Kyalite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KyaliteNew South Wales |
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Wakool Hotel at Kyalite
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 Kyalite
Location in New South Wales
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| Postcode(s) | 2734 |
| Elevation | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Balranald Shire, Murray River Council |
| County | Caira |
| State electorate(s) | Murray |
| Federal Division(s) | Farrer |
Kyalite is a small town located on the Wakool River in the Riverina area of New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the Balranald Shire. Kyalite is about 890 kilometres (553 miles) southwest of Sydney and 400 kilometres (249 miles) northwest of Melbourne.
This town was once known as Wakool Crossing. In the 2021 census, Kyalite had a population of 87 people.
Kyalite's Story
Kyalite is in the traditional homeland of the Muthi Muthi Aboriginal people.
Early Days at Wakool Crossing
The town we now call Kyalite began around 1848. A man named Henry Talbett started a ferry service across the Wakool River here. He later brought his family from Ireland, including his parents and siblings.
His brother, John, helped Henry build an inn (a type of hotel) and a general store. A couple named Harry and Agnes Edwards operated the ferry. Agnes was even called "Queen Aggie" in a special ceremony. Their family includes the famous musician Kutcha Edwards.
The Wakool Inn was an important place. John Talbett ran it in 1854, and Henry Talbett took over from 1860 to at least 1870. Later, in 1882, Henry sold the hotel to Thomas Spinks.
The original hotel building burned down. But the Spinks family rebuilt it in 1890. The hotel license changed hands a few times within the family.
The Wakool Crossing Post Office opened on 1 June 1911. It was later renamed Kyalite in 1927.
The Railway Arrives
In 1928, a railway line reached Kyalite. It connected the town to Kerang, Victoria, across the Murray River, and went all the way to Stony Crossing, New South Wales. However, the railway wasn't very successful. Trains stopped running north of the Murray River in 1943.
By 1976, Kyalite was described as a small community. It had a Post Office, a public hall, a general store with petrol, a hotel, tennis courts, and a cricket oval. There were also about five private houses.
Famous Explorers Visit
On 13 September 1860, the famous Burke and Wills expedition passed through Wakool Crossing. These explorers were on their way to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
They stopped and had dinner at Henry Talbett's hotel. The next day, they used Talbett's ferry to cross the Wakool River. Burke paid £9.6.0 for the ferry ride and supplies.
