Gulgong Attractions: Henry Lawson Centre

Gulgong Pioneers Museum | Henry Lawson Centre | Prince of Wales Opera House | Walking Tour

147 Mayne St
Gulgong, NSW 2852

Henry Lawson remains probably the best known of Australian writers. His poetry and prose are still widely quoted. Most of his works are in print. His images are those most often used by Australians to depict the kind of country they admire.

The Henry Lawson Centre is a museum dedicated to Lawson's life and literary works, and to the family, friends, literary characters and places that filled his years.

The Centre, which was once the Salvation Army Hall, is a few steps west of the Mayne Street shopping area of Gulgong, just across Medley Street (C8 on the town map).

The Henry Lawson Centre has been commended by the Museums and Galleries Foundation for the high quality of its displays, and won an Award of Distinction in the 2000 New South Wales Awards for Excellence in Tourism.

Henry Lawson's parents brought him to the Gulgong area when he was an infant, and he spent his childhood and early teens in locations between Gulgong and Mudgee. The scenes and experiences of these years influenced Lawson enormously. They appear, with vivid clarity, in many of his works.

The Henry Lawson Centre takes the visitor through the phases of the writer's life, from his birth in 1867 to his death in 1922, through a series of illustrated wall displays. These pay special attention to Lawson's concerns and his influence on the affairs of the day: justice for workers, the republic, the plight of the poor, and the emancipation of women.

There is also a collection of books, artifacts and art works, including rare items. A large number of items are for sale, including CDs, books, prints and various small items, with an emphasis on Henry Lawson and his writings. Henry Lawson's influence lives on in Gulgong!

The Henry Lawson Literary Awards

The Henry Lawson Literary Awards are held every year with entries from all over Australia in poetry and short stories for adults and school students. The closing date is always the same, 14th March in that year, and the Presentation is always on the Saturday night of the June long weekend.

The presentations are held at the Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong.

Anyone planning to join us in Gulgong on the long weekend in June should book accommodation well in advance. Please note that accommodation is normally booked out by March. You will be able to find a list of accommodation options in the Business Directory on this site.

Literary Awards - Entry Forms:

2011 Country Energy Literary Awards Entry Form (566KB)
Entries for the 2011 Literary Awards are closed. Hear/read finalists and attend the awards dinner at the Henry Lawson Heritage Festival

Literary Awards enquiries: Secretary - Cheryl Peters - Phone: (02) 6374 1213 - Fax: (02) 6374 1213 - Email: henrylawsongulgong@yahoo.com.au