Bong Bong, New South Wales facts for kids

Bong Bong was once a small settlement in the Wingecarribee Shire area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also the name of the surrounding area, known as a parish. You can find it in the beautiful Southern Highlands.

Bong Bong's Early History

The spot for Bong Bong was chosen in 1820 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. He picked a place near a crossing point on the Wingecarribee River. In 1821, the town was planned out. Today, there's a special stone monument, called an obelisk, at the site. It says that this was the "Site of Bong Bong Military Station and First Township Reserve on the Southern Highlands - surveyed 1821." This means it was an important early settlement and military post.

A post office opened in Bong Bong in 1829. However, the town started to decline after 1867. This happened because the main road, called the Great Southern Road (now the Hume Highway), was moved. Also, a railway line was built that went to the nearby town of Moss Vale instead of Bong Bong.

What Remains Today

Today, the only building left from the original Bong Bong settlement is a church called Christ Church. In the cemetery of Christ Church, a famous Australian explorer named Joseph Wild is buried.

Heritage Sites

Bong Bong has some places that are important for their history. These are called heritage-listed sites. One of them is:

• Bong Bong Road: Christ Church

The Bong Bong Railway Station

A railway station named Bong Bong opened in 1878 on the Main South railway line. This station helped people travel to and from the area. However, it closed down in 1913.