Page 18 - NSW Senior Scene - 2022
P. 18
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Woomarmgama attractions
Woomargama Hotel plant that is found growing within the as Dickson’s Swamp. In 1910, many Council in the 1930’s during the
Over the years Woomargama has been park. Situated here on the southwest owners later, Captain Reginald Clark depression. It provided work for up to
home to a number of hotels. Advance slopes of NSW about 20 km’s south bought the property and proceeded 230 men a week. Work started in 1937
Australia Hotel, Dickson’s Swamp, east of Holbrook, 30 km’s north east to build the homestead and woolshed and ceased, just short of the roads
Woomargama, publican F Walker, was of Albury and north of the Murray both of which are still standing today. completion, in 1939 when the funding
listed in the licensing list as early as River, it covers approximately 24,185 Then in 1920 Sir George Fairbairn stopped. The first campsite for the men
1861. The first mention of Woomargama hectares (59762.44 acres). It con- purchased the 26,000 acre(10521.8 was located on the edge of town at the
Hotel was in 1881, publican William H sists of mountains, gorges and water hectares) property. As the Hume end of Edward Street. This camp was
Johnson. James Plunkett purchased courses. It is home to a diverse blend Highway, then known as Old Sydney relocated as the work site got too far
the Woomargama Hotel in 1882. James of native flora and fauna and to a Road, split the property Mr Fairbairn away. The tunnel road approximately
donated four blocks of land behind the number of threatened plant and ani- gave the eastern side, Woomargama 20 km’s long runs from Woomargama,
hotel to the Catholic Parish so a church mal species. Important aboriginal and Station, to his son Mr Clive Fairbairn through an area known in the early
could be built. After his death in 1888 days as the Dora Tunnel, to the River
his wife Ann took over the ownership Road servicing properties and the
until 1896. In 1902, a number of own- Woomargama National Park, known
ers later, it was reported in the Albury then as Woomargama State Forest,
Banner that the Woomargama Hotel as it goes. The road possibly takes its
was now open for business after being name from the Dora Tunnel. The origi-
closed for extensive renovations. nal tunnel road, no more than a rough
The new owner was WJ O’Brien. MC track, followed the gully on the east-
Morton took over the hotel in 1905. Her ern side of the current road.
son Albert Charles Morton managed The Elm Trees
the hotel. Woomargama Hotel, now These elm trees (ulmus procera) are
a hotel/motel, has had many owners the last of a group of ten elms planted
over the years and has withstood many to honour the men of Woomargama
changes. If only those walls could talk and district who enlisted in world war
what tales they would tell. one. An elm tree was planted for each
Woomargama National Park man.
Woomargama, Dora Dora and Woomargama Cemetery
Tipperary State Forests, along with The Woomargama Cemetery dates
portions of crown land previously historic sites, including the Hume and and split the western side up between back to the early 1800’s with the first
held under lease, were joined together Hovell Walking Track, the Tin Mines, Mr Clive Fairbairn’s three children documented burial listed as being
to form Woomargama National Park. a Cornish Chimney and Smelter are forming the three properties known on the 21 May 1854. However it
It was gazetted in January 2001 as also part of the park. today as Mountain Creek, Dunraven wasn’t dedicated a cemetery until
part of the Southern Regional Forest Woomarmgama Station and Mount Raven. The current owners 1 June 1880. The cemetery is made
Agreement (2000). Woomargama Woomargama (derived from the of Woomargama Station, the Darling up of 3.48 hectares (8.6 acres) and is
National Park takes its name from the aboriginal word “wombariga” mean- Family, purchased the property in divided into seven areas determined
village of Woomargama. It is believed ing native cherry.) was formed 1965. by religion. The religions include
the name Woomargama is derived by McKenzie and Wylde in 1838 Tunnel Road General, Presbyterian, Jewish, Church
from the aboriginal word “wom- by the leasing of land along the The building of the Tunnel Road was of England, Wesleyan (Methodist),
bariga” meaning Native Cherry – a Woomargama Creek originally known an initiative of the Holbrook Shire Independent and Roman catholic.
• There is plenty
of parking for
caravans and
amenities in the
park.
• Great place for
motor bike riders
and we have off
road parking for
bikes.
Offering an outdoor pool, a bar There is free on-site parking. drive away and Flyfaire wines is provided.
and a restaurant, Woomargama Woomargama Village Motel is 1.2 just up the road. Woomargama Hotel’s bistro offers
(WOO - MARG - AH - MAR) Village minutes from the Hume Highway. The private rooms each offer pub-style meals including chicken
Hotel Motel is at the ‘Gateway It is 10 minutes drive from ironing facilities and tea/coffee schnitzels, steaks, seafood dishes
to the Murray River’. It features Woomargama National Park and making supplies. All include and sandwiches. It is open for
air-conditioned rooms with a 10 minutes drive from Holbrook. a private bathroom with free dinner each night. The bar serves a
refrigerator and flat-screen TV. Tabletop Mountain is 20 minutes toiletries. Bed linen and towels are range of beer and wine. ssmsyd18075
679 Woomargama Way, Woomargama NSW 2644 | 02 6020 5232 | manager@holbrookhotel.com.au