Gwabegar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gwabegar New South Wales
Gwabegar Location in New South Wales
Population	344 (2011 census)
Postcode(s)	2356
Location	625 km (388 mi) NW of Sydney 238 km (148 mi) N of Dubbo 108 km (67 mi) SW of Narrabri 75 km (47 mi) NE of Coonamble
LGA(s)	Narrabri Shire
State electorate(s)	Barwon
Federal Division(s)	Parkes

Gwabegar (/ˈwɒbɪɡər/) is a small town in the north-eastern part of New South Wales, Australia. It is located in the Narrabri Shire area. Gwabegar is about 625 kilometers (388 miles) northwest of Sydney, which is the capital city of New South Wales. In 2011, about 344 people lived in Gwabegar.

Exploring Gwabegar: A Bush Town

Gwabegar is special because it sits right in the middle of the Pilliga forest. This forest is the largest natural cypress pine forest in the whole Southern Hemisphere. Imagine a huge forest of these unique trees!

Nature and the Pilliga Forest

The Pilliga forest is home to many different plants and animals. It's a really important natural area. The main tree you'll find here is the cypress pine, known for its strong wood.

How Gwabegar Grew: A Look at Its Past

For a long time, the main way people made a living in Gwabegar was through the timber industry. There used to be twelve sawmills working in the town! These sawmills cut down the cypress pine trees from the Pilliga forest to make timber.

From Timber to Farming

Over time, the timber industry changed. All the sawmills in Gwabegar eventually closed down. Today, farming is the main way people earn money in the town. Farmers grow crops and raise animals in the surrounding areas.

Gwabegar's History: Post Office and Railway

The town's history includes its post office and railway. The post office first opened on August 15, 1912. It was originally called Goonanyah Post Office. In 1924, its name was changed to Gwabegar.

The Railway Line

Gwabegar was also the end point for the Gwabegar railway line. This railway line helped transport goods and people. The railway station in Gwabegar opened in 1923. However, the railway line is now shorter and only goes as far as Binnaway. The station in Gwabegar is now closed.