The Long Paddock in Hay, New South Wales, Australia | Tourist information centre

The Long Paddock

Locality: Hay, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 2 6993 4045

Address: Cobb Highway 2711 Hay, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.thelongpaddock.com.au

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25.01.2022 THE RIVERS OF THE ROUTE DOWN THE DARLING Australia’s Darling River was and continues to be the lifeblood of many outback towns and stations, and significant to traditional owners. ...Continue reading

22.01.2022 MOAMA: HISTORY, NATURE & ADVENTURE BY THE MIGHTY MURRAY When the settlement began in 1845, it was known as Maiden's Punt, named after James Maiden punt owner, station manager, publican and post master. A few years later the village area was surveyed and the town was renamed Moama, in 1851 ... Whilst the town is perhaps best known for the Port of Echuca on the Victorian side of the mighty Murray River, Moama has plenty to inspire and entertain. From wineries to riverboats, nature reserves to quaint cafes and shops - there’s loads to see and do Moama is also home to one of the eleven large scale Long Paddock sculpture artworks. Located near the Kerrebee Sound Shell off the Cobb Highway, you will find ‘The Barges’ by Geoff Hocking (2012). A testimony to the important role Moama played in the Long Paddock’s rich history and the life of the drovers’ who travelled the stock route, bringing cattle and sheep to market. LOCALS TIP When visiting be sure to check out Horseshoe Wetland and Floodplain Reserve. Located on the north-eastern bank of the Murray River beyond the main bridge, this tranquil 145 ha bushland area is set around a horseshoe-shaped lagoon, a billabong and wetlands. It is populated by over 90 species of birds as well as possums and gliders, lizards, snakes and turtles; and the river, lagoon and billabong are home to many native fish The reserve is widely used for walking, bird watching, running and bike riding, with tracks and well maintained boardwalks that meander beneath impressive stands of river red gums. History more your thing? There are lots of stories to be told about the riverboats and the colourful characters that crewed them. Stories too about the customs strife between Colonies that helped shape the free trade provisions of the Australian Constitution. It’s fair to say this bustling town is seeped in history and tales of times gone by. Fun fact: Echuca Moama is home to the oldest paddlesteamer in the world the P.S Adelaide built in 1866! Keen to go explore? Be sure to check out our website for more travel inspo: www.thelongpaddock.com.au/plan-your-trip/murray-region/ Photos: @jane_clarkimages

19.01.2022 I challenge anyone to beat this view as one of the most mesmerising commutes to work in NSW Visit Riverina NSW Visit NSW #theplainsarecalling #LoveNSW

17.01.2022 RIVERS OF THE ROUTE THE MIGHTY MURRAY The Murray is more than just a river, it’s an integral part of Australia’s colonial history and helped shape the country as we know it today. It’s the birthplace of Federation and home to iconic paddlesteamers that transported essential goods in early days of settlement ...Continue reading

17.01.2022 Are you wondering which way to go on your next adventure? The Long Paddock is heading to the Victorian Caravan & Camping Virtual Show and your invited. Just like the real deal (but without the parking problems and queues this years Caravan and Camping show is coming to you on your favourite device. Simply jump on Victorian Caravan and Camping Show page, head to the destinations hall and start planning your next trip. The Shows runs from Wednesday 30 Setpember to Sunday 4 O...ctober and has all the info you need for your next adventure - from Caravan's and gadgets to the best places to visit. The show is free and its open 24/7 so you can visit any time that suits you, as many times as you like. We will be there, waiting to say g'day.

16.01.2022 The golden hour. It can make a 12 year old with an iPhone take a photo like a pro. On the Hay Plains you can stop almost anywhere and nail the perfect shot If you also like to relax with a sundowner, learn about the plants you see and enjoy a bit of bespoke seating then you MUST stop at the Sunset Viewing area 32 km north of Hay. Simply the best backdrop for your sunset shot.

