Bookings Now Open for Redesdale Rocks

The wait is over for anyone wishing to explore, preserve, or learn the timeless craft of dry stone walling. Bookings are officially open for Redesdale Rocks, a four-day community celebration showcasing the historic stone structures that define our regional landscape.

Running from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 September, this major outreach event is hosted by the Dry Stone Walls Association of Australia in partnership with local community groups, including the Redesdale and District Association, the Landcare Group, and the local Fire Brigade. It brings together master wallers, historians, ecologists, and heritage experts for a weekend of hands-on learning and history.

While much of the weekend is open to the general public, two headline events require pre-booking due to strict capacity limits. Anyone planning to attend these specific sessions is encouraged to secure their place immediately.

The first event requiring a booking is the Free Two-Day Training Course, taking place on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September at the Redesdale Recreation Reserve. This hands-on workshop is designed for farmers, landholders, wall owners, and interested community members who want a practical introduction to traditional dry stone wall construction and repair. Participants will learn directly from five of Australia's top professional waller trainers: Wayne Fox, Bruce Munday, David Long, Evan Pierce, and Keegan Darling. Because this high-value training is entirely free, spaces are strictly capped at 30 participants and will fill quickly.

The second booked event is the Guided Field Trip on Sunday 13 September. This exclusive tour grants participants access to private properties across the district to view exceptional examples of local dry stone craftsmanship. Attendees will travel alongside expert historians and professional wallers who have built or repaired the structures, offering firsthand insights into the stories behind the stone.

Beyond the booked sessions, visitors can enjoy a variety of open-access activities. On Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, the Redesdale Hall will host a Public Forum featuring guest speakers discussing the environmental benefits and fire mitigation value of dry stone walls, alongside the award-winning national exhibition A Stone Upon A Stone. Throughout the event, the public is also invited to visit Gibbards Lane to watch professional wallers actively restore a heritage-listed stock enclosure, demonstrating traditional techniques in real time.

With attendees expected from across the region, local accommodation is filling up fast, and early reservations are highly recommended.