Fast facts
- A friendly town with a historical feel, close to the centre of NSW
- Close to rivers, lakes and national parks
- 468 km west of Sydney, population 6,500
Why go there
The twin towns of Wyalong and West Wyalong retain a feel of the bygone gold era, with many historic buildings, old-style shop facades and wrought iron verandahs.
It’s a routine stop-off point for drivers travelling between Melbourne and Brisbane on the Newell Highway, and for those driving between Sydney and Adelaide on the Mid Western Highway.
History
West Wyalong rose from the plains following the discovery of gold in 1893. The town of Wyalong was laid out to service the population of goldminers in 1894, but the miners had already created a settlement to the west, around the only established water supply. This area became known as West Wyalong and not long after it became the main settlement.
Things to do
- Walk the "crooked mile", West Wyalong’s unique main street. It was originally a bullock track, which wound around gold diggings and old tree stumps.
- Stroll the Wyalong Heritage Walk to view historical public buildings, erected in the 1890s before the population centre moved west.
- Pedal the Green Corridor, an award-winning walking and bike track.
- Explore the nearby historic bush villages of Tallimba, Ungarie, Weethalle, Barmedman and Mirrool.
Events
- West Wyalong Show, held in September, showcases the region’s livestock and farming traditions. There are plenty of family activities on offer.
Don’t miss
- The West Wyalong Museum with historic exhibits from the town and district.
- The West Wyalong local Aboriginal Artefact Shop for hand-carved emu eggs and other collectibles.
- Lake Cowal, a resting place for migratory birds.
- The 25-metre Poppet Head (the structure above a mine shaft) at True Blue Mine, a replica goldmine.
