Wide verandahed streets, elegant two story buildings,
and parks and gardens are among the characteristics of this large Riverina town.
Strategically located at the north-south, east-west crossroads,and on the railway line,
it has all amenities including a golfcourse, swimming area in the Murrumbidgee River,
and a fish research station just north of town. A gigantic guitar will be found in
the information centre next to the Botanic Gardens. Squatters first settled on large holdings during the 1840's and the town emerged as a central meeting place as the population of the region rose. The distinctive architecture of the churches and homes, and the trees planted by the forebears of Narrandera are protected by the town being classified as an Urban Conservation Area by National Trust. Faithful restoration and maintenance by the business houses, galleries, clubs, antique shops and tea-rooms, retains the original character of this very scenic and beautiful old river town. Narrandera is the gateway to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area which encompasses 550,000 hectares extending through Leeton and Griffith to the north-west, and Darlington Point along the highway to the west. Once a barren wilderness, the area is now one of the richest food producing parts of Australia, with orchards, vineyards and rice-fields. As a tribute to the thousands of Second World War pilots who commenced flying training in the district, a restored DN82 Tiger Moth plane is displayed in Narrandera Park. Also in the park are a miniature zoo and an aboriginal 'canoe tree'. Canoe trees are large trees from which the aboriginal people removed large sections of bark to make their boats. A Tourist Information Centre is located on the eastern side and contains a wealth of information on the district for visitors. The warm, dry climate is ideal for outdoor activities. Narrandera's golf course is one of the finest in rural NSW. Visitors are welcome to test their skills on the watered fairways and greens, and to sample the generous hospitality of the club members when they have completed their round. Also enhanced by the sun is the Lake Talbot Complex. There are 3 swimming pools, a 100m. water slide, rampage slide, terraced lawns and electric BBQ's to facilitate visitors. Lake Talbot can be seen below the park, catering for boating, skiing, fishing and canoeing, Walking tracks follow scenic routes around the lake and along the river. Many fishing spots can be found by the angler. Murray Cod, Yellowbelly (Callop) and - Silver Bream are abundant. The Inland Fisheries Research Station, 5km. east of Narrandera on the Sturt Highway, carries out important work concerning the fish species of the Murray-Murrumbidgee-Darling River System. The John Lake Centre within the research facility has live exhibits and audio-visual presentations during the informative guided tours each weekday at 10.30am. Narrandera is a cross-roads of the Sturt and Newell Highway between Melbourne and Brisbane, and travellers on both roads can find excellent accommodation. The Narrandera Railway Station Refreshment Rooms situated in the railway station on the northern side of the town, caters for the culinary needs of visitors and has a varied range of antiques and local crafts. John O'Brien, an Australian Bush Balladist, lived and worked in Narrandera for 27 years under his real name as Father Patrick Harrigan, a parish priest. A folk festival is held each year in Mid March to celebrate his extensive works. A stay in Narrandera is a rewarding experience. The natural features of river, lake and bushland have been enhanced by the structures introduced to the area; the eating houses and clubs; the sporting and park areas; the buildings and tree-lined streets, and the developments of the adjacent Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. PLACES OF INTEREST: Annual Events Zone 5 Water Skiing Championships Kites for Peace National Cavy Show Treemendous Celebrations Fishing and Outdoor Expo Narrandera Gift
INFORMATION CENTRE: Narrandera Tourist Information Centre Narrandera Park, Narrandera N.S.W. 5700 Ph: (02) 6959 1766. Fax: (02) 6959 2788 Open: Mon. to Fri. 9am. to 5pm. Weekends 10am to 4pm. HOW TO GET THERE: By car or coach along the Newell or Sturt Highway. By Rail from Sydney or Melbourne. |
© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |