Contents
3 Country Lifestyle
4 A Rich History
5 Irish Connec�on
Distances
Canberra
Sydney
Melbourne
Wagga Wagga
116km
320km
606km
174km
6 Natural Wonders
7 Sport & Recrea�on
8 Irish Woolfest
9 Calendar of Events
10 Villages
11 Service Directory
14 Local Businesses
23 Town Map
24 Regional Map
Boorowa Facts
Popula�on
Area
2,500
2,600 sq km
LGA
Boorowa, Rye Park, Rugby, Reids Flat
and Frogmore
Major Industries
• Fine Merino sheep wool produc�on
• Horse breeding and training
• Ca�le studs
• Agriculture
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Old Court House Building
Marsden St
Boorowa 2586
Phone: 02 6385 3885
[email protected]
www.boorowa.nsw.gov.au
2
Country Lifestyle
What a great treasure trove of shops and galleries can be found
in Boorowa! Just stopping in the main street with its wide
road and heritage buildings and blooming red roses gives a
feeling of expectancy and excitement. The beau�ful paving
and old world ligh�ng gives a truly unique appearance to a
vibrant country town.
A wander amongst the galleries and cafes offers a variety of
experiences. Beau�ful pain�ngs, crea�ve arts and cra�s,
collec�bles and fine wool products provide the opportunity
for a perfect gi� or a wonderful heirloom. An unusual array
of bou�que shops provide that special acquisi�on.
Experience a walk along the Boorowa River (or ride your bike
or run) to enjoy the tree plan�ngs in memory of loved ones,
sight a platypus or just enjoy the quiet. Feed the ducks and
watch the water jet explode into the sky. Stay a while and
enjoy country hospitality in a variety of accommoda�on for you
or your pet which is available around the town from heritage
buildings to a cosy pub, stylish guest houses, and a Caravan
Park that welcomes pets under controlled condi�ons.
The Shamrock Trail celebrates Boorowa’s heritage with three
different walking trails to suit individuals. A beau�ful brochure
maps out the trails and gives a cameo history of each building
with a brass plaque depic�ng the date and name of the original
building. Shamrocks on the pavement guide you on your way.
Surrounding Boorowa are farms and beau�ful gardens, home
to fine merino sheep studs and abundant crops.
The Running of the Sheep, the feature event of Essen�al
Energy’s Irish Woolfest was featured on Getaway. This free
street fes�val takes place on Sunday of the October longweekend and showcases the fine wool and Irish connec�ons of this
town providing a true country experience.
3
A Rich History
A colourful history of se�lers, bushrangers, gold and convicts
surrounds Boorowa and it’s villages. The Galloping Parson,
Tom Hassells was one of the first se�lers in Boorowa, some�mes
known as Burrowa. From 1827 the “squa�ocracy”, was made
up of families who knew each other, and who o�en intermarried.
Their grants were worked by a large number of assigned convicts.
By 1851 there were less than 3000 people in the en�re Lachlan
district but it was the furthest south west se�lement and the
country was surrounded by forest. Many of the early se�lers
were ex-convicts and Ticket of Leave men, who were obliged to
remain in the district to which they had been assigned. Labourers
on the large proper�es in the 1840s were mostly Irish se�lers
fleeing the Potato Famine. The large number of Irish se�lers
gave Boorowa a dis�nc�ve society and culture.
Gold
The streets of Boorowa were brimming with prospec�ve miners
in the 1860’s who were on the way to the gold mining fields in
Victoria and Young. In order to stop the exodus from Boorowa
rewards were posted for the loca�on of gold locally and many
residents turned to prospec�ng for gold in the shire. Some gold
miners remained as se�lers in business or on the land. Many
businesses made a mint out of selling to prospectors. Prospec�ng
for gold and minerals con�nues in the district today.
Bushrangers
The 1860’s also a�racted a new breed of bushrangers to
Boorowa including Frank Chris�e alias “Darkie” Gardiner,
Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert, Dunn and John O’Malley. One story
tells of Hall, Gilbert and O’Malley holding up the Webb and
Crego’s store in Boorowa and ou�i�ng themselves at
gunpoint. Bushrangers waylaid people travelling from the gold
fields with their loot and constantly upgraded their racehorses,
which were vital in keeping ahead of the law.
