors and iron bars.

The Courthouse has resort style facilities including swimming pool, spa under the stars, tennis court and games room. Equipment is supplied for gold panning in the Araluen Creek or Deua River. 

Araluen and The Old Courthouse are rich in history.  Araluen is now famous for its beautiful peaches grown in local orchards.  Peach season is October to February and peaches are available to buy direct from the local orchards.   Spend your time in another world, relaxing in "The Valley of Peace" with its beautiful 360 degree Mountain views, or visit historic Braidwood with its craft and antique shops.  The South Coast town of Moruya is just 56 kilometres away, driving through the Deua National Park along the Deua River. 

The Old Courthouse has 5 guest bedrooms, all with ensuite, television and video as well as tea and coffee making facilities. A family room is available and rates include a full home cooked breakfast.  A four course dinner is available which is preceded by complementary sherry and nibbles and followed by complementary port, tea and coffee.  The guest lounge is stocked with books, magazines, video library and a stereo CD player, or browse through the library for that reference book you have always looked for.  The games room has a billiard table and plenty of board games. 

A perfect stay, in a perfect place, with swimming pool, spa and tennis court overlooking the rolling hills and beautiful mountains. 

For more information, or to make a booking enquiry, go to http://www.takeabreak.com.au/AraluneOldcourthouse.htm