Tocal College, Agricultural college in Paterson Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Tocal College is an agricultural college located where the Paterson River meets Webbers Creek, set across spacious grounds with interconnected buildings arranged around a long central courtyard. The layout creates a unified campus designed for teaching and learning.
The property began as a colonial estate in 1822 when James Phillips Webber received a land grant and established farming operations with 150 convict workers. It later transformed from a private holding into a public educational institution.
The name comes from the language of the Gringai people of the Wonnarua nation and refers to abundance in this region. Today, this meaning continues through the college's role in sharing agricultural knowledge with students.
The grounds offer plenty of space for exploring, with accessible areas around the main buildings and paths through the property. Visitors should check in advance since the layout can feel large and opening times may vary based on seasonal events and college activities.
The buildings were designed by architects Philip Cox and Ian McKay to blend naturally with the landscape, winning architecture awards including the Sulman and Blacket prizes. This approach shows how thoughtful design can bring together setting and purpose.
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