A great place to discover the local history of Penrith with artefacts, photos, activities, tours, special events and exhibitions.

The Arms of Australia Inn was once a staging post for travellers making the trip from Sydney over the Blue Mountains to Bathurst and the goldfields. The Inn was first built in 1826, with a second section being built later. It is one of the oldest buildings in Penrith, if not the oldest.

Due to its colourful history, the Inn provides an interesting venue for local activities, tour groups, special events, school tours and exhibitions. The Inn's museum contains artefacts that were either used or manufactured in the local area as well as thousands of photos.

The NSW Corps of Marines also call the Arms of Australia Inn Museum home, their members recreate the lives and times of the First Fleet Marines, sailors, convicts, gentlemen of quality and their ladies.

The Arms of Australia Inn Museum, located in Emu Plains is administered by the Nepean District Historical Society (NDHS).

Our book stall at Emu Plains was well attended, drawing a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Many people stopped to browse, chat, and share their own local stories. It was fantastic to see so much genuine interest in our publications, with many books finding new homes. Overall, it was a highly successful and rewarding day for us in connecting with the Nepean community.

Member Scott Melton at the Farm Yard Display

On 19 November 2023, Helen hosted a special celebration for a remarkable old oak tree growing in the garden of her home in Doonside. As Helen explained, her parents purchased the land in 1960 through a War Service Loan and built what was known as a War Service Home. The property was once part of the stables belonging to Hillend Homestead. In the yard, between their home and the neighbouring property, stood an English oak tree that was already hollow at the time. Helen recalls that her father was told—though by whom is now lost to family legend—that the tree had originally been planted by Robert Crawford after he received the land grant in 1823. The gathering in 2023 therefore marked the 200th anniversary of that historic moment.

The occasion brought together neighbours, friends, descendants of Robert Crawford, a Blacktown City Councillor, and members of the Blacktown & District Historical Society, all joining to celebrate the enduring presence and historical significance of this remarkable tree. 🌳🎉