Pambula, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PambulaNew South Wales |
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 Pambula
Location in New South Wales
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| Postcode(s) | 2549 |
| Elevation | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Bega Valley Shire |
| County | Australia |
| Parish | Pambula |
| State electorate(s) | Bega |
| Federal Division(s) | Eden-Monaro |
Pambula is a town located in the Bega Valley Shire on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is about 454 kilometres (282 mi) south of Sydney, along the Princes Highway. In 2016, Pambula had a population of 970 people.
Contents
History of Pambula
Early Aboriginal History
The land around Pambula was originally home to the Thaua Aboriginal people. Scientists have found ancient shell middens (piles of shells left by people eating seafood) in the area that are up to 3,000 years old! This shows that people have lived here for a very long time.
In 1797, a European explorer named George Bass explored this area.
How Pambula Got Its Name
The name Pambula comes from the Dharwa name, "panboola." This word means 'twin waters.' Early European settlers sometimes spelled it 'Panbula.' However, 'Pambula' became the more common name, especially for mail. The official name was changed from Panbula to Pambula in September 1967.
European Settlement and Growth
Pambula is a very old village. The first European settlers were likely the Imlay brothers. They started raising cattle on the Pambula River flats in the 1830s. The first village was planned in 1843, and early schools and churches were built there. But because the river flats often flooded, the village was moved to its current spot on higher ground.
In 1844, Captain John Lloyd bought land and built a house called The Grange. Around that time, he invited Syms Covington and his family to move there. Syms Covington had been an assistant to the famous scientist Charles Darwin during Darwin's journey on HMS Beagle. In 1854, Covington became the Postmaster of Pambula. He also ran an inn called the Forest Oak Inn, which you can still see today.
At first, people mainly used the land for grazing animals and farming. Simple shelters made of wood and bark were replaced by more lasting buildings. These included homes, workshops for blacksmiths, and hotels. By 1856, Pambula had five hotels! The foundation stone for the courthouse was laid in 1860. Pambula officially became a town in 1885.
Gold Rush and Decline
In 1888, gold was found near Pambula, at places like the Yowaka River. This discovery brought a lot of people and money to the town, causing a "boom." However, gold mining stopped in the early 1900s, and the town's good times slowed down.
Famous People from Pambula
William McKell, who was the leader of New South Wales from 1941 to 1947 and then the Governor-General of Australia from 1947 to 1953, was born in Pambula in 1891.
Pambula's Industries
Pambula continued to be an important town in the area. It had shops, banks, a courthouse, a hospital, a newspaper, and a school of arts. Farmers grew crops like maize (corn) and potatoes on the river flats. Dairy farming also became important. People also cut timber from the nearby forests, and oyster farming started in the river.
Heritage Listings
Pambula has several places that are listed as important historical sites. These include:
- Princes Highway: Oaklands
- Princes Highway: Roan Horse Inn
- Northview Drive: The Historic Grange
- 42 Toallo St: Pambula Courthouse & Police Station
Facilities in Pambula
Pambula is about 4 kilometres (2 mi) south of Merimbula. It has a small supermarket, a community bank, and a primary school for younger students. For high school, there is a private school in nearby Pambula Beach. Public high schools are located in Bega and Eden.
Attractions in Pambula
Panboola Wetlands
Panboola is a special wetlands project located between the south side of town and the Pambula River. It's a great place to explore nature! Panboola has:
- Fresh water billabongs (small lakes)
- Salty areas around an old racecourse
- Saltmarsh and mangroves (special plants that grow in salty water)
- Thousands of planted trees, shrubs, and ground covers
- Walking and cycling tracks
- Tables and seats for resting
Oyster Farming
Pambula is well-known for producing many delicious oysters!
Sport in Pambula
Pambula has a strong sports community:
- The Pambula Bluedogs are the local cricket team. They play at the Pambula Recreation oval.
- The Pambula Sporting Complex is home to the Pambula Panthers Australian Football Club, started in 1983.
- The Pambula United Football Club, also called The Penguins, is a soccer club that plays here too.
- The Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs rugby league team, founded in 1924, plays in the Group 16 Rugby League Premiership. Even though they have Merimbula in their name, they are based in Pambula.
- Between Pambula and Merimbula, you can find the Merimbula Golf Club, which has a large 27-hole course.
