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Merriwagga
Merriwagga is situated on the Kidman Way, half way between Goolgowi and Hillston, and is the very heart of the Black Stump Country. The village of Merriwagga was surveyed and gazetted on 4 April 1924, following the opening of the railway line. The name Merriwagga is believed to have come from its being situated on part of “Merri-Merrigal Station”, near a tank known as Wagga Tank. Black Stump Legend A visit to the Black Stump Memorial will provide visitors with details of the gruesome tale that gave Black Stump Country its name. A bullocky passing through the area in 1886 left his wife, Mrs Barbara Blain to make camp for the night while he tended to the cattle. The day was hot, windy and dusty, and while his wife prepared the evening meal, the camp fire raged and she was burnt to death. When people expressed their sympathy, the bullocky simply said “When I returned, my wife was dead, she looked just like a black stump”. And so the Black Stump legend was born. Mrs Blain is buried in the century old Gunbar Cemetery. Outback Characters The Black Stump Hotel is a character-filled pub that boasts the tallest bar in Australia. Visitors can share a yarn or two with the locals over a cold drink and relax on the ‘Flintstone-like’ bar stools. Across the road is the Memorial to Pioneer Women, a Ron Clarke sculpture dedicated to the hardships endured by our pioneers when settling the land. The Old School is Merriwagga’s newest attraction, and includes a museum, craft shop and accommodation for caravans. And don’t forget visit the Merriwagga Post Office and Visitors Centre for information on the local area. Learn more of the history of Merriwagga and its characters by following the heritage markers around the village or stop in at the Information Bay, located at Black Stump Park. DID YOU KNOW?
The Black Stump Memorial was officially opened on 14 November 1970 by Federal MP for Riverina, Al Grassby. Map of Merriwagga available to download here. more .. |
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© 2008 Carrathool Shire Council |
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