4
Irish Connections
A favourite story in Boorowa is the one about the 19th century
Catholic nun who was asked if she had ever been to Ireland.
“No” she replied “but I have been to Burrowa.” Such is the
strength of Boorowa’s Irish connec�ons which date back to the
1820’s. Cousins Roger Corcoran and Ned Ryan were transported
to Australia from Clonoulty in Tipperary, Ireland, for their
par�cipa�on in destroying a hospital which was occupied by
a garrison of English troops. They were sent to Boorowa on
a “Ticket of Leave” which was a condi�onal offer of freedom
where they played prominent roles in the se�lement and
growth of the region. Boorowa and Clonoulty are today proud
of their twinning charter.
Roger and Ned encouraged all their friends and rela�ves from
Ireland to come and se�le in Boorowa and the surrounding
towns and hence the prominence of Irish ancestors and Irish
names do�ed around the town. It s�ll maintains strong Irish
connec�ons and many visitors come to town to trace their Irish
ancestors.
Ned Ryan was also instrumental in building the new St Patrick’s
Catholic Church and bringing in priceless marble from Italy to
form the altar. The Church is reminiscent of a cathedral in all
it’s splendour. Prominent above the doorway is a stained glass
window dedicated to Daniel O’Connell, the liberator of Ireland.
Shamrock Trails
Immerse yourself in Boorowa’s local history by following the
Shamrock Trails. Each building on the map is depicted with a
brass plaque and an explana�on of its heritage. Please pick up
a map from the Visitor’s Centre in the Old Courthouse Building
and choose from the following trails:
1. Stroll the main street 25 minutes
2. Walk around the town 60 minutes
3. Explore Boorowa 75 minutes
5
Natural Wonders
Only a short distance from Canberra and Sydney, Boorowa is a
world away from city life. The town is surrounded by beau�ful
rolling hills and rivers, home to trout, yabbies and the odd
platypus.
Known for the nes�ng habits in the Boorowa Region the Superb
Parrot can be viewed on the roads and in the trees and at a
specialised breeding aviary.
The Riverwalk provides a meandering pathway around the river
and duck pond, in the centre of which is a water jet similar in
style to the one in Canberra. In the Boorowa River it is possible
to spot a platypus in it’s natural habitat, admire the tree
plan�ngs dedicated to those that have departed, and have a
picnic in beau�ful surroundings. The Boorowa Weir is a
spectacular sight par�cularly when the river is flooded.
Grazing in nearby paddocks are a variety of stock par�cularly
the fine merino sheep for which Boorowa is world renowned.
Crops, par�cularly the canola, add a colourful dimension to the
surrounding countryside. Wheat, tri�cale and barley are a fine
sight at harvest �me.
Boorowa is on the road to everywhere but it is also the
gateway to Wyangala Dam at Wyangala Waters State Park,
where waterskiing, fishing and camping get you out into the
heart of nature.
Parks and Gardens
Boorowa has beau�fully maintained parks with picnic and BBQ
areas, a sports oval, play equipment and a large duck pond.
The park is also centrally located in Boorowa, only a minute’s
walk to the main street, perfect to get take away and have a
picnic in the park.
6
Sport &Recreation
Boorowa is the hub of a wealth of social ac�vity. There is
something for everyone to keep them busy , ac�ve and healthy.
The Shamrock Trails are historical walks of varying length that
follow Shamrocks on the pavements around the heritage main
streets, the old part of town and the Riverwalk portraying li�le
cameos of local history.
Enjoy a hit of golf at the Boorowa Recrea�on Club’s 9 hole
sand green golf course, or take part in the Social Bowls at the
Boorowa Ex Services Club where you can also keep your fitness
levels up at the gym or the squash courts. Football is a passion
in Boorowa with Rugby League and Rugby Union enjoying a
high profile in the winter with the Touch Football compe��on
an ac�vity for all ages and genders. A spor�ng event that has
grown to immense propor�ons over the years is the annual
Boorowa Football/Netball Carnival that a�racts school children
from far and wide.
An occasion that showcases the fine agriculture achievements
of the region is the Boorowa Show held annually in March. If
you would like to see some wonderful farm animals, including
sheep, ca�le, alpacas and much more this is the place to be.
