ALL WELCOME! TUTTI BENVENUTO!
Our unique Historic New Italy Museum complex and facilities stand on acreage that was once part of the original New Italy Settlement dating back centuries.
This historical site has been developed and is maintained by volunteering descendants and friends of the some 200 Italian survivors of the disastrous Marquis de Ray’s expedition / settlement attempt in the South West Pacific of 1879-1881. These destitute people settled here in 1882 and established a thriving Italian speaking village in the Australian bush.
The Museum commemorates the stories of the expeditioners and those families who established the vibrant community of New Italy, carved out of the poor bushland of the region.
We are located on the Pacific Highway in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, between Byron Bay and Grafton. We are open seven days and entry is free. New Italy is a great place to rest, charge your EV, enjoy lunch or an excellent coffee, shop for truly unique gifts, let your four legged friends play in our fenced off-leash dog park and immerse yourself in a truly memorable and historic Italian experience. 🇮🇹
Photo: Peter Derrett
CafeWe have the best coffee on the highway with delicious homemade cakes. Call ahead on (02) 6682 2622 to order a sit down or takeaway lunch.
Tastes of New Italy
Italian Gift ShopBrowse our quality range showcasing Italian designs and styles. Spoil yourself or find the perfect gift for a loved one.
Casa Vecchia Gift Shop
MyBelle PantryMyBelle Pantry is now open at the New Italy Complex, located between the glass worker’s studio and the museum.
Pesticide free bulk foods
Glass Art GalleryIan O'Driscoll has been crafting glass for more than 30 years. From solid to liquid and back to solid again, Ian shapes the glass into stunning works of art.
Gallery & Workshops
Italian PavilionFrom the 1988 world expo in Brisbane, the structure and contents of the Italian Pavilion have found a home at New Italy.
Italian PavilionHALL HIRE
LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT OR FUNCTION?
The New Italy Hall is now available for hire! Offering an easily accessible, highway adjacent location, with great facilities and plenty of parking, the New Italy Hall is an attractive option for your next event or function. The BYO opportunity makes our hall a particularly affordable solution.
A blank canvas, the hall seats approximately 400, or alternatively, up to 220 seated at tables. Facilities in the hall include a small bar area and a raised stage with a wall mounted large flat screen TV at the southern end of the building. A covered area outside the hall offers an additional 'Al fresco' option. Find out more here>
EV SUPERCHARGER
Supercharged news for Historic New Italy!
The award winning EV charging facility at Historic New Italy is open and the driver feedback received so far is overwhelmingly positive!
This impressive installation features 11 individual charging stations shaded by the solar array canopy and one pull-through parking for EVs towing trailers. It also features a convenient tap-and-go credit card payment option.
It is a Tesla Supercharger but it's not just for Teslas as the chargers are equipped with CCS2 plugs so can charge a wide range of compatible EVs.
It's the perfect place along the M1 to stop for a break, a cuppa, a visit to the museum, a wonder through the shops and of course - a charge!
Winning! The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) has chosen the Tesla Supercharger station at Historic New Italy in northern New South Wales as its 2025 Charging Station of the Year!
This prestigious title is awarded to the most reliable, convenient, well kept, and thoughtfully designed public EV charging station in the country.
The New Italy facility, located off the Pacific Motorway in northern NSW, offers a "very high level of amenity for EV users", AEVA says
Get Involved
The New Italy Museum Complex is run by volunteers and is funded by sales from the Casa Vecchia Gift Shop and visitor donations. Membership fees also help us to continue to develop and improve the museum.
Find out more about volunteering at New Italy >
We gladly accept donations of items that are relevant to our museum, and of course financial contributions.
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Interesting to check out & read up , on the history of New Italy & the pioneer families , in the local area .. within both of museums , at the recommended to explore - New Italy tourist attraction area & Pacific Highway Rest Stop Outside the museums .. are also some statues / sculptures & other tourist attraction to see There’s no entrance fee , into either museum area .. nevertheless , to help with the running cost of New Italy - there are donation boxes all over the area * there even a donation box next to the public toilets there 🙂
Marty
16/05/2022 -
Great place to stop for a break and to stretch my legs heading up to the Gold Coast. The museum was really interesting telling the story of the first settlers to the area. Loved the gift shop and the cafe had great coffee!
Jewellery Store
24/08/2022 -
I didn't know this place existed as I haven't driven along the highway for a long time. I passed it but glad I turned back to have a look. I suggest people make this place a stop when traveling along the highway. Added: I visited a second time it’s even better. I’ve added more pics.
BulldogDynasty
13/08/2022 -
Fantastic place. All done by volunteers. Hats off to you guys
Len Nicholson
09/06/2021 -
I didn't know this place existed as I haven't driven along the highway for a long time. I passed it but glad I turned back to have a look. I suggest people make this place a stop when traveling along the highway. Added: I visited a second time it’s even better. I’ve added more pics.
BulldogsAndDolphins
13/08/2022 -
I loved this museum! A jump in the past for who has got an Italian background. Really recommend! There is also a lovely shop! I had lasagna for lunch, small poece but worth the money spent! Go try it!
Giordan Benigni
19/06/2022 -
I have been to New Italy several times and like the theme of their museum and shops. Good spot to rest for 30-45 minutes if heading to NSW or QLD.
Arman Afsari
19/06/2022 -
Honestly intriguing stories and a great little explore. Had a wonderful brekky
Tom Angove
13/05/2022 -
I didn't know this place existed as I haven't driven along the highway for a long time. I passed it but glad I turned back to have a look. I suggest people make this place a stop when traveling along the highway. Added: I visited a second time it’s even better. I’ve added more pics.
BulldogDynasty2
13/08/2022 -
Great coffee stop with clean facilities and interesting Italian migrant stories and artefacts.
Poh Ling LEE
01/08/2022