West Wyalong

St Marys Church, Nick Rains / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 3189

John Oxley was the first European explorer to visit West Wyalong. He disliked the region, claiming 'these desolate areas would never again be visited by civilised man'. He was proved wrong when squatters moved in, and the discovery of gold in 1893 meant the town became inundated with settlers. West Wyalong is now in one of the state's most productive agricultural regions.

Visitor Information

Bland Shire Library, 6 Shire St; (02) 6979 0272

www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au

Nearby national parks

  • 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

  • Willandra National Park

    Scrubby red sand plains stretch to the horizon in Willandra National Park, in the state’s remote west. In its heyday Willandra was one...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

Nearby towns

  • Temora

    In 1879 gold was discovered in the area and in 1880 the town site was chosen. By 1881 the Temora district was producing half of the...more

  • Grenfell

    Nestled at the foot of the Weddin Mountains, Grenfell is best known as the birthplace of writer Henry Lawson. The wealth appropriated...more

  • Forbes

    When John Oxley passed through in 1817, he was so unimpressed by the area's clay soil, poor timber and swamps that he claimed 'it is...more

In Town

West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council Arts and Crafts The craft shop features local Aboriginal work. Handcrafted items are on display and for sale and include boomerangs, didgeridoos, hand-woven baskets, clothing, and traditional beauty and skin-care products. The library features a collection of historic and contemporary titles relating to Aboriginal heritage, culture and modern issues. Open Mon–Fri; Main St; (02) 6972 3493.Bland District Historical Museum: displays of goldmining including a scale model of a goldmine and records from mines such as the Black Snake, the Blue Jacket and the Shamrock and Thistle; Main St.

Nearby

Lake Cowal When it is full, this is the largest natural lake in NSW and a bird and wildlife sanctuary. There are over 180 species of waterbird living in the area, with many rare or endangered. The lake is also excellent for fishing. No visitor facilities are provided. Via Clear Ridge; 48 km NE.Barmedman: mineral-salt pool believed to help arthritis and rheumatism; 32 km SE. Weethalle Whistlestop: Devonshire teas, art and craft; Hay Rd; 65 km W.

Fishing spots near town

Wagga Wagga 130 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 more


Lake Hume 236 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 more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Koala-spotting - Narrandera 109 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 more


Birdwatching in Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands 130 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 more


Picnicking around Dubbo 228 km

Throw a rug down in the 167-hectare Burrendong Botanic Gardens and Arboretum near Wellington, and take in the fragrance of an estimated 2500 native plant species.... Find out more


Picnicking around Canberra 230 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 more


Burrowa–Pine Mountain National Park 245 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 more


Wine-tasting - Rutherglen region 246 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 more


Golf courses around town

Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 231 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 more


Nearby breweries

William Bull Brewery 105 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 more


Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 232 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 more


Campsites around town

Ben Halls camping area 69 km

The grassy unpowered campsites here are set beside historic Seatons Farm, and just a half-hour walk from Ben Halls Cave. The farm is a well-preserved Depression-era farm, with interpretive signs that give a... Find out more


Holy Camp camping area 74 km

This is a nice, shaded spot 15 km west of Grenfell via Holy Camp Rd. From the camp you can do the Euladrie walk, which follows an old logging road to the base of the escarpment and then climbs steeply to Peregrine... Find out more


Binya camping area 91 km

This simple but pretty camping spot is accessible via the Vinya Forest Dr. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood, although there’s a total fire ban throughout summer, during which time... Find out more


Woolshed Flat camping area 92 km

Take the Whitton Stock Route, a historic trail formerly used by the famous Cobb & Co coaches, off Rankins Spring Rd and follow the signs to this camping area. There is a pleasant walk to Woolshed Falls, which... Find out more


Lake Cargelligo Weir camping area 106 km

This camping area sits on the edge of Lake Cargelligo, 95 km west of Condobolin via Lachlan Valley Way. Pelicans, swans, wild ducks, geese and parrots are a few of the birds you may see here. Fishing and picnicking are... Find out more


Five Mile Reserve camping area 107 km

There’s a boat ramp here, which makes it a popular camping spot for boat-based fishermen. It’s 8 km east of Narrandera next to Bundidgerry Creek. To get here, take Old Wagga Rd from Narrandera. Bring drinking... Find out more


Middle Beach camping area 110 km

As the most spacious and accessible beach on the Murrumbidgee River, this spot gets plenty of visits from school, fishing and community groups. Access is via Murrumbidgee Forest Dr, 6 km south-west of Yanco. Bring your... Find out more


Long Beach camping area 111 km

Coming from Yanco, the turn-off onto MIA Forest Dr is about 3.5 km along Trunk Rd. The road to Long Beach camping area is about 8 km east of Yanco. Bring drinking water. Note: gas/fuel stove only Dec–Easter.... Find out more


Buckinbong Reserve camping area 111 km

There’s a small, very basic camping area close to the Inland Fisheries Research Station and next to the river. It’s about 16 km south-east of Narrandera via Buckingbong Rd off the Sturt Hwy. Bring your own... Find out more


Ski Beach camping area 111 km

The facilities here are maintained by Leeton Ski Club, and include a concrete ramp, toilets and shaded picnic tables. Access is via the Murrumbidgee River Rd. Bring drinking water. Note: there’s a fire ban... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Ace Caravan Park 1 km