This is a great opportunity to watch the local Pony Club in
ac�on or the more serious show jumping ac�vi�es which attracts compe�tors from all over the region.
A day to show off in your fine a�re and enjoy local hospitality
is the Boorowa Picnic Races usually held on the first Saturday
of May. It is a spirited day of food, wine, be�ng and of course
horse racing which is a genuine country spectacular. People
travel from all over the country to enjoy the excitement of the
picnic races.
Other ac�vi�es and events too numerous to men�on provide
an exci�ng all year round agenda
7
Irish Woolfest
Boorowa is famous for “The Running of the Sheep”
Imagine sheep rampaging down the main street of Boorowa
leading the colourful Street Parade at Essen�al Energy’s Irish
Woolfest on the Sunday of the October long weekend. This is
the feature event not to be missed.
“The Running of the Sheep” has been likened to the Running of
the Bulls in Pamplona and is considered the Australian woolly
version. Probably not so dangerous but certainly as visually
exci�ng. Irish bands and dancers create the Irish spirit at the
Irish Woolfest whilst top Irish performers appear on the main
stage. Visitors love the sheepdog component when they see
the trusty kelpies leaping on and off the sheep’s backs as they
race down the street guided by Farmer Ashley on his four
wheel motorbike. This is an opportunity to see Boorowa’s fine
sheep up close and personal.
A sheep is shorn and the fleece is thrown on the stage to
receive a spiritual thanksgiving for the fine wool of the district
at The Ecumenical Blessing of the Fleece. Sheep shearing and
displays cap�vate visitors all day providing an opportunity to
see sheep in all their glory.
Essen�al Energy’s Irish Woolfest showcases the Irish heritage
and fine wool that is Boorowa. A Grower’s Market and a
variety of quality stalls showcase country wares. This is a free
street fes�val.
Don’t miss this unique, true country experience which shows
that part of Boorowa’s charm is its con�nuing Irish
connec�ons.
www.irishwoolfest.boorowa.net
8
Calendar of Events
Boorowa has a number of exci�ng events held throughout the
year that provide visitors with the opportunity to experience
Borrowa’s community pride. These events include...
January
Australia Day Celebra�ons
March
Boorowa Show - first weekend of the month
Show and Shine
May
Boorowa Picnic Races
October
Irish Woolfest - always October long weekend
Football and Netball Carnival
November
Melbourne Cup Lunch
December
Carols by Candlelight
For further informa�on on these events please contact the
Boorowa Visitor Informa�on Centre on 02 6385 3885 or call
into the Old Courthouse Building.
9
Villages
Frogmore
Frogmore is approximately 20 minutes drive out of Boorowa
and not so long ago was a thriving gold, silver, copper and
tungston mining town. Frogmore Hall was resurrected from
the ashes as a result of the first “Pass the Hat Around” concert
with Lee Kernaghan.
Rugby
The first se�lers of Rugby faced many hardships in trying to
whi�le farms out of dense bushland. The se�lers however
never relented and today the Rugby area produces some of the
finest Merino Sheep to be found in the State.
Reids Flat
Reids Flat gained a reputa�on for being associated with
Bushrangers. An infamous conflict occurred at William Fogg’s
property where Frank ‘Darky’ Gardiner was taking refuge. The
fight was intense with bullets flying in all direc�ons. In the end
Gardiner escaped badly wounded and poor William Fogg was
arrested for harbouring a criminal. The remains of the cabin
where thr conflict took place are s�ll visible today.
Rye Park
Rye Park is one of the richest Silver mines in the State for many
years, along with rich grazing land that is s�ll u�lised today.
There is also evidence that convict labour was employed at
different proper�es in and around Rye Park, with old leg irons
and the etchings in bricks having been found. Today it is home
to The Old School Country Retreat.
