Plan your visit
Everything you need before you set out: where we are, when we're open, where to park, and what you'll find once you're here.
Right on the Pacific Highway, between Ballina and Yamba.
Historic New Italy sits at 8275 Pacific Highway, Woodburn — a well-known stop for travellers moving between Brisbane or the Gold Coast and Sydney. Look for the signposted turnoff at Woodburn; the museum grounds are visible from the highway.
- Address
- 8275 Pacific Highway, Woodburn NSW 2472
- Region
- Northern Rivers, NSW — between Ballina and Yamba
- From the north
- Brisbane / Gold Coast: south via the Pacific Motorway, past Ballina
- From the south
- Sydney / Coffs Harbour: north via the Pacific Highway, past Yamba and Coraki
Open 7 days. Entry is free.
Donations are always welcome and help keep this volunteer-run museum going. As a member-supported charity, hours can vary around events, working bees and public holidays — please confirm current opening hours with the museum before you travel.
The cafe, gift shop and glass gallery keep their own trading hours within the same grounds, so it's worth checking directly if you're planning around one of them.
Contact the volunteer team →Parking
Ample and free, no time limits.
Caravans & RVs
Dedicated space to pull in — a popular stop on the highway run.
Picnic areas
Shaded picnic grounds across the memorial park. Bring lunch, or buy it at the cafe.
Dogs
Leashed dogs welcome throughout the grounds.
Facilities on site
Seven good reasons to make Historic New Italy a stop rather than a rest break.
Tastes of New Italy Cafe
A full breakfast and lunch menu with good coffee and cake, served in the grounds beside the museum and Park of Peace. Sit on the verandah or take a table under the trees.
Coffee · breakfast · lunch · cakes
Casa Vecchia Gift Shop
The Italian gift shop stocks moka pots, olive oil tins, glass cruets, pasta tools and kitchenware, alongside locally made jewellery and glass. A browse-worthy stop whether or not you're buying.
Italian homewares · gifts · local glass
Glass Art Gallery & Workshops
Watch artisan Ian O'Driscoll hand-flamework borosilicate glass at his bench — sea creatures, ornaments and sculptural pieces, made and sold on site under the Flamework name. Working locally since 1984.
Live demonstrations · pieces for sale
The Italian Pavilion
Relocated from Brisbane's 1988 World Expo, the pavilion holds painted murals, a replica of Michelangelo's David, pioneer memorabilia and posters — and, memorably, Lismore's first cappuccino machine. Recently renovated by the volunteer team.
Expo '88 relocation · murals · memorabilia
EV Supercharger Station
An eleven-bay EV supercharger station under a solar canopy in the back carpark, named Charging Station of the Year in 2025. Plug in, then spend the charge time in the museum, cafe and gift shop.
11 bays · solar canopy · award-winning
Community Hall
Available for hire, seating around 400, with BYO beverages welcome. Home to Anniversary Day, the Lavazza Italian Film Festival, volunteer luncheons and Alpini Association gatherings through the year.
Seats ~400 · hire available · BYO welcome
Genealogy & museum collections
The museum maintains genealogy and collection databases for descendants and researchers tracing pioneer families back to 1882. Volunteers can help with enquiries by arrangement. MyBelle Pantry is also on site for pesticide-free bulk foods.
Family history · collection records
Site map
Questions before you come?
For current opening hours, group bookings, hall hire or genealogy research help, the volunteer team is glad to hear from you.
- info@newitaly.org.au
- Address
- 8275 Pacific Highway, Woodburn NSW 2472
- Organisation
- New Italy Museum Inc. — ACNC registered charity