Condobolin

Temperatures Summer(average): 18-34C; winter (average): 3-15C

Gumbend Lake

Gold was discovered north west of the township of Condobolin in 1896. You may have heard of the name of the station where the discovery was made - Overflow. This is the same Overflow in Banjo Paterson's poem 'Clancy of the Overflow.' Obviously the area inspired Banjo. And steeped in history, being originally settled soon after Thomas Mitchell camped here in 1836.

Condobolin sits on the Lachlan River and is about 100km west of Parkes. It lies in the wheat-sheep belt, which is the major industry for this rural community. Sustaining a population over such a long time testifies to the lifestyle that appeals to atleast the local residents. Why have they called this town home? Is it a place you could live in?

CLIMATE

Hot summers and cold winters are regular occurrences in western NSW. This does not mean, though, that every summer day is swelteringly hot and winter is always freezing cold. You will find relief from the extremes.

The climate suits a variety of flora, which, if you are patient, will provide a show in autumn and spring.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Annual events include:

Picnic races

• Picnic Races
  
  
• 750 Cross Country Rally
  
  
• Agricultural Show
  
  
• Boxing Day Rodeo
  
  
• Heart of NSW Festival

The Heart of NSW Festival is in October and showcases the best the Heart of NSW has to offer. Festivities include a spring ball, bush festival, gymkhanas, cultural, sporting and other activities throughout this special part of the outback.

There are plenty of sporting organisations to appeal to most outdoor enthusiasts.

As noted in the introduction, Condobolin is an old town. As such it has much to offer those interested in history. The Community Centre is well known for arts and crafts. It displays items courtesy of the Historical Society. Indigenous art and craft can be viewed or purchased at The Heart of NSW Visitor Information Services and Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Wiradjuri Artists Group assists local indigenous people develop their skills and promote their work.

TOWN SERVICES

Schools. The town has one public and one private primary school, one high school, and a campus of the Western Institute of TAFE. For children just a bit too young for school, there is a pre-school & kindergarten, as well as the Lachlan Children Services for day care and after school care.

Health. The town supports a hospital, medical centre, dentist and optometrist.

Shops. Condobolin has three motels (2 with licensed restaurants), four hotels and a caravan park, an RSL Club, Oriental Restaurant and several cafes.

Transport. Local taxis are available. Countrylink services the region by bus. Although not having an airport, Regional Express does service nearby towns of Parkes, West Wyalong and Forbes. If travelling by train, the Indian pacific and the Ghan pass through Condobolin between Sydney and Adelaide once a week.

CONDOBOLIN AREA

Nearby towns and villages include Lake Cargelligo, Tottenham, Tullibigeal, Burcher and Euabalong.

Wakeboarding, Gumbend Lake

Mount Tilga, 8km north, has a strenuous climb to the summit but the views of the Lachlan Valley make the effort worthwhile. There are numerous other bushwalks in the area.

40km west, adjacent to the Lachlan Valley Way, is an Aboriginal burial site of some historic importance. It is believed that one of the Lachlan tribal chiefs was interred here. The site predates 1817 when John Oxley encountered it. The burial mount was surrounded by some carved trees, functionally equivalent to totem poles. Today there is a rock monument. The trees have, unfortunately, been removed to other locations and have now been replaced by rough replicas.

If you would like to learn more about what the town has to offer, for both the tourist and those interested in moving to the town, please contact Heart of NSW Tourism for more information. We found them very helpful and we are sure you will also.

ECONOMICS

Employment. There is an abundance of opportunity for those wishing to secure their future here. Agricultural workers are required. The local mine, Barrick Gold's Lake Cowal, is hiring. A burgeoning horticulture development program is underway and requiring workers.

Tradesmen are in short supply - builders, electricians, plumbers are in high demand. See the Condobolin newspaper for details. There is room for auto electricians, cooks and chefs and much more ....

Lachlan Shire Council is keen to assist businesses develop further or re-locate into Lachlan Shire. Contact Lachlan Shire Council if you would like more information.

Investing. More information soon. Begin your search for real estate or rental properties in town.

Would you like to add to our review of Condobolin, or add your own photos? Please let us know.