10
Attractions
ATTRACTION
FEATURES
Arts & Cra� Co-op & Visitor Centre
Old Courthouse Building p: 6385 3885
Locally handmade cra�
Boorowool
16 Marssden St p: 6385 1191
Contemporary wool products
Debs Remedial Massage
105 Pudman St p: 0417 427 145
Massage therapy, soy candles
and natural soaps
Fibre and Tex�le Studio
p: 0488 772 260
Natural fibres including wool,
linen and silks
Frogmore Bike Park
p: 0402 390 443
Bring your own dirt or quad bike
and ride on 240 acres
Glenara Gallery
71 Marsden St p: 6385 1543
Fine arts and cra�s and
woodturning
Historical Museum
Marsden St p: 6385 3184
Telling the story of our locality
and its se�lers.
Hurley Burley
47 Market St p: 6385 1122
Oilcloth aprons. tablecloths and
homewares
Sarah Jane Country Cra�s
Frogmore p: 6385 6223
Specialises in patchwork and
pa�erns
Superb Patchwork
113B Pudman St p: 6385 1988
For fabulous fabrics and all your
Quil�ng needs
The Garage Sale
Caltex Service Sta�on p: 6385 1601
Oldwares, an�ques and
collectables
The Shamrock Trails
Brochure available at Visitor Centre
Historic walks around Boorowa
The Shop 2586
101 Pudman St p: 0414 983 784
Classic pre-loved and vintage
clothing and accessories
Thompson’s Aviary
29 Pudman St p: 6385 3096
View superb parrots by
appointment
Three Wishes
p: 0428 448 882
Womens accessories and
gi�ware
11
Dining
RESTAURANT / CAFE
CONTACT
Boorowa Chinese Restaurant
15 Marsden St p: 6385 3888
Boorowa Recrea�on Club Restaurant
Market St p: 6385 3224
Court House Hotel Bistro
16 Marsden St p: 6385 3005
Marsden’s Cafe (Boorowa Hotel)
Marsden St p: 6385 3000
Magistrates Tea Rooms
Old Court House Building
Marsden St p: 6385 3885
Pantry on Pudman
107 Pudman St p: 6385 1943
Richy Didge Restaurant
Boorowa Ex-Services Club
Pudman St p: 6385 3338
Superb Bakery
36 Marsden St p: 6385 1300
Top Cafe
30 Marsden St p: 6385 3002
Town Clock Cafe
9 Mardsen St p: 6385 3308
West Corner Cafe
Marsden St p: 6385 3523
Accommodation
ACCOMMODATION
CONTACT
Boorowa Blue Metal Motel
Queen St p: 6385 3186
Boorowa Caravan Park
Brial St
p: 6385 3658 or 0427853658
Boorowa Hotel
Marsden St p: 6385 3000
Court House Hotel
16 Marsden St p: 6385 3005
Ram & Stallion Hotel
Brial St p: 6385 3576
The Old School Country Retreat
Rye Park p: 4845 1230
Tipperary Co�age
9 Nielsen St p: 0427 011 782
12
Community Services
EMERGENCY SERVICE
CONTACT
Hospital
p: 6385 3004
Doctor
p: 6385 3600
Police
p: 6385 3208
Bush Fire
p: 6386 3170
Vet
p: 6385 3877
Emergency Services
000
CHURCH
SERVICE
Anglican p: 6385 3065
9.30am Sunday
Catholic p: 6385 3030
6pm Saturday and 8am Sunday
Uni�ng p: 6385 3640 or 6385 3736
10.30am Sunday
CLUB
MEETINGS
Apex p: 6385 3785
2nd and 4th Thursday
CWA p: 6385 3723
4th Thursday
Garden Club p: 6385 3219
1st Thursday
Lions p: 6385 3086
Last Thursday
Men’s Den p: 6385 1109
Wed and Thurs 9am - 12noon
Probus p: 6385 3651
1st Monday
Rotary p: 6385 1728
Every Wednesday
SPORT & CLUBS
FACILITIES
Ex-Services Club
Pudman St p: 6385 3338
Squash courts, bowling greens,
gym, bingo and cards
Recrea�on and Sports Club
Market St p: 6385 3224
Nine hole grass green golf
course, lawn bowls and cards
Olympic Swimming Pool
Market St p: 6385 3157
Outdoor pool
13
Things to see & do...
