Mars, New South Wales facts for kids
Mars, New South Wales is a small area, or locality, located in the southern part of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 15 km northwest of Echuca, a town in Victoria. Mars is situated along the Balranald branch railway line.
This area is right next to the Murray River, which forms the border with the state of Victoria. It's also the closest point on that border to Melbourne, Victoria's capital city. A large part of the western side of Mars is covered by the Perricoota State Forest. The main town nearby is Womboota, New South Wales.
Farming, known as agriculture, is the most important activity here. The people living in Mars are part of the Division of Farrer, which is an area for voting in elections.
A Glimpse into Mars' Past
The land around Mars has a long and rich history. It was originally the home of the Barababaraba and Yorta Yorta Aboriginal peoples. The Ngureaiillam people lived just across the river. These groups have deep connections to this land for thousands of years.
Early European Explorers
The first Europeans to explore this area were Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824. A few years later, in 1830, Captain Charles Sturt also explored the region. These explorers were mapping out new parts of Australia.
In 1852, a man named Francis Cadell started a new service. He began using steamships on the Murray River. Even today, you can still see paddle steamers traveling along this river, just like in the old days!