Moulamein NSW is the oldest town in the Riverina area, it has a rich history built on the lives of settlers, farmers, and shearers who came to this region. This is an excellent budget getaway for families and loners or couples looking for a place to escape the city. With its proximity to the river, this is a popular fishing and camping destination. There’s easy access to the Edward and Wakool rivers and Billabong Creek. The rivers run through the town and some of the best fishing spots can be found there.
The Historical Background Of Moulamein
When it comes to the origin of the town name, there are some differing theories. Some think that it’s an Aboriginal word that means “the meeting of the water” which would be a reference to the rivers. The general consensus is that in 1842 the town was named by Augustus Morris after the Burmese seaport that shares the name.
European settlers arrived in the district in 1830, it was a tiny town, but for some time it had more importance than Albury. The local police court records date back to 1845 when the chief constable earned a whopping $105 per year. By 1850 Moulamein NSW had a courthouse, some houses and an inn.
The township was laid out in 1851 and a post office was established in 1854. The early importance of the town can be attributed to the crossroad where wool coming from western NSW met the paddle-steamers on the Edward River to transport the fleeces downstream.
In 1864 the railway arrived in Echuca, which switched the prominence away from Moulamein. From this point on, the town declined in importance as the river port was almost entirely bypassed. In the 1970s, the Moulamein district was opened to free selection, but drought and the rabbit plague continued the steady decline.
Things turned around in 1926 when the railway arrived in the town and the subdivision’s large holdings experienced a revival. The year 1926 is also regarded as the symbolic end of the river transport era in the town. In 1969, grain storage sheds were built that could store up to 60,000 tonnes of grain.
The Natural Beauty Of Moulamein NSW
This town truly is a hidden gem for those seeking some peace and tranquility in nature. There are three areas that all visitors should visit and explore. They are:
Moulamein River Walk
Take a leisurely walk along the Edward River and Billabong Creek where you can read storyboards with details about the rich history and local flora and fauna. Along this route it’s a good idea to keep your eyes peeled to spot the local wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, kookaburras, bearded dragons, bush stone curlews, goannas and cockatoos.
This self-guided tour winds through River Gum trees and walkers should look out for local highlights, such as The Big Tree, Scar Tree, the Mooloomoon Shearing Shed, Ring Tree and the Old Moulamein Wharf. This is a culturally and historically important area for the local Wamba Wamba people that have held ceremonies and live here for centuries.
The Big Tree
This is a huge River Red Gum tree, it’s probably the largest in the entire Riverina. This tree is between 500 and 1,000 years old and the circumference is 11.6 m. For obvious reasons, this is known locally as “The Big Tree” ; it’s also a meeting place that has cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people.
The location of the Big Tree is opposite the football ground, over the bridge across the river from the Moulamein township. There is a narrow dirt road we could drive down under the Bridge to the Big Tree. You could park your car, do the River Walk, and see other things like the wharf.
Moulamein Lake
A great place for fishing, kayaking, water sports or simply going for a leisurely swim to cool down. Moulamein Lake has a surface area of 15 hectares and it’s a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. There’s plenty of wildlife to see, including ducks, black swans and pelicans. Three shelters offer shade for relaxation, picnic tables, and gas BBQs.
The town swimming pool is located on the Lakeshore and is across the road from Caravan Park.
The Moulamein Caravan Park is beside the lake. There is a fee for using the Lake and accessing the boat ramp. You can pay and get a key from the caravan park. It is a good location for a family gathering or picnic.
Attractions And Historic Sites Around Moulamein
The entire town of Moulamein NSW has plenty of historic sites and buildings to see, but there are four places that are a must see:
The Old Court House
Cross Billabong Creek at the end of Old Court House Road and you will find a faithful restoration of the old court house. The court house was periodically used from 1848 onwards which makes it the oldest building of its kind in the Riverina. This building was in regular use from 1890 up to 1968 when it was retired.
In 1890, the original new court house was destroyed by fire and then quickly rebuilt in the same year! Prisoners were escorted to the Moulamein court house from Albury for trial. The building is now open for inspection and there’s a list at the front door of people that have the keys.
Old Bullock Drays
There are pairs of drays that date back to the late 19th century, they can be found on Barham Road and at Flottmann Park. Both are worth a visit, they were each pulled by 12 bullocks for transport and to make dams. The Lachlan McBean dray even made trips to Sydney and back which at a speed of 10-15 km per day would have taken months.
Old Wharf
A replica of the old wharf can be found at the end of Morago Street with a nearby plaque displaying a photograph that’s dated at 1920. In the image, there’s a paddle steamer and bales of wool that have been prepared for transportation down the river. From the 1870s up to the 1880s these moved more than $2.5 million of wool!
Moulamein Art Gallery
The art gallery is a fantastic place to check out arts and crafts produced by local artists. It is staffed by volunteers who are also artists and are keen to talk about the pieces on display. If interested, the gallery is only open on Thursdays and Fridays.
