Mendooran, New South Wales
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mendooran () is a small sleepy town of 670 population adjacent to the Castlereagh River in the Warrumbungle Shire of central western New South Wales, Australia. It is at an altitude of 271 metres above sea level, 348 kilometres west of Sydney and 39 kilometres west of Coonabarabran. Granite quarried from hills around the town was used when Parliament House in Canberra was constructed.
[edit] History
The district was inhabited by the Wiradjuri tribe before white settlement. The first European to visit the area was Surveyor John Evans who came as close as 10 kilometres from Mendooran in 1815. Two years later it was John Oxley's group that passed through the area while conducting one of the first inland expeditions. 'Mendooran' station was established in 1834. It is believed that the name came from an Aboriginal word meaning 'sand washes down from the hills in this place'. Lucerne, wheat and sheep were established on the station in later years.
The small village grew in the 1860s on the old station near the bridge which passed over the Castlereagh River. This area was part of the Warrumbungles goldfields. As at 1866 there were 24 residents recorded in the area.
The John Bull Inn was erected to serve the passing traffic of the 1860s. It was later replaced by the current day Fat Lamb Hotel. A bridge was erected over the Castlereagh River in 1869 which increased the road traffic and contributed to local development. The town was laid out in 1881 with a school, police station and courthouse being built.
The Robertson Land Act of 1893 broke up the larger squatting runs and closer settlement then came about.
The best known incident in local history was the time in 1862 when Frank Gardiner's gang of bushrangers, which included the notorious Ben Hall, undertook one of Australia's largest gold robberies at Mendooran Rocks. Taking over two bullock teams they blockaded the road and then made the drivers lie down on the road pretending to be drunkards. Upon the arrival of the gold escort, the gang then splayed the stagecoach with a hail of bullets, which wounded two of the troopers whom all fled the scene. The gang then made off with the loot - 77 kilograms of gold and 3700 pounds in cash. Ben Hall was later arrested and charged but he was later released when a captured member of the gang refused to name him as one of the offenders involved in the robbery.
The Mendooran show is held each year in March/April.
[edit] Attractions
Tourist Information and Warrumbungle Gems
The district tourist information centre is Warrumbungle Gems where sapphires, opals, emeralds, garnets and other gemstones are cut, set and then sold. There is also minerals, crystals, souvenirs and gifts for sale.
Lavender Farm
Binnaway Lane Lavender Farm is located to the south-east of Mendooran. The lavender gardens are in flower from November through to February with some varieties flowering through until winter. The plants are then harvested by hand using a sickle. They are then used for potpourri and fresh flowers. There is also some rose gardens which are in a pleasant bush surrounding. There is morning and afternoon teas and numerous lavender products and plants which are for sale. There is also workshops on lavender growing. To get there drive south out of Mendooran on the road to Binnaway for 13 kilometres and Binnaway Lane heads off to the left. The farm is only about halfway along the Binnaway Lane.
Museum
There is a privately owned local history museum which displays gemstones, Aboriginal artefacts, wagons, farm equipment and other items.
Mow Rock outside Mendooran
Three kilometres east of Mendooran along the road to Binnaway, is Mow Rock where there is barbecue, picnic and also toilet facilities. An information plaque tells that the site of the rock where Frank Gardiner's gang of bushrangers, which included the notorious Ben Hall, undertook one of Australia's largest gold robberies in 1862.
Mendooran National Park
Mendooran National Park (40.59 km²) has strong historic links with the Wiradjuri people. It is a rugged natural habitat that has a wide range of flora and fauna. It is best known for the dramatic escarpments and excellent views. The focal point of the park is Mount Mendooran (760 metres). Access by vehicle is only by four wheel drive and the route is mostly unsignposted. Head east of Mendooran on the Binnaway Road for 25 kilometres then turn right at Longs Corner on to the Castlereagh Road. Turn right again after nine kilometres on to the Mogolong Creek Road.
Prospects for bushwalking are excellent but there are not any facilities, so remember to take food and water and to notify someone of your movements.