This is an owner-operated park with a good choice of accommodation. The park is just 500 metres from the town centre and easily accessible from the major highways.... Find out more


Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park 94 km

Located about 2 km south of Forbes along the highway, this owner-operated park is a convenient and ideal overnight stop. It has shady trees, large expanses of lawn and spotless amenities. We stay here when passing by.... Find out more


BIG4 Forbes Holiday Park 95 km

This is a very neat owner-operated park, about 2 km from the centre of town on Cowra Road. The park caters predominantly for tourists and has good amenities and most facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Apex Riverside Tourist Park 95 km

The park is about 3 km from the town centre on a picturesque bend of the Lachlan River, which some sites overlook. It is managed on behalf of Apex and is of good quality.... Find out more


Lake Talbot Tourist Park 109 km

This is a large lakeside park in a quiet location away from the highway, adjoining the town’s popular swimming pool complex. The park has good amenities, a range of accommodation and nicely maintained lawns and... Find out more


Griffith Tourist Caravan Park 115 km

This owner-operated caravan park stands out because of its excellent facilities and the fact that it is a great base from which to explore the interesting Griffith area. It has a large number of ensuite sites and a... Find out more


Spicer Caravan Park 126 km

This is a budget-priced, council-owned park with good basic facilities, about 2 km from the town centre. It is in a quiet spot, off the main highway, about 16 km from the Parkes satellite dish. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park 132 km

Located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River under large, shady river red gums, this is an ideal place for an overnight stop or a few days watching the Murrumbidgee slip by. The park is busy at Easter and a slightly... Find out more


Wagga Wagga Beach Caravan Park 132 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 more


East’s Riverview Holiday Park 134 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Cameo Inn Motel

Cameo Inn Motel provides traditional motel accommodation just outside the centre of town. There are 18 comfortable guest rooms, including family rooms and a spa suite, as well as an indoor pool and spa that’s... Find out more


Club Inn Resort

Situated on a pristine 18-hole golf course, Club Inn Resort offers four-star accommodation framed by rolling countryside. There are 42 comfortable guest rooms providing a variety of accommodation styles to suit families,... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Clonturkle Sanctuary 249 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 more


Rest areas around town

Poppett Head Mine Park Area 3 km

3 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 101 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 55.493 E147 14.017... Find out more


Wyalong Park Area 3 km

West side of town Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S33 55.440 E147 14.127 ... Find out more


Marsden Rest Area 34 km

36 km NE of West Wyalong (R) or 68 km W of Grenfell (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 45.846 E147 31.126   ... Find out more


Beckom Rest Area 49 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 more


Weethalle Rest Area 54 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 52.520 E146 37.539... Find out more


Ardlethan Rest Area 67 km

54 km N of Narrandera (L) or 82 km SW of West Wyalong (L) Large areas (both sides) adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 26.832 E146 50.372... Find out more


Ben Halls Cave Camp Area 69 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 more


Piney Range Rest Area 70 km

82 km E of West Wyalong (L) or 22 km W of Grenfell (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 48.917 E147 57.204  ... Find out more


Bogolong Rest Area 82 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 more


Grenfell West Rest Area 87 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 more


John Oxley Rest Area 95 km

155 km E of Hay (L) or 100 km W of West Wyalong (R) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 52.331 E146 11.072... Find out more


Forbes Rest Area 95 km

South side of town Large area on the riverbank 500 metres north-west of the highway past the Forbes Lake Motel. Good shade. Facilities at adjacent day use area. GPS: S33 23.292 E148 00.110... Find out more


Galore 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 more


Billabong Creek Rest Area 117 km

23 km N of Forbes (R) or 10 km S of Parkes (L) Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 12.531 E148 07.473 ... Find out more


Tyagong Creek Rest Area 117 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 more


Gillenbah Rest Area 119 km

98 km N of Jerilderie (R) or 11 km S of Narrandera (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 48.851 E146 28.736... Find out more


Sandigo Rest Area 122 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 more


Berry Jerry Rest Area 127 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 more


Darlington Point Camp Area 132 km

T/O into Darlington Point Numerous campsites located 5–6 kilometres north of the highway via King Street on the west side of town. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 33.748 E145 59.593... Find out more


Cowra Park Area 137 km

Middle of town Large parking area opposite the information centre. GPS: S33 50.200 E148 40.919 ... Find out more


Ramage Park Rest Area 140 km

5 km NE of Cowra (R) or 104 km SW of Bathurst (L) Small area just off the highway. GPS: S33 49.787 E148 42.614   ... Find out more


Goolgowi West Rest Area 140 km

108 km NE of Hay (L) or 147 km W of West Wyalong (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous small trees. Reasonable shade. GPS: S33 59.397 E145 41.719... Find out more


Boranbola Rest Area 142 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 more


Coolac Rest Area 144 km

87 km SW of Yass (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 56.514 E148 10.511  ... Find out more


Mingay Rest Area 145 km

56 km NE of Tarcutta (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 58.741 E148 08.281 ... Find out more


What's on around town

West Wyalong Campdraft: Sept.

comments powered by Disqus