Gundagai
Town
Population 1999
Gundagai is a tiny town on the Murrumbidgee River at the foot of Mount Parnassus. The town and the nearby Dog on the Tuckerbox statue have been celebrated through song and verse for many years. Banjo Paterson, C. J. Dennis and Henry Lawson all included the town in their works. It was also the scene in 1852 of Australia's worst flood disaster when 89 of the 250 townsfolk died. The count could have been worse but for a local Aboriginal man, Yarri, who paddled his bark canoe throughout the night to rescue stranded victims. Gundagai was moved to higher ground soon after, and there are monuments celebrating Yarri's efforts. Near the visitor centre are statues of Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel (characters from the writings of Steele Rudd).
Visitor Information
249 Sheridan St; (02) 6944 0250
www.gundagai.local-e.nsw.gov.au
Nearby national parks
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Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park embraces the majestic grandeur of the high country. This is one of the world’s great national parks with its...more -
Namadgi National Park
Rolling grassy hills unfold towards the horizon, hardy snow gums create woodlands on the subalpine slopes and higher still are alpine...more -
Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park
Declared a national park in 1978, this remote but scenic area close to the New South Wales border is named for its two peaks, Pine Mountain...more
Nearby towns
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Adelong Intro
Adelong was established and thrived as a goldmining town in the late 19th century. Wilham Williams discovered gold and prospectors flocked...more -
Tumut
Tumut (pronounced 'Tyoomut') is located in a fertile valley, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The poplar and willow trees...more -
Cootamundra
This prosperous rural service centre and major junction on the railway line between Sydney and Melbourne prides itself on being the...more
In Town
Marble Masterpiece In an amazing display of patience and determination, local sculptor Frank Rusconi, who is also responsible for the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue, worked to create a cathedral in miniature. He built it in his spare time over 28 years, hand-turning and polishing the 20 948 individual pieces required to build it. Visitor centre, Sheridan St.
Gabriel Gallery: outstanding collection of photographs, letters and possessions illustrating Gundagai's unique history; Sheridan St. Gundagai Museum: relics include Phar Lap's saddle, Frank Rusconi's tools, and artefacts from the horse and buggy era; Homer St. Lookouts: excellent views of the town and surrounding green valleys from the Mt Parnassus Lookout in Hanley St and the Rotary Lookout in Luke St; South Gundagai. Historical town walk: includes the National Trust–classified Prince Alfred Bridge and St John's Anglican Church; leaflet from visitor centre.
Nearby
The Dog on the Tuckerbox Originally mentioned in the poem Bill the Bullocky by Bowyang Yorke, this monument to pioneer teamsters and their dogs is recognised throughout the nation as an Australian icon. It was celebrated in the song 'Where the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox' by Jack O'Hagan (the songwriter responsible for 'Along the Road to Gundagai'). The dog was unveiled in 1932 by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. 8.5 km N.
Fishing spots near town
Wagga Wagga 67 km
In my early teens I lived in Wagga Wagga for about three years and spent many hours fishing from a kayak on the Murrumbidgee and at Lake Albert. The river held excellent numbers of redfin, and they were of good size, so... Find out moreYaouk Valley 105 km
It was late autumn 1997 when I arrived in Canberra to fish with the late Chris Hole, fly-fisherman, author and painter. Chris offered to take me to some of his favourite trout streams that snake... Find out moreKhancoban 130 km
Many trout fishers, particularly those adept with the fly, regard Khancoban as home base for trout fishing. The biggest water in the area is Khancoban Pondage, fed by the Swampy Plain River and Khancoban Creek. The... Find out moreLake Hume 144 km
Albury–Wodonga is ideal for anyone seeking a variety of freshwater fishing. The list of fish species on offer reads like a Who’s Who of southern Australian freshwater fish. It includes Murray cod,... Find out moreGeehi 146 km
If you like the bush and clear mountain streams where you can fish for trout, then the Snowy Mountains offers excellent opportunities. Rivers up this way are part of our fishing folklore, particularly among fly-fishers.... Find out moreNariel Creek 147 km
A favourite dry fly among fly-fishers casting to rising trout in the Snowy Mountains and north-east Victoria is the Geehi beetle. This marvellous pattern is named after a non- existent beetle. It’s a fly that trout... Find out moreLake Jindabyne 153 km
Lake Jindabyne sits on the eastern edge of Kosciuszko National Park and rates as one of southern Australia’s best trout waters. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and Atlantic salmon. Some of the... Find out moreIndi River 165 km
