Coonabarabran

Local History of Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia

The town of Coonabarabran is located in the central-western part of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated about 450 km north-west of Sydney and about 90 km north-west of Dubbo. Coonabarabran is the largest town in the Warrumbungle Shire, and it serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural and pastoral areas.

Pre-European History

The Aboriginal people of the Gamilaroi Nation were the traditional owners of the land where Coonabarabran is now located. They had lived in the area for thousands of years, and they had a deep connection to the land and its natural resources. The Gamilaroi people had a rich culture and language, and they had their own traditions and storytelling.

European Settlement

The first European explorers to visit the area were John Oxley and his party, who passed through the region in 1818 as part of their journey to the west of the Great Dividing Range. However, it wasn't until the 1830s that European settlers began to arrive in the area.

The first squatter to take up land in the Coonabarabran district was George Hobler, who settled at Bugaldie in 1836. Other squatters soon followed, and in the 1850s, there was a wave of gold rushes in the region. This led to a rapid increase in population, and the town of Coonabarabran was established in 1859.

Development of Coonabarabran

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Coonabarabran grew into a thriving town. It had a bustling main street with shops, banks, and hotels, and it had a railway station that connected it to other towns and cities in the region. The town also had a number of schools, churches, and other community facilities.

The local agriculture and pastoral industries were the main drivers of Coonabarabran's economy, and they continued to be important throughout the 20th century. The town also became a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming to see the Warrumbungle National Park, the Siding Spring Observatory, and other attractions.

Major Events

Coonabarabran has faced a number of challenges throughout its history, including droughts, floods, and fires. One of the most devastating events was the bushfire of 2013, which destroyed a large part of the Warrumbungle National Park and damaged a number of properties in the area.

The community rallied together to support each other during this difficult time, and the town has since recovered and rebuilt. Coonabarabran continues to be a vibrant and welcoming community, with a rich history and a bright future.