Bonny Parish (County of Killara), New South Wales facts for kids
Bonny Parish is a special area in New South Wales, Australia. It's like a small district within Killara County, located in the Central Darling Shire. This parish sits right on the Paroo River, between the towns of Wilcannia and Tilpa. A big part of Bonny Parish is inside the amazing Paroo-Darling National Park. This makes the area a very important Ramsar Site, which means it's a wetland recognized internationally for its importance to nature.
The weather in Bonny Parish is mostly hot and semi-desert, known as a BSh climate. This means it's often warm with not much rain.
The land in Bonny Parish is used for two main things: protecting nature and farming. Raising sheep is the most common farming activity here. People also love to visit! Tourism is a big deal, with many visitors enjoying "farmstay" programs on local farms. Fishing and camping are also super popular activities along the river.
History of Bonny Parish
Ancient Lands and Explorers
Bonny Parish is on the traditional lands of the Wandjiwalgu Aboriginal peoples. They have lived here for thousands of years, caring for the land and river.
In 1838, a famous explorer named Thomas Mitchell (explorer) traveled near the area, following the Darling River. However, he didn't actually enter what we now call Bonny Parish. Later, in 1845, another explorer, Charles Sturt, passed through the Wandjiwalgu lands. Then, in 1861, the well-known Burke and Wills team also traveled close by to the west.
Opal Discovery and National Park
Towards the end of the 1800s, a valuable gemstone called Opal was found nearby at White Cliffs. This discovery brought many people to the region.
Much more recently, in the year 2000, the beautiful Paroo-Darling National Park was officially created. This park helps protect the unique plants, animals, and landscapes of the area, including parts of Bonny Parish.
