The Pioneers' Museum

is situated in an old hotel, built in 1858-9, with many rooms and outside exhibition areas containing every aspect of early Bega - industries, clothing, military, machinery, transport, household effect, as well as family histories. Our collection of over 200 framed photographs of pioneers is the largest in the NSW.

The building itself is classified and worth looking at. A horse-drawn ambulance in the backyard, built in Bega, was converted into a Hawkers van and supplied goods to out-lying families. A large collection of local militaria from the Boer War, WW1 & WW2. A very enthusiastic family history collection on local connections.  

In 1829 some Braidwood squatters came down Eurambene Mt into Wandella near Cobargo to explore the kangaroo grasslands and open forests.  They returned with cattle in 1832 and William Duggan Tarlinton chose Cobargo for his run. Other squatters included John Campbell, Henry Badgery, Captain Raine, Thomas Cowper, Curlewis, Major Elrington, Pollack brothers, Alsops and Dr Braidwood, who did not settle in the Valley.

 Read more thebegavalley.org.au/17359.html