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Tharwa Valley Forge

blacksmith striking hot metal on an anvil with sparks flying
Man and children blacksmithing on an anvil
blacksmiths drifting a hammer head
handmade stainless steel Japanese kitchen knife
traditional straight razor on a workbench
a steel rose made using decorative blacksmithing techniques
rustic hand forged steak knives atop wooden box
aerial photo of Tharwa Bridge over the Murrumbidgee River
blacksmith striking hot metal on an anvil with sparks flying
Man and children blacksmithing on an anvil
blacksmiths drifting a hammer head
handmade stainless steel Japanese kitchen knife
traditional straight razor on a workbench

Overview

Tharwa Valley Forge delivers authentic blacksmithing and bladesmithing experiences every weekend and most days of the week. Tharwa Valley Forge provides everyone from novices to experts with the opportunity to experience traditional crafts and to learn new skills.

Experience Blacksmithing in a working forge, design and create your own kitchen knives, or come together as a family and work on a project together. These are just a few of the many experiences available all year round.

Tharwa Valley Forge has been teaching people how to create amazing things since 2003. Each year they run over 100 courses and are the largest school of their type in the world. Tharwa Valley Forges' award-winning instructors are among the best in Australia and their world-class facilities ensure an incomparable experience.

The ten-acre campus is set in bushland on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and is adjacent to Namadgi National Park. Heritage-listed accommodation is available on-site at the historic Cuppacumbalong Homestead.

For those staying at Cuppacumbalong during their course, there is plenty to see and do. Go bushwalking along marked trails, visit historic sites along the river, and see native wildlife including kangaroos and wombats.

Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
11 Naas Road, Tharwa Valley Forge, Tharwa, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor ratingBased on 4 reviews

“Do not miss - an amazing experience in a supportive and friendly environment.”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 4mos ago by Climber63312337063

I cannot rate the experience at the Tharwa Valley Forge high enough. I did the Camp Axe course. It was incredible to start the day with a billet of steel and end with a beautiful handmade axe. I had...

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“Excellent value and lots of fun ”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 1yr ago by 350owen

A really fun experience for me and the grandson. i would definitely recommend it - the team really know their craft and there a bunch of different courses to try - my wife and I have done the...

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“Knife making heaven ”

TripAdvisor ratingReviewed 3yrs ago by Alby_Mangles

The Australian Bladesmithing School is awesome unique experience. If you like knives this is an absolute MUST in Canberra. A two day course might look expensive on the face of it, but if you consider...

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Facilities
  • Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Campsites
  • Carpark
  • Conference/Function Facilities
  • Family Friendly
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
  • Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
  • Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.