Eugowra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids EugowraNew South Wales |
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The main street of Eugowra
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 Eugowra
Location in New South Wales
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| Population | 779 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 2806 |
| Elevation | 271 m (889 ft) |
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| State electorate(s) | Orange |
| Federal Division(s) | Calare |
Eugowra is a small town located in the Central West area of New South Wales, Australia. It's about 341 kilometers (212 miles) west of Sydney, the state capital. The town is split between two local government areas: Forbes Shire and Cabonne Shire. In 2016, about 779 people lived in Eugowra.
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About Eugowra's Location
Eugowra sits 271 meters (889 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Cabonne Shire Council area. For government, Eugowra is in the New South Wales State seat of Orange and the Federal Division of Calare. This means people in Eugowra vote for representatives in both the state and national parliaments.
Eugowra's Past: A Look Back in Time
Early Days and European Arrival
Long ago, the Wiradjuri people lived in the Eugowra area before Europeans arrived. European explorers, like surveyor George Evans, started visiting the area in 1815. In 1817, explorer John Oxley also traveled through this region.
The first big farm, called 'Eugowra station,' was set up in 1834. The name 'Eugowra' comes from an Indigenous Australian word meaning "The place where the sand washes down the hill."
Growth of the Village
In the 1860s, the village of Eugowra began to grow. It was built near a bridge over Mandagery Creek, on the way to the goldfields. The 'John Bull Hotel' (which later became the 'Fat Lamb Hotel') was one of the first buildings. By 1866, about 24 people lived in the village.
In 1869, a new bridge was built over Mandagery Creek. By 1881, the town was properly planned out. A police station, courthouse, and school were built in the 1880s and 1890s.
The Great Gold Robbery
On June 15, 1862, something very famous happened near Eugowra. A well-known bushranger named Frank Gardiner and his gang, which included Ben Hall, stopped a Cobb and Co coach at a place called Escort Rock. This coach was carrying a lot of gold from Forbes to Orange. The gang stole 77 kilograms (170 pounds) of gold and £3,700 in cash. This was Australia's biggest gold robbery!
Modern Times
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, over 2,000 large pieces of granite used to build the Australian Parliament House in Canberra came from Eugowra.
The Eugowra Rugby League Club, known as the "Golden Eagles," was formed in 1921. They still play in the Woodbridge Cup competition. A famous player from Eugowra, Ian Walsh, played for the Kangaroos in 1959/60.
Sadly, in 2012, the historic 'Fat Lamb Hotel' burned down. In November 2022, Eugowra experienced severe flooding. Many buildings in the town were damaged.
Places of Historical Importance
Eugowra has some important historical sites. One of them is Escort Rock, located on Escort Way. This is where the famous gold robbery happened.
What Eugowra is Known For
Local Industries
Eugowra is known for its farms. It has dairy farms, places that raise chickens for eggs, and quail farms. The town is also famous for its granite. As mentioned, more than 2,000 slabs of granite from Eugowra were used to build the Parliament House in Canberra.
Town Facilities
Eugowra has many useful places for its residents and visitors. These include two primary schools, a supermarket, a hotel, cafes, a newsagent, a butcher, a bowling club, a function center, and a mechanic. There's also a hair salon, a preschool, a museum, a pharmacy, and a doctor's office. For farming, you can find farm produce suppliers, a lucerne plant, a granite supply business, and a sawmill.
Fun and Recreation
For fun, Eugowra has a showground, a sports ground, a children's playground, and a skate park. There's also a swimming pool and places for caravans and RVs to park.
Things to See and Do in Eugowra
Eugowra is becoming a popular place for tourists.
- Canola Cup Harness Race: This exciting horse race is held during the Spring Racing Carnival.
- Orange Fire Festival: Eugowra hosts an annual campfire event as part of this festival.
- Mural Town: Eugowra is known for its many murals. Artists come to paint new murals, and there are market stalls and car shows.
- Outdoor Adventures: You can enjoy picnics and camping by Mandagery Creek.
- History and Nature: Visit the Museum & Bushranger Centre to learn about the past. Explore the heritage-listed Escort Rock.
- National Parks: Discover Nangar National Park for bird watching, stargazing, and seeing local plants.
- Sports: Watch rugby league games at Ian Walsh Oval.
- Hiking and Biking: Go hiking or mountain biking through Back Yamma State Forest.
- Riverside Fun: Enjoy camping, fishing, and picnicking alongside the Paytens Bridge or Lachlan River.
