Gol Gol, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gol Gol New South Wales
The Sturt Highway, passing through Gol Gol
Gol Gol Location in New South Wales
Population	1,956 (2021 census)
• Density	99.29/km2 (257.2/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	2738
Elevation	45 m (148 ft)
Area	19.7 km2 (7.6 sq mi)
Location	8 km (5 mi) E of Mildura
LGA(s)	Wentworth Shire
Region	Sunraysia
County	Wentworth
State electorate(s)	Murray
Federal Division(s)	Farrer
Localities around Gol Gol: Buronga Wentworth Mallee Buronga Gol Gol Mallee Mildura Nichols Point Trentham Cliffs

Gol Gol is a small town in New South Wales, Australia. It sits right on the banks of the famous Murray River. This area is part of the Sunraysia region. Gol Gol has grown quite a bit! Its population went from 663 people in 2006 to 1,956 in 2021. The Sturt Highway, a big road connecting Sydney and Adelaide, goes right through Gol Gol. This road is important for moving people and goods.

Discovering Gol Gol's Past

The land around Gol Gol has a very long history. Aboriginal Australians lived here for thousands of years. It was the traditional home of the Kureinji people. You can still see signs of their past. For example, a well-preserved midden (an ancient pile of shells and food scraps) is at Drings Hill Reserve.

Explorer Thomas Mitchell's Visit

On March 17, 1836, an explorer named Thomas Mitchell began an expedition. He left from Boree Station, which is west of Orange. Mitchell traveled with 25 men, two boats, and many bullock carts. He also brought over 100 cattle for food.

When Mitchell reached the area where Gol Gol is now, local Aboriginal people helped him. They told him the place next to the Murray River was called "Gol Gol." This name means "meeting place." Mitchell liked to use Aboriginal names on his maps. He felt it made maps more helpful for new settlers. They could ask local people for directions. When Mitchell returned to his camp on June 4, 1836, he shared the name Gol Gol with his leaders.

How Gol Gol Became a Town

The idea for a town at Gol Gol started in 1865. A survey was done to pick the best spot. This survey finished in February 1866. The area officially became the site for Gol Gol on June 15, 1886.

Early Days and Growth

Government land sales for the town began in March 1871. But it took almost ten years for people to start living on these plots. A Post Office opened in 1877 but closed in 1879. It reopened later, from 1885 to 1887, then 1902 to 1919, and finally from 1927 until today.

Early settlers had a tough time. They lived in simple homes made from Mallee branches and mud. Some even lived in tents. It was hard to make a living because of the difficult conditions.

Over time, things got better. New ways of communication and transport arrived. This made it easier to get important goods and materials.

In October 1881, Gol Gol was still a small place. It had only six families and about 25 children. But the population began to grow steadily. This was especially true after 1907. New irrigation systems helped the area. Also, the nearby city of Mildura in Victoria was growing. By 1917, Gol Gol was much less isolated. The community continued to progress.

Gol Gol Today

Today, Gol Gol is home to about 2,000 people. The town has a hotel, a garage, and a general store. There is also a primary school and a pre-school for younger kids.

Local Industries and Sports

The main industry in Gol Gol is horticulture. This means growing fruits, vegetables, and grapes using irrigation. Citrus fruits, various vegetables, and grapes are the primary crops.

Gol Gol also has a strong sports spirit! There is an Australian rules football team. They play in the Millewa Football League.

The town also has a very successful cricket team. They play at the Alcheringa Oval. This club has great facilities. It has four senior men's teams and one senior women's team. They compete in the Sunraysia Cricket Association. The club has won seven two-day championship titles in the last five years.