Take the Alpine Way out of Khancoban and head about 50 km towards Thredbo, and you’ll come to Tom Groggin station. Locals say the river flowing alongside the station is the Indi River, but it’s marked on some... Find out moreLower Mitta Mitta 172 km
Wodonga-based fly-fishing guide Scott McPherson accompanied me on one trip on the lower Mitta Mitta. We were wading a stretch of river near Eskdale early in the morning. I recommend not only waders for this activity, but... Find out moreLake Dartmouth 175 km
Lake Dartmouth holds self-sustaining populations of both brown and rainbow trout. The lake was formed in 1979 when an embankment was built on the Mitta Mitta River. Trout and the threatened Macquarie perch thrived in the... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Birdwatching in Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands 67 km
Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands are Ramsar-listed, and among nearly 200 birds spotted here are brolgas, black-winged stilts and painted snipes. Fivebough has 5 kilometres of walking tracks, with bird hides along the... Find out morePicnicking around Canberra 94 km
There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out moreBurrowa–Pine Mountain National Park 120 km
Located near the New South Wales border, 430 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, and one of Victoria’s lesser-known national parks, this has some remarkable features. The granitic Pine Mountain is one of the... Find out moreKoala-spotting - Narrandera 147 km
Koalas have thrived at Narrandera since they were released in 1972. At Narrandera Nature Reserve you should be able to spot a few.... Find out moreCross-country skiing 151 km
A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out moreCanoeing in the Snowys 153 km
It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out moreSnowy Mountains Touring Company 157 km
Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out moreBushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 160 km
There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out moreWine-tasting - Rutherglen region 185 km
The Rutherglen region in the far north of the state is renowned particularly for its fortified ports and muscats, perfect for a winter’s night. There are no organically certified wineries in the area, although... Find out moreBushwalking on the South Coast, NSW 198 km
From meanders along isolated beaches and around heath-covered headlands, to long hikes up rugged mountains in Budawang, Morton or Deua national parks, the South Coast provides limitless possibilities for great... Find out moreGolf courses around town
Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 93 km
When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out moreNarooma Golf Club 224 km
Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The Poets’ Recall Motel & Licensed Restaurant
The name ‘Poets’ Recall’ was bestowed on the humble Railway Hotel when it and much of the town was rebuilt in 1875. You’ll discover more fascinating and dramatic history about the town’s... Find out moreNearby breweries
Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 96 km
Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out moreBridge Road Brewers 193 km
Ben Kraus originally trained as a winemaker but his head was turned in the direction of craft brewing during a stint working in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The cluster of microbreweries in this... Find out moreWilliam Bull Brewery 200 km
The high-profile, family-run De Bortoli Wines diversifying into craft beer has been one of the longest-running stories around. In the late 1990s they acquired a brewhouse that originally belonged to the ... Find out moreBright Brewery 211 km
The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out moreCampsites around town
Blowering campsite (section two) 39 km
It’s a 250 m walk from the carpark at Blowering Dam to the first campsite in section 2 of the Hume and Hovell Walking Track. It’s near the Blowering Dam wall, accessed via the Snowy Mountains Hwy south-east... Find out moreLog Bridge Creek camping area (northern section) 42 km
In summer these grassy woodlands make a great base for campers in the mood for paddling, sailing, swimming, fishing and walking. It’s 18 km south of Tumut, near Blowering Reservoir, via the Snowy Mountains Hwy.... Find out moreThomas Boyd Trackhead (section one) 44 km
Thomas Boyd, a member of the Hume and Hovell expedition, ended up settling in the Tumut region. His namesake campsite is one of the major trackheads on the walking trail. There’s vehicle-based camping available,... Find out moreBrowns Creek campsite (walk-in camping, section two) 44 km
This is 9.5 km south of Blowering campsite on the Blowering Reservoir foreshore. It’s a long but manageable return walk from Blowering campsite if you’re only in the mood for an overnighter. You can also... Find out moreThe Pines camping area (northern section) 45 km
Put up a tent at The Pines and head out on the water at Blowering Reservoir for a spot of fishing, waterskiing, swimming or kayaking. The camping area is 22 km south of Tumut via the Snowy Mountains Hwy. Bring your own... Find out moreBossawa campsite (walk-in camping, section one) 45 km
