Wellington NSW 2830 (Pop 5 200)

Wellington is an attractive rural centre in the Wellington Valley at the junction of the Macquarie and Bell Rivers 369 km n-w of Sydney. Original inhabitants were the Wiradjuri Aborigines with white settlement in 1823 making it the 2^nd oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains. Named after the Duke of Wellington, nearby goldrushes and the railway (1880) helped forge the town. Today Wellington’s economy is based on the pastoral industry, agriculture, tourism and its role as a service centre. Wellington Boot horserace (Mar), Vintage Fair (Mar), Festivale (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Cameron Park, Nanima Cres. Superb rose and sunken gardens and suspension bridge over the Bell River. Oxley Museum, Percy St housed in the elegant old Bank of NSW building (1883) has a fine historical collection of the town. Open (1.30pm-4.30pm) weekdays. Tel (02) 6845 2325. Historic Wellington includes the Convent of Mercy (1896), Anglican Church (1867), Railway Station (1880), Courthouse (c.1890s) and Federal Hotel (1894).

Nearby:
Historic Graveyard (3 km south) with graves dating back to 1825.  Lake Burrendong State Recreation Area (27 km s-e) huge artificial lake ideal for watersports, fishing and great views. Tel (02) 6846 7435.  Wellington Caves (8 km south) beautiful limestone caves, Cathedral Cave with a huge stalagmite, Altar Rock and Garden Cave contains ususual cave coral. Daily Tours. Tel Visitor Centre. Mt Arthur Reserve (3 km west) 1 300 ha bushland reserve with three peaks, assorted fauna and birdlife. Ponto Falls (16 km n-w) beside the Macquarie River. Geurie (20 km n-w) small historic village. Stuart Town (38 km s-e) interesting former goldrush town. Cobb & Co Heritage Trail is easily followed around the area with changing stations, crossings, collapsed bridges and hotels (Lion of Waterloo, Royal Oak, Sportsman’s Arms).

Accommodation:
Wellington has 4 motels, 7 hotels, four B&Bs and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Cameron Park, Nanima Cr. Tel (02) 6845 1733 or 1800 621 614.

Airport:
Dubbo Airport (DBO) Cooreena Rd, off Mitchell Hwy. Tel (02) 6801 4560. (51 km n-w).

Hospital:
Wellington Health Service, Gisborne St. Tel (02) 6840 7200.