Uralla New England

Uralla NSW 2358 (Pop 2 300)

Uralla is an historic New England township located 547 km north of Sydney. It calls itself ‘Thunderbolt Country’ after the famous bushranger, Capt Thunderbolt (Fred Ward) who lived and died in the area.  Original inhabitants were the Anaiwan Aborigines whose word for ‘ceremonial meeting place’ accounts for the town’s name. European settlement began in 1830s and was spurred along by nearby gold finds (1850s) and the railway (1882). Today the town is famous for superfine wool and cattle. Uralla Show (Jan), Thunderbolt Country Fair (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
McCrossin's Mill Museum, Salisbury St housed in the former three-storey flour mill (1870) interesting historic displays and artifacts of Thunderbolt, goldmining, Aboriginal heritage and the Chinese goldminers. Open (midday-5pm) daily. Thunderbolt's Grave, Old Uralla Cemetery, John St. Uralla Military Museum, Bridge St national military history display. Open (9am-5pm) daily. Historic Uralla has over 30 historic buildings including Reg Stoker's Store (1870), 'Monleys' (1880s), Railway Station & Stationmaster’s Residence (1882), old Literary Institute (1886).  

Nearby:
Thunderbolt Rock (7 km south) said to have been Thunderbolt’s hideout. Dangars Lagoon (5 km s-e) wetland bird haven. Rocky River Goldfields (5 km north) dating back to 1850s goldrushes. Gostwyck Chapel (12 km east) beautiful elm tree avenue leading to privately owned Gostwyck Station. Mt Yarrowyck Aboriginal Cultural Walk (23 km n-w) 3 km loop Aboriginal cultural walk featuring a number of bird motif and geometric red ochre paintings. This nature reserve has a number of excellent bushwalks and plentiful wildlife.

Accommodation:
Uralla has 3 motels, two hotels, 4 B&Bs and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 104 Bridge St. Tel (02) 6778 4496.

Airport:
Armidale Airport (ARM) just off  New England Highway. Tel (02) 6772 5622. (17 km n-e).

Hospital:

Armidale & New England Hospital, Rusden St. Tel (02) 6776 4777. (23 km n-e).