Byrock, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ByrockNew South Wales |
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The School
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 Byrock
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 50 (2016 census) | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2831 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 155 m (509 ft) | ||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Bourke Shire | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Barwon | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Parkes | ||||||||
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Byrock is a small village in north-western New South Wales, Australia. It is part of Bourke Shire. In 2016, about 50 people lived there.
The village's name comes from a special rock hole. The local Nyammba tribe called this spot Bai. Over time, the name changed from Bye Rockhole to Bye Rock, and then to Byrock. You can find Byrock on the Mitchell Highway. It is roughly halfway between Bourke to the north-west and Nyngan to the south-east.
Contents
Byrock's History and Transport
Byrock was first set up to serve the Cobb and Co stagecoaches. These were horse-drawn carriages that carried people and mail.
The Railway Story
The railway line reached Byrock from Nyngan in 1874. This made travel and transport much easier. The line was extended to Bourke in 1885.
In 1900, Byrock became a railway junction. This meant it was a place where railway lines met or crossed. A new branch line opened, connecting Byrock to Brewarrina. However, this branch line closed in 1974 after floods damaged the tracks. The main line through Byrock also closed in 1989 due to flood damage. Passenger train services had already stopped in 1975.
Public Transport Today
Today, you can still get to Byrock by bus. NSW TrainLink runs a bus service. It travels between Dubbo and Bourke, passing through Nyngan. This bus runs four days a week.
Byrock Airstrip
Byrock has a gravel airstrip. It is 1067 metres long and has no special facilities. The airstrip is right next to the town, on the western side of the Mitchell Highway.
Life in Byrock
Byrock has a few services for its residents and visitors.
Local Services
The Mulga Creek Hotel is a place where people can stay. It also has a caravan and camping ground for travelers.
Water Supply
Byrock gets its water from rainfall. Rainwater is collected in a large ground tank. After settling, it is pumped to an old railway tank. From there, water flows by gravity to homes. If the ground tank runs dry, water is brought in by road tanker from Bourke. This happened around 2006. Byrock also has one bore (a deep well) that the local Council maintains.
Byrock Cemetery
The Byrock Cemetery is a historic burial ground. Pioneers who lived in the area between 1882 and 1933 are buried there. The average age of those buried in this cemetery was about 20 years old.
Local Newspaper
The Western Herald is a community newspaper. It is delivered for free to Byrock every Thursday. It comes from Bourke, keeping the community informed.
Former School
Byrock once had a public school. However, in 2006, the school was reviewed because not enough students were enrolled. It has since officially closed down. By 2009, the land where the school used to be was put up for sale.
Images for kids
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Butcher shop, Byrock
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Water tower, Byrock