Walk-in access from Brindabella Rd, 49 km east of Tumut. Boil/treat water in the creek before drinking. There are wood barbecues here; bring your own firewood.... Find out moreLog Bridge Creek campsite (walk-in camping, section one) 46 km
It’s about 14 km from the Fitzpatrick Trackhead to the walk-in Log Bridge Creek campsite. If there’s water in the creek, it’ll need to be boiled or treated before use.... Find out moreMicalong Creek campsite (walk-in camping, section one) 47 km
It’s about a 14 km walk from the Log Bridge Creek campsite to Micalong. Walk-in access only; boil/treat water in the creek before drinking.... Find out moreHumes Crossing camping area (northern section) 48 km
You’ll need to bring drinking water and firewood to this camping area, 25 km south of Tumut, reached by the Snowy Mountains Hwy. There are loads of water-based activities to immerse yourself in during summer,... Find out moreBurrinjuck Waters State Park camping area 48 km
Situated on the western foreshore of Lake Burrinjuck, the state park camping area offers a huge amount of facilities and activities. Accommodation options include self-contained cottages and cabins, and powered and... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Gundagai River Caravan Park 1 km
Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, the park is about 1 km from the town centre. First impressions are the wide expanses of green grass and large shady trees. It is a great spot to stay and enjoy this... Find out moreEast’s Riverview Holiday Park 66 km
This older but well-maintained and well-managed park, 2 km east of the town centre on the Sturt Highway, has long-established shade trees. The latest feature is a new camp kitchen. This is a convenient and easily... Find out moreWagga Wagga Beach Caravan Park 67 km
Nestled alongside the Murrumbidgee River, this park has wide expanses of shady lawns and is within walking distance of the main shopping area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreYass Caravan Park 78 km
The park is just 1 km from the town centre and is a popular overnight stop for those travelling the Hume Highway. There are convenient drive-thru sites, grassy areas and clean amenities. Bookings may be required during... Find out moreCanberra Motor Village 93 km
Located in a quiet bushland setting 3 km from the centre of Canberra, this park makes a good base for exploring the national capital, with just a short drive to the city and most of the attractions. The park has... Find out moreExhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) 96 km
This camping area is part of the Canberra Showground and may suit those with big rigs or those travelling with dogs. The park is not available during the Canberra Show or the Folk Festival; the maximum stay is 28 days.... Find out moreCanberra South Motor Park 101 km
This large, older-style park is on the south side just a few kilometres from Canberra. For those navigating with a GPS, the park has no street number but is opposite number 250. A minimum-length stay applies at Easter... Find out moreCapital Country Holiday Village 103 km
Take the time to sit by the lake, relax and feed the ducks. Formerly White Ibis Caravan Park, this is a spacious park in a rural setting about 14 km north of Canberra and easily accessible from the Federal Highway. This... Find out moreHolbrook Motor Village 103 km
In an ideal position, this comfortable tidy park caters for travellers on the Hume Highway. It is convenient for an overnight stop or a longer stay. Pets are allowed at the manager’s discretion.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Under the title of Gundagai Historic Cottages, hosts Mason, Miriam and Kim Crane run Araluen, one of Gundagai’s most historic houses. It has been lovingly restored to open its doors as a traditional country B&B... Find out more
If you feel like a spot of camping, this excellent tourist park on the banks of the Murrumbigee River has fully self-contained air-conditioned cabins, and grassy tent sites as well as sites with and without power. There... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 128 km
This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out moreAlpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 157 km
Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out moreThe Odd Frog, Bright 213 km
This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out moreThe Buckland, Bright 217 km
With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out moreJenolan Cabins 221 km
These basic but cosy self-contained cabins, 6 kilometres up the steep hill past Jenolan Caves, are earth-sheltered for climate control and have composting toilets and rainwater. There are great views over the mountains,... Find out moreClonturkle Sanctuary 239 km
Join the experiment in sustainable living and tourism at Clonturkle Earth Hamlet and Forest Sanctuary. Located at Yetholme, there are four cabins set on 240 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with 15 kilometres of... Find out moreRest areas around town
Mingay Rest Area 10 km
56 km NE of Tarcutta (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 58.741 E148 08.281 ... Find out moreCoolac Rest Area 15 km
