The Merimbula Old School Museum is located in a lovely sandstone building in Main Street, Merimbula – opposite the RSL Club. The former classroom and teacher’s residence was first occupied in 1875 with an enrolment of 39 pupils. It is a rare example in NSW of this type of building still in public ownership. When the Merimbula Public School moved to new premises at the end of 1945, the old building was used as a residence and for community activities for a number of years. In 1969 the Imlay Historical Society was formed, and requested permission to use the building as a museum, which opened in 1973 after extensive repairs had been carried out. This NSW National Trust classified building is owned by the NSW Government, leased from the Trustee, Bega Valley Shire Council, and managed by the Merimbula-Imlay Historical Society. It showcases the history of the local area.
During a year-long closure caused by bushfires and the COVID pandemic, the whole display layout was changed so the local community would find a visit to the museum a totally new experience. One room in the former teacher’s residence was remodelled as a classroom giving the history of the Merimbula Public School and another had an impressive display of oyster plates. The old schoolroom area has been revamped to tell the story of Merimbula and Pambula through text, photos and artefacts, tracing the history from the custodianship of the Yuin people through to the development of local industries and services. It is the intention to change aspects of these displays regularly so a visit to the museum will give something new for locals and tourists to appreciate.
Click on the pictures for a larger view
The Merimbula-Imlay Historical Society is a non-profit organisation that maintains and manages the Old School Museum, which is housed in a beautiful heritage building dating from 1873. Originally built as a school with the master’s residence attached, and using locally quarried stone, it is one of few buildings of its type remaining in Australia today. The Society is also responsible for an archive collection of written material, oral histories, photographs and maps. It acquires, conserves, researches and exhibits the history of Merimbula, Pambula and adjacent areas for the purpose of education and enjoyment of both local residents and visitors.
Admission $5.00 for adults, children free. The Museum opening hours are as follows:
| Day | Time |
| Sundays | 1:30pm – 4:00pm |
| Thursdays | 1:30pm – 4:00pm |
Note: The Museum can be opened at other times by arrangement. Arrange Group tours bookings by sending us an email