GLENLEIGH ANTIQUES
20 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 1200
An�ques & Period Furniture
English China
Collectables
Open
Mon,Thurs,Fri, Sat & Sun
COME TO BOOROWA
Visitor Informa�on Centre
02 6385 3885
[email protected]
www.boorowa.nsw.gov.au
Immerse yourself in Boorowa’s
history as you stroll along the
Shamrock Trail. Enjoy local
galleries with quality gi�s and art.
Ask about our group day tours.
Relax at a choice of local
accommoda�on.
BOOROWA LIBRARY
Cnr Market & Pudman Sts
02 6380 2000
Writers Group, Book Club & Audio Books.
Open Mon / Wed / Fri 3pm - 5pm
Sat 10am - 12pm, every 2nd Thur 9am - 1pm
Online catalogue at www.boorowa.nsw.gov.au
BOOROWA COURT HOUSE ARTS & CRAFTS CO-OP
Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3885
Arts & cra�s, local produce, wool
products, Magistrate’s Tearoom.
Open 7 days 10am - 5pm
14
Things to see & do...
THE IRISH WOOLFEST
Programmes 02 6385 3962
[email protected]
www.irishwoolfest.boorowa.net
Join us on the October long weekend for the
Essen�al Energy Irish Woolfest.
Featuring “The Running of the Sheep”
Don’t miss the Blessing of the Fleece, Irish dancers
and singers, Irish bands and free main stage
performances. Grower’s Market, Art Show,
Children’s amusements, Animal Farm and more.
IRISH WOOLFEST
DEBS MASSAGE
105 Pudman St, Boorowa
0417 427 145
Remedial massage therapy,
soy candles and natural soaps.
LINDSAY MILLER SADDLERY & HARNESS
28 Marsden St, Boorowa
0427 656 577
[email protected]
www.lindsaymiller.com.au
15
Retail therapy...
HURLEY-BURLEY
Suzanne Hurley
47 Market St, Boorowa
02 6385 1122 or 0427 706 108
[email protected]
www.hurley-burley.com.au
Oil cloth aprons & tablecloths.
Available in adult and childrens sizes,
easy care and long wearing.
They’re funky, fun & completely
irresis�ble! Also available Napkins,
Bindi Busters and The Pepper Mix.
Open by appointment.
BOOROWOOL
16 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 1191
[email protected]
natural fibres, an�ques, homewares
THE SHOP 2586
101 Pudman St, Boorowa
Open: Saturday morning
www.theshop2586.com
Classic pre-loved and vintage
clothing and accessories.
WATTS2READ
32 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 1442
Books, Magazines, Gi�s and
Darrell Lea Chocolates.
SUPERB PATCHWORK
113B Pudman St, Boorowa
02 6385 1988
[email protected]
For fabulous fabrics and all your
Quil�ng needs. Open 7 days.
16
A bite to eat...
SUPERB BAKERY
38 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 1300
Superb food and coffee,
superb service.
Open
6am - 6pm weekdays
7am - 6pm Saturday
8am - 6pm Sunday
TOWN CLOCK COFFEE SHOP
9 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3308
townclockcoff[email protected]
Offering an extensive gluten free menu
including home baked bread, cakes & slices.
TOP CAFE
30 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3002
“Excellent” Hamburgers and
Steak Sandwiches
“Top Class” Lavazza Coffee
WALSH’S COUNTRY KITCHEN
33 Campbell St, Boorowa
02 6385 3251
[email protected]
Manufacturers of Gourmet Preserves
Trade enquiries welcome
17
A place to stay...
BOOROWA CARAVAN PARK
Brial St, Boorowa
02 6385 3658 or 0427 853658
Come and enjoy a tranquil visit
at the Boorowa Caravan Park in
a quiet, shady loca�on beside
the Boorowa River. Motorhomes
welcome, new dump site located
beside the Caravan Park. Animals
welcome. Two on site cabins for
up to 4 people. Powered and
unpowered sites.
THE OLD SCHOOL COUNTRY RETREAT
76 Yass St, Rye Park
02 4845 1230
[email protected]
www.theoldschool.com.au
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Snuggle up on the down sofa
by a warm log fire and wait for
mouthwatering meals to appear.
B&B and self contained
accommoda�on.
TIPPERARY COTTAGE
0427 011 782
info@�pperaryco�age.com.au
Enjoy the comfort of beau�fully restored
and fully furnished guest accommoda�on, a
short stroll to the park or shopping precinct.