Besides the Art Gallery, other artworks are well worth stopping for a look. With a mural on the side wall and metal sculptures around the area. There are also Public toilets nearby and a play ground for the kids.
Regular exhibitions and workshops are held and nearby there’s the Woolshed Pavilion that was recently erected by the men’s shed group. When you’re ready to take a break, the art gallery serves coffee and cake too.
Moulamein Heritage Village
The Moulamein Heritage Village is a charming step back in time, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of New South Wales’ oldest river town. Nestled by the tranquil Edward River, this lovingly curated village showcases a collection of historic buildings and artifacts, each telling a unique story of early pioneering life.
From the old schoolhouse to the blacksmith’s shop, the site brings the past to life, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike. A stroll through the village reveals the resilience and ingenuity of Moulamein’s early settlers, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage.
The Village is run by volunteers and they can be contacted to open up some of the buildings. You can still walk into the village and see the Black Smith and the Stables that have displays in them. The school and shearing shed were locked.
There are public toilets and an undercover BBQ area with picnic tables. It also is an RV dumping point.
Mooloomoon Shearing Shed
The Mooloomoon Shearing Shed, located near Moulamein, NSW, stands as a testament to the rich pastoral heritage of the Riverina region. This historic shed, surrounded by sweeping plains, offers a fascinating insight into Australia’s iconic sheep-shearing industry.
Once a hub of activity during shearing seasons, the shed echoes with stories of hardworking shearers and the wool trade that helped shape the nation’s economy. Visitors can explore its rustic charm, marvel at the old wool presses, and immerse themselves in the craftsmanship and determination of the past. Mooloomoon provides not just a glimpse into rural life but a connection to the enduring traditions of outback Australia.
Located by the Edwards River the area is peaceful with large grassed areas. There are public toilets beside the shearing shed and garden seats to sit under the shady trees. If you like the peace and quiet they have a couple of self-contained cabins to stay.
Practical Visitor Information For Moulamein
As a tourist town, Moulamein, NSW has plenty of accommodation options, including motels, hotels, campgrounds and caravan parks. Let’s take a look at some of the best options:
- Moulamein Bowling Club Motel: This comfortable motel is located next to the bowling club, as the name suggests. Guests can enjoy entertainment and meals at the motel if they don’t want to stray too far after a long day of exploring.
- Tattersalls Hotel Moulamein: This is a historic pub that has hotel-style rooms to rent. The hotel is dripping with a classic atmosphere with the bar and dining.
- Moulamein Lakeside Caravan Park: This offers cabins, unpowered and powered sites for visitors. It’s located next to the lake with easy boating and fishing access and wonderful views. There are BBQ areas, clean amenities and a camp kitchen.
- Mooloomoon Shearing Shed: They offer a choice of two self-contained cabins overlooking the Edwards River. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Getting To Moulamein
Traveling to Moulamein from Melbourne is a scenic journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by car, covering around 320 kilometers. The most direct route takes you through Bendigo and Kerang, allowing you to explore charming regional towns.
From Sydney, the drive is longer, taking about 8 to 9 hours to cover approximately 740 kilometers. Travelers typically follow the Hume Highway towards Wagga Wagga and Hay before turning southwest to Moulamein. Both routes pass through picturesque countryside, making the trip a delightful experience.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Moulamein, NSW?
Spring (September To November):
The temperature is typically in the 15ºC to 25ºC range, it’s mild and pleasant for outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, boating and birdwatching. The town and its surroundings are green and lush and the flowers are blooming. During this season, there are numerous community events and festivals, check ahead to see if there’s something specific that you want to attend.
Summer (December To February):
The temperatures can reach the 30ºC up to 40ºC range, but the evenings are still cool. This is a good time for water-related activities, but regular hydration and sun protection are an absolute must.
Autumn (March To May):
This is a comfortable and cool time to visit, the temperature is usually in the 10ºC up to 25ºC range. This is a great time for hiking, birdwatching and exploring nature. As an added bonus, the foliage looks beautiful at this time of year.
Winter (June To August):
The weather is cold to cool, the temperature is in the 5ºC to 15ºC range and the nights are always cold. This is a great time for indoor activities and the town is very quiet and tranquil. The only exception is fishing, there’s always someone out with a rod on the river. If you like a serene experience and you don’t mind cold weather, this is a great time to visit, just take some warm clothing!
Moulamein NSW In Conclusion
Moulamein NSW has a lot to offer, Spring and Autumn are great seasons to visit if you want to enjoy the milder weather and outdoor activities. In Summer, water activities are popular, but it’s important to prepare for the high temperatures. Winter is an excellent time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and spend some time at the art gallery. Visitors will find that the locals are friendly and that the natural beauty is well worth the effort required to reach this rural town.