16.01.2022 MAGIC IN MATHOURA Home to the world's largest red gum forest Mathoura is not only the location of two large scale Long Paddock sculptures - The Drover and Horse by Corey Thomas (2009) and The Timber Cutters by Geoff Hocking (2011) - but it is also home to a host of natural wonders! ... Veer off the highway and you’ll find the Eco certified Murray Valley National Park and Murray Valley Regional Park, established to protect the majestic river red gum forests of the Riverina’s Ramsar-listed wetland Part of the largest continuous red gum forest in the WORLD, this region hosts a unique ecosystem with over 60 threatened native animal species and 40 threatened plant species. Impressive right?! Yep. The area is not only significant in terms of the Long Paddock, but it’s also overflowing with natural wonders. Not to mention being an important place for Aboriginal people with many significant locations & stories. There is plenty to do here as well. Here’s a few local recommendations: * Go walking along the tranquil Gulpa Creek trail * Fish for your dinner in the mighty Murray * Paddle along the river in a canoe or kayak * Check out the The Timbercutter for an amazing meal in an even more magical location. This cafe/restaurant is fast becoming a destination in its own right and for good reason! * If you're interested in birds , be sure to check out Reedbeds Bird Hide and look out for the yellow rosella as you ride the park's trails * There are also numerous beautiful drives which wind through the forest where some of the trees rise to a height of 40m Timber has proven an economic mainstay of the area ever since the woodcutters first arrived in the 1860s. In the early days the fallen trees were hauled by bullocks to the riverbank where they were loaded on barges and taken to the sawmills. Fun fact: In 1930, over 7,000 railway sleepers were cut at Mathoura to build the trans-continental railway across the Nullarbor! Safe to say there’s plenty to entertain the whole tribe in this unassuming little town. Ideally located between Moama & Deniliquin, it’s well worth putting on the bucket list that’s for sure!

14.01.2022 RIVERS OF THE ROUTE MAPPING THE MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER Charles Sturt’s exploration down the Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers is considered one of the greatest in Australian history. In 1827, Sturt sailed for New South Wales to escort convicts to Sydney On arriving, he rather liked the place! In fact, he developed a great interest in the country and decided to stay and explore this incredible landscape....Continue reading

12.01.2022 RIVERS OF THE ROUTE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE LACHLAN Acting-Surveyor George William Evans visited the river in 1815, naming it the Lachlan River after Lachlan Macquarie, the governor of the colony of New South Wales. It was also substantially explored by John Oxley in 1817. In the early days of colonial New South Wales, the southern part of the Lachlan was known as Fish River. It was only after further exploration that it was realised that these two rivers were the ...same river and the name Fish River was dropped. THREE FUN FACTS 1. The Lachlan River is connected to the Murray Darling basin only when both the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers are in flood. 2. It’s also the only river in New South Wales with significant wetlands along its length, rather than just towards its end, including Lake Cowal-Wilbertroy, Lake Cargelligo and Lake Brewster, and nine wetlands of national significance! 3. The Lachlan is the fourth longest river in Australia The river runs from the Great Dividing Range in central New South Wales, westwards through sloping country in the central catchment, and then across river plains. The river ends at the Great Cumbung Swamp. The wetlands of the Great Cumbung Swamp are extensive and unique featuring one of the largest stands of river red gums in New South Wales and is one of the most important waterbird-breeding areas in eastern Australia! The Lachlan River and its floodplains provide a wide range of aquatic habitats such as pools, backwaters and billabongs, instream woody habitat and aquatic plants. Nature lovers - this is one river worth putting on the bucket list Pack your sense of adventure and camera that’s for sure! Travelling the Long Paddock Touring Route, you’ll encounter the beautiful Lachlan at Booligal. The village boasts The Booligal Hotel which provides travellers with beverages, BBQs and beds, often in that order There is also the general store and post office, a lawned cricket oval for the occasional social game, shaded eating areas, playground, BBQ and toilet facilities. Booligal became an important staging post for the Cobb & Co network in the golden era of the squatters when 100 000 acre sheep stations were held for a shilling an acre - today's 10 cents! Here you will also find the John Oxley Memorial which was erected in the township in 1967 to commemorate the explorer's journey down the Lachlan River An ideal spot to set up camp or cast a line , the river is surrounded by open expanses of grass plain and saltbush that stretch to the curve of the horizon in the distance, broken only by grazing kangaroos and emus, while hawks, wedge-tail eagles and galahs soar overhead In summary: There’s much to love about this river!

11.01.2022 AN ALL AUSTRALIAN ICON HISTORY OF THE HARDY, HANDY KELPIE These days, farmers and drover’s alike would be lost without their lovable companions and workers. Many a farmer will tell you, if a Kelpie could open a gate, they’d have no need to employ people. As "helpful as a farmhand", many farms would be lost without them. ...Continue reading