18
A cold brew...
BOOROWA HOTEL
Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3000
• Marsden’s Cafe
• Friendly, vibrant atmosphere
• Country style accommoda�on
• A la carte and counter meals
• Garden coutyard with BBQ
BOOROWA EX-SERVICES & CITIZENS CLUB
55 - 59 Pudman St, Boorowa
02 6385 3338
“Richy Didge” Dining Room
Open Wednesday - Saturday nights
Friday & Sunday Lunch
Catering for all Func�ons
Squash Courts
Bowling Green
Gym
Bingo and Cards
RAM & STALLION HOTEL
70 - 74 Brial St, Boorowa
02 6385 3576
[email protected]
Counter meals 7 days
Affordable B&B Accommoda�on
19
Support a local...
BOOROWA COMMUNITY BANK
Boorowa & District
Comm
nity
32 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3277
Bank©
Branch
For all your banking needs
phone 6385 3277 or call into
32 Marsden Street, Boorowa.
ATM available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week
Bendigo Bank Ltd, Fountain Court, Bendigo, VIC 3550
ABN 11 068 049 178. AFSL 237879. (S12322) (07/06)
IGA BOOROWA
91 - 93 Pudman St, Boorowa
02 6385 3037
Full grocery, deli, fresh meat
& freezer sec�ons.
Open 7 days.
PENROSE MOTORS SMASH REPAIRS
67 - 69 Brial St, Boorowa
Ph: 6385 3063 Fax: 6385 1101
[email protected]
Repairs and Restora�ons Est 1963
We do beau�ful body work
CALTEX BOOROWA
84 - 86 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 1601 or 0429 233 442
FRIENDLY • LOCAL • INDEPENDANT
EPAY • Ice • Most Cards • Food
KWIK Gas • Coffee • Fishing Gear
Oldwares - Collectables
Have a browse while you fuel up at
The Garage Sale
Thurs - Sun and Public Holidays
Phone 0428 893 718
20
Support a local...
BOOROWA REAL ESTATE
34 Marsden St, Boorowa
02 6385 3337
[email protected]
www.boorowa-real-estate.com
Specialising in Residen�al and
Rural Sales, Property Management
and Auc�on Sales.
KANGA HARDWARE
73 Pudman St, Boorowa
02 6385 3621 or 0427 419 937
Paint, Nursery, Irriga�on & Building Supplies.
Calpeda and Pumpmaster pumps for
household and agricultural purposes.
Kanga Loader for hire.
A.L. BANKS LICENCED BUILDER
02 6385 3594 or 0427 004 245
Licenced Builder LIC No. 38979
New Homes, Renova�ons, Sheds,
All Building Works
No Job Too Big or Too Small
AVONDALE PARK BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY
Brial Rd, Boorowa
02 6385 3348
Compe��ve prices
Inspec�on welcome
WANTANA STUD
Bill, Sharee & Jim Darmody
02 6385 3570 or 02 6385 5244
Quality Fine/Medium Merino Rams
& White Suffolk Rams.
On propery sale - October
21
Support a local...
CROSS BUILD
CROSS BUILD
WHEN QUALITY MATTERS
LIC. BUILDER: 198556C
• New Homes
• Renova�ons
• Extensions
• Residen�al
• Rural
• Commercial
CALL SHANE: 0429 017 509
OR OFFICE: 02 6385 1078
OR EMAIL US: [email protected]
When quality ma�ers, call Cross Build
for professional service and advice.
SHEARING CONTRACTORS
Crowe’s
Shearing
Boorowa
Mark and Therese Crowe
02 6385 3162
0428 853 162
22
Town Map...
23
Published by Boorowa Tourism and Development PO Box 94, Boorowa 2586 Phone 02 6385 3962.
Maps reproduced by permission NSW Department of Lands and Cartodra� Australia PTY Ltd.
Design by Starr Designs PO Box 188 Canowindra 2804 Phone 02 6344 2353. Informa�on and
images in this brochure have been compiled by Boorowa Tourism and Development with the
assistance of individual operators. Every effort has been taken to ensure all informa�on is accurate,
however changes may have taken place since the �me of publica�on in May 2011.