87 km SW of Yass (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 56.514 E148 10.511 ... Find out moreTumut Park Area 29 km
Middle of town Small town park adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 18.308 E148 13.667 ... Find out moreLog Bridge Creek camping area 42 km
23 km NW of Talbingo (R) or 18 km S of Tumut (L) Large area located well off the highway in Kosciuszko National Park. GPS: S35 25.311 E148 16.765... Find out moreThe Pines Camp Area 45 km
19 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 22 km SE of Tumut (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 26.868 E148 17.079... Find out moreHumes Crossing Camp Area 48 km
16 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 25 km SE of Tumut (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 28.382 E148 16.591 ... Find out moreBoranbola Rest Area 49 km
23 km E of Wagga Wagga (R) or 22 km W of Hume Hwy (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 09.709 E147 34.925 ... Find out moreYachting Point Camp Area 52 km
12 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 29 km SE of Tumut (R) Large open grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 30.654 E148 16.015... Find out moreKilgowlah Creek Rest Area 52 km
14 km SW of Tarcutta (L) or 56 km NE of Holbrook (R) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 21.229 E147 39.121 ... Find out moreYolde Camp Area 55 km
7 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 34 km SE of Tumut (R) Very small secluded area well off the highway surrounded by scrub in Kosciuszko National Park. GPS: S35 32.295 E148 17.718... Find out moreBookham Rest Area 56 km
32 km W of Yass (L) or 113 km NE of Tarcutta (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S34 48.849 E148 38.503 ... Find out moreJounama Creek Camp Area 59 km
T/O opposite Talbingo turnoff Large grassed area located on the edge of a creek 500 metres east of the highway in Kosciuszko National Park. NOTE: access road unsealed. GPS: S35 33.929 E148 19.908... Find out moreTalbingo Park Area 60 km
West side of town Parking area on the shores of the lake. GPS: S35 34.801 E148 17.808... Find out moreKyeamba Gap East Rest Area 69 km
34 km S of Tarcutta (R) or 36 km N of Holbrook (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 30.298 E147 33.838... Find out moreYarrangobilly Village Camp Area 73 km
65 km NW of Adaminaby (L) or 26 km SE of Talbingo (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 39.122 E148 27.742... Find out moreHolbrook Park Area 89 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the information centre and submarine display. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 39.355 E147 26.224 ... Find out moreMundoonan Rest Area 92 km
64 km W of Goulburn (L) or 23 km E of Yass (L) Large areas well off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 49.462 E149 04.468 ... Find out moreKiandra Park Area 96 km
35 km NW of Adaminaby (R) or 56 km SE of Talbingo (L) Parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 52.323 E148 29.718... Find out moreBerry Jerry Rest Area 96 km
66 km SE of Narrandera (L) or 32 km NW of Wagga Wagga (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 03.631 E147 03.193 ... Find out moreThe Rest House Park Area 100 km
28 km W of Adaminaby (L) or 63 km SE of Talbingo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 53.45 E148 32.24... Find out moreGalore Camp Area 115 km
T/O at Galore Large area located 10 kilometres north of the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 55.237 E146 51.651... Find out moreWoomargama Rest Area 116 km
Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S35 49.982 E147 14.788 ... Find out moreAdaminaby Park Area 120 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467 ... Find out moreMullengandra Rest Area 125 km
11 km SW of Woomargama (R) or 40 km NE of Albury (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S35 53.633 E147 10.120... Find out moreBeckom Rest Area 129 km
78 km N of Narrandera (L) or 58 km SW of West Wyalong (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 20.219 E147 00.923... Find out moreBen Halls Cave Camp Area 129 km
T/O 99 km E of West Wyalong (R) or 5 km W of Grenfell (L) Large open area located 26 kilometres south-west of the highway via Back Piney Range Road and Weddin View Road in a pleasant natural bush setting in Weddin... Find out moreGrenfell West Rest Area 130 km
102 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 2 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 53.425 E148 08.743 ... Find out moreTyagong Creek Rest Area 133 km
31 km E of Grenfell (R) or 24 km W of Cowra (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.096 E148 27.977 ... Find out moreSandigo Rest Area 134 km
25 km SE of Narrandera (R) or 73 km NW of Wagga Wagga (L) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. GPS: S34 55.286 E146 38.918 ... Find out moreBogolong Rest Area 135 km
95 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 9 km W of Grenfell (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 50.982 E148 05.447 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Turing Wave Festival: celebrating Irish heritage; Sept.
Spring Flower Show: Oct.
Dog on the Tuckerbox Festival: Nov.
Snake Gully Cup Carnival: horserace; Nov.
Rodeo: Dec.
