Wombat, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wombat New South Wales
Wombat Hotel, trading continuously since 1877
Wombat Location in New South Wales
Population	225 (2016 census)
Established	1865
Postcode(s)	2587
Location	362 km (225 mi) SW of Sydney 14 km (9 mi) S of Young 16 km (10 mi) N of Wallendbeen
LGA(s)	Hilltops Council
State electorate(s)	Cootamundra
Federal Division(s)	Hume

Wombat is a small town in the South West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia. It is located on the Olympic Highway, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the larger town of Young. Wombat is part of the Hilltops Council area. In 2016, Wombat had a population of 225 people.

History of Wombat

The land around Wombat was originally home to the Wiradjuri people for thousands of years. They are the traditional owners of this area.

Gold Rush and Early Settlement

• 1860 – Gold was found near Young, which is close to Wombat. About 20,000 miners came to the area looking for gold.
• 1862 – The Wombat Post Office first opened on July 16.
• 1865 – The village of Wombat was officially started. Many Chinese miners moved here and bought land.
• 1867 – Wombat Public School began teaching students in a simple bark hut.

Building the Town

• 1873 – The first stone was laid for St Matthew's Church of England.
• 1875 – A Roman Catholic Church was built.
• 1877 – The Wombat Hotel started serving customers. It has been open ever since!
• 1880 – Carlo Lazzarini was born in Wombat. He later became an important politician and a leader for workers' rights in New South Wales.
• 1895 – A Mechanics Institute opened. This was a place where people could learn and read, like a community library and learning center.
• 1903 – The Wombat Hotel's current building was finished.
• 1910 – A Roman Catholic convent, a home for nuns, was opened.

Fires and New Beginnings

• 1921 – A shop and the post office were destroyed by a fire.
• 1923 – The Wombat Soldiers' Memorial Hall was officially opened. This hall honors soldiers who served their country.
• 1924 – Sadly, the old hall was also destroyed by fire.
• 1950s & 1960s – The Olympic Way highway was built right through the town, making travel easier.

Things to See and Do in Wombat

Wombat has a few interesting places to visit, offering a mix of history and local produce.

Local Landmarks and Food

• The Wombat Hotel: This historic hotel has been continuously serving drinks and food since 1877. It holds the record for the longest continuous liquor license in New South Wales.
• Allambie Orchard: If you visit during cherry season, you can pick your own fresh cherries at this orchard.
• Wombat Heights: This farm on a hill makes delicious jam, fruit wine, and liqueurs using old family recipes. Visitors can even try making some themselves.
• Wilkies Cottage Restaurant/Café: A cozy spot to enjoy a meal or a snack.

Gardens and Art

• The Old Convent Geranium Nursery: Located on Hope Street, this nursery offers many different types and colors of geraniums. You can find tiny ones, climbing ones, and even scented varieties.
• Wombat Statue: As you drive into Wombat on the highway, you'll see a large statue of a wombat. It's made from local materials and was put up in 2002.