11.01.2022 SPEND A WHILE IN WANGANELLA THE GATEWAY TO THE HAY PLAINS Located between Deniliquin and Hay, Wanganella is probably most known for the longest creek in the world (Billabong Creek), the birthplace of the hardy Peppin merino sheep breed, it’s rare and endangered wildlife and the Hay Plains, thought to be the flattest plains on Earth! ... But what’s there to see and do? Well, besides soaking up the serenity, getting away from the rat race and enjoying a bit of down time, here’s a couple of local tips: With multiple access points for fishing off the bank, launching a boat or a kayak - you can easily get your fishing AND nature fix here Think blissful picnics, bush walks, bird watching and back road trails perfect to explore by bike Opposite the Wanganella Licensed Store you’ll find beautifully maintained lawns, a community hall and a children’s play equipment area. Perfect for a family picnic and hours of fun for the little ones. Ps. They’ve recently installed a brand new community BBQ in the park too! Here you’ll also find interpretative signage that tells the story of the historic Cobb & Co. Coach which once stopped here in days gone by. Myth or not, we love the tale of the Headless Horseman! Just down the road, on the way towards Hay you’ll come to the Black Swamp rest area and the iconic Long Paddock sculpture depicting "The Headless Horseman". It’s part of the series of artworks that tell our region’s stories, tales and legends along the Cobb & Co Hwy. Some might put stock in the legend of the Headless Horseman, whilst others aren’t believers. What we can say though is that the interpretation panels and sculptures that commemorate the legend of the "Headless Horseman", make for awesome photo opportunities. Hot tip: Sunset is particularly epic! Whilst here be sure to check out the bronze statue at the front gates of Wanganella Station, just south of the village. This statue commemorates the importance of the Pepin merino, which is now the most common breed in Australia! With a caravan park, self contained cottage stays or free camping, there’s options to suit all budgets. Day trip or stay, either way you’ll find more than you expected at Wanganella! courtesy of Forest Media / Em Crameri Photography and Visit Deni.

07.01.2022 WILCANNIA: A TRIP BACK IN TIME History, heritage & incredible landscapes When the paddle steamers from South Australia managed to traverse the Darling River and reach Wilcannia, the town became an important river port. ... It’s said that by the mid-1880s, Wilcannia was a booming port with 13 hotels and a population of 3,000! By the late 1880s Wilcannia was the third-largest port on the Darling River and became known as "Queen City of the West. Its hard to believe but in 1887, at a time when most of the wool from northwestern NSW came via Wilcannia, some 222 paddle steamers passed through the port! The bustle of days gone by is a testimony to the status Wilcannia once enjoyed, albeit now a memory. The Darling River however remains a highlight for visitors and the dusty streets are still lined with a remarkable collection of heritage buildings that together, tell the tales of Wilcannia’s fascinating history including that of the Barkindji people who have called Wilcannia home for up to 50,000 years! Looking to take an epic road trip overflowing with Australian history and incredible landscapes? Then a trip along The Long Paddock to Wilcannia should be on your bucket list!

07.01.2022 When your Touring Route turns into a celebrity

05.01.2022 Ahh its hard to know which direction to head at the moment! With restrictions back in place and the ol' lockdown in Victoria, life can seem a bit tricky. Let's hope we are all back on track soon and we can enjoy joining the mob and heading out into our backyard. Until then stay safe ~~... Visit Deni Visit NSW Hay Tourism Echuca Moama Tourism ABC News See more

03.01.2022 WILDFLOWER SEASON Australia is blessed with thousands of species of wildflowers an incredible diversity that is matched by few places in the world From the riverside towns of Echuca / Moama on the Victorian border through to the vastness of the NSW outback and places like Wilcannia in the north - the Springtime wildflowers that are currently adorning the landscape, will stop you in your tracks. Literally.... Yep. Given the chance (and the right season), the flora along the Long Paddock will blow you away! Top tip: if you’re not too distracted by the impressive wildflowers, be sure to bust out the binoculars to catch the array of birdlife among the blooms. You’ll be surprised just how much wildlife you will spot!

02.01.2022 It may seem a foreign concept, especially for those of you in lockdown 2.0 , but for our drovers a life of isolation is the only way to live. The hands belong to drover Bill Eddie, taken in 2004 on The Long Paddock by Andrew Chapman. They are a tribute to a life lived in the saddle. Where isolation is a choice, and social distancing is a way of life. As Banjo wrote " he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended and at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars". Makes you want to pack up your swag and hit the road.

02.01.2022 Although we spend a lot of time checking weather apps out here, we really do not need to when you can see what the weather is going to be like in 1 hour. One of the great advantages of travelling on the Hay Plains, 360 degree views, 100km line of site - as close to certain as it gets. If only we could bet on it ... Visit Riverina NSW Visit NSW... #thelongpaddocktr #lovensw #visitnsw