However the lack of people willing to lend their time, especially in the younger generations, is cause for concern at the authentic 19th Century homestead.

Bequested to the National Trust of New South Wales in the 1980s, the attraction has only one permanent staff member, manager Catherine Basford, and is essentially a charity.

When closing the gates of Dundullimal Homestead to the public was put forward recently a great deal of support was offered but little physical assistance was given.

"(We find) it's more and more difficult for people to want to put their time aside for nothing," Ms Basford said.

There is a handful of dedicated volunteers who offer their time and knowledge to both the maintenance and guided tours of the property, but with opening hours extended to include Saturdays, Dundullimal is on the lookout for some new helpers.

"Now that we have opened Saturday, we are trying to get the sort of volunteer who is maybe working full-time during the week, but has Saturday where they are looking at doing something to put back into the community," Ms Basford said.

The homestead was built in the early 1840s as the head station of a 6500ha squatting run.

It is Dubbo's oldest building open to the public and still includes some of the original furniture and linen.

The finely crafted yet rustic home is surrounded by the 'working areas' which include the blacksmith's forge, coach room, sunken cool room, stores and stables.

The well-preserved estate welcomes tourist and school groups for guided tours and education programs followed by lunch in their cafe.

Demonstrations of 19th Century rural activities are run where possible however the lack of volunteer help has meant the team at Dundullimal is consolidating all its efforts for special occasions such as Australia Day, Heritage Day and the Body, Mind and Spirit Festival.

"The only way we can really manage it (running the authentic demonstrations) is to do the demonstrations and anything more elaborate on specific days."

The Australia Day celebrations for 2012 will see whip cracking, weaving and embriodery as wekk as many other 'old-fashioned' activities.

A gold coin entry is all that is required.

Call Dundullimal on 02 6884 9984 for more information on tours, venue hire or to volunteer.