~narrabri historical walking tours~€¦ · 1920s and housed a machinery dealership and a motor...

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NARRABRI HISTORICAL – CREEK WALK TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE - Tourism was recognised as a viable industry for Narrabri at a meeting in 1975. A Tourism Centre was proposed in 1982. The present office, built of cypress pine from the Pilliga Forest, was opened in 1986. MAJOR MITCHELL PLAQUE – Major Thomas Mitchell was Narrabri’s first tourist (with the possible exception of escaped convict The Barber). After his expedition in 1832 settlers quickly moved into the region. Young Andrew Doyle and Patrick Quinn were among the first Europeans to take up runs in the district. This plaque was officially unveiled during the 2005 New England & North West Regional Historical Societies Conference. THE CROSSING THEATRE - The Theatre derives it name from the old crossing place in the creek nearby. Built in 2002 at a cost of $8 million, it was officially opened in November 2002 and has become the premier entertainment venue for North Western NSW. THE RACEY - The Racey refers to an expanse of water in the creek behind the Crossing Theatre, so named because race horses were once exercised there. Further upstream was used as a swimming area, particularly by children, before the Olympic Pool was opened in 1958. SPORTS FIELDS - Continue along the Narrabri Creek bank behind the Leitch and Hogan Ovals. Look across the Creek and you can see Narrabri Hospital. Continue under the Creek Bridge. COLLINS PARK – Named after Charles Collins, the inaugural Mayor of Narrabri. The Collins family owned a department store from 1872 on the site of the present Coles supermarket in Maitland Street. Collins Park in previous years was popular for greyhound racing and cycling. THE PALMS – Turn left up the avenue of palms, the origins of which are obscure. CRICKET SIGHT BOARDS – These sight boards originally graced the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground where they were repositioned between overs by two attendants. One fell asleep during a test match and had to be woken by the bowler. The sight boards were moved to their present location in 1990. CADE MEMORIAL GATES - were erected in 1933 by the citizens in memory of the much loved Dr. FJR Cade. The adjacent ticket office was built in 1928 and moved to its present site in 1939. From here you can turn left (go back under the bridge to avoid the highway) to return to the Tourist Information Centre (450m) OR turn right and continue with the Creek Walk (another 2.2 km). OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOL - Although residents were convinced of the need to construct a town swimming facility as early as 1900, it was not until 1910 that a swimming club was formed and Council gave permission for baths to be erected in the Creek at a site near Narrabri Creek Bridge. It was male only as swimmers were segregated until around 1920 when mixed bathing was allowed. The ladies formed their own club in 1911 and settled for a sandy spot further downstream to allow them some modicum of privacy. A new push for a formal swimming pool began in 1931 but it wasn’t until much later that Mayor Athol Gleeson became the driving force behind the concept. At one time he staged a highly successful Narrabri Ball at the Sydney Town Hall to help raise funds. The pool was opened by Olympic gold medallist and world record breaker Lorraine Crapp in 1958 and was the training venue for local 1976 Olympian Nira Stove. Continue past the Big Sky Caravan Park and turn right over the Violet Street low level bridge, built as a bypass until completion of the new Creek bridge in 1977. Turn right after the bridge for a pleasant stroll back along the river bank and under the Creek Bridge to Cameron Park, named after the Cameron family who donated the land. The parklands upstream of the bridge are a designated off-leash area for dogs. The popular Gypsy Willow Markets are held here on the first Saturday of each Month. This area of the creek is a popular fishing spot for Golden Perch and Murray Cod. Take the downstream footpath back over the Creek Bridge and turn left into Tibbereena Street, past the Hogan and Leitch Ovals once again. TOWN HALL CLOCK TOWER – Narrabri and District Soldiers’ Memorial, with the names of soldiers killed in the 1914-19 War. The clock was relocated and erected by Rotary. AUSTRALIAN COTTON EXHIBITION CENTRE - Officially opened in 2002 by Federal member for Gwydir, the Hon. John Anderson, the centre houses an educational display that covers the cotton industry from field to fabric. Learn about modern pest management techniques, water use, efficiency and environmental impacts. The centre includes an excellent gift shop. KEY: Sites with an existing plaque Sites with an Historical Walk plaque ~NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS~ EET M T M H H LL OYD ST REE T NARRABRI CREEK ROUTE 1 - Tourist Information Centre 2 - Major Mitchell Plaque 3 - The Crossing Theatre 4 - The Racey 5 - Sports Fields 6 - Collins Park 7 - The Palms 8 - Cricket Sight Boards 9 - Cade Memorial Gates 10 - Olympic Swimming Pool 11 - River Walk 12 - Creek Bridge 13 - Town Clock 14 - Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre LEITCH OVAL GO 12 TIBBEREENA STREET A 1 3 4 14 2 HOGAN OVAL F H 6 7 11 8 9 11 COLLINS PARK SWIMMING POOL MAITLAND STREET M KILL A RNE Y STREE T M H H LL OYD ST REE T 11 H H POLICE STATION COURT HOUSE OLD GAOL MUSEUM M 11 TIBBEREENA STREET DO YLE S TR EET DE W HU RST S TREE T BO W EN STR E ET COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAITLAND STREET DENIS ON ST R E ET s 400 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s es es es es es es es es es es es es es es s NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKS CO OMA ROAD 2 - Major Mitchell Plaque 3 - The Crossing Theatre 4 - The Racey 5 - Sports Fields 6 - Collins Park 7 - The Palms 8 - Cricket Sight Boards 9 - Cade Memorial Gates 10 - Olympic Swimming Pool 11 - River Walk 12 - Creek Bridge 13 - Town Clock 14 - Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre 12 13 10 LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND LEGEND A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance A - Ambulance - Ambulance M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel M - Motel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel H - Hotel F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station F - Fire Station PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office PO - Post Office - Post Office PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets PT - Public Toilets - Public Toilets GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices GO - Government Offices NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKS 200 400 0 metres NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE AND LIBRARY - The refurbished Library was opened in 2007 together with the renovated Neighbourhood Centre. The site once housed the Narrabri School of Arts (or Mechanic’s Institute), built in 1880 and demolished in 1965. The current building was opened in 1966 for Narrabri Municipal Council and Council operated from these chambers until 1985 when they moved to their present amalgamated premises. TOWN HALL GARAGE – The building dates from the early 1920s and housed a machinery dealership and a motor vehicle repair business and car dealership until the early 1990s. Alongside was the Farmers’ Market building constructed by Mr.Thurlow in 1918. It was used to sell farm produce until the 1970’s AMBULANCE STATION - Although residents were aware of the need for an ambulance service as far back as 1920, it was not until around 1939 that an ambulance vehicle was purchased and Mr. H. J. Sims was appointed Superintendent. The original (1941) building on the corner of Balonne and Fitzroy Streets is still standing as a private residence. The present station was opened in 1953. TOURIST HOTEL - As Thurlow’s Victoria Hotel (dating from 1859), this structure was one of the most important in Narrabri. When Premier Sir John See came to Narrabri in 1903 he and his party stayed at the Victoria. The hotel was pulled down and the present art deco Tourist Hotel opened in October 1938. Kangaroo & Emu Shop - Built for Charlie Shearer as ‘The Caledonian Fruit and Sweetie Shop’ and opened for business in 1928. After Charlie’s death the shop came into the possession of Mr. Gordon Perkins. Since then it has had other owners including Leculier’s Fruit and Vegetable Shop and Craddock’s Butcher’s Shop. The shop front is now incorporated into the façade of the new Coles store. COLES – Charles Collins built the Victoria Store on this site in 1872. The store was rebuilt for AE Collins Pty Ltd in 1918 and continued until taken over by Permewan’s in 1967. The store was demolished in 2007 and the present structure was built for Macquarie CountryWide Trust. COMMERCIAL HOTEL - Narrabri’s second hotel was built on this site in 1861 for George Lewis and was known as Lewis’ Inn. Henry Pratt took over the hotel in 1874 and renamed it The Commercial. The Wall family owned the hotel from about 1890 until 1910 and built the current hotel in that period. TOURIST OFFICE - Complete your walk of Narrabri Township by returning along Lloyd Street to the Tourist Office. DID YOU KNOW THAT …? …The site for Narrabri originally recommended by the government surveyor in 1859 was at Deep Creek, about 8 kilometres to the south-east. “It is higher ground, has better drainage, better soil, better water and better facilities for building”. Local landholder, Patrick Quinn, however, had other ideas and prevailed, with the same surveyor sent up from Sydney to mark out a town on the present site. …Narrabri Creek is an ana-branch of the Namoi River, rejoining the river about 10 kilometres downstream of the Creek Bridge. The river branch is normally dry and the creek carries all of the Namoi flow, except in floods when the old channel also runs. …Floods occur about every 10 years on average in Narrabri, with the longest period between floods in recorded history being 14 years (twice). The most recent floods were in 1998 and 2000. The 1955 flood was the largest in living memory, followed by the 1971 flood. However, the floods of 1910 and 1864 are reputed to have been larger, and the 1841 flood perhaps the granddaddy of them all. …Fire has shaped Narrabri throughout its history. Apart from the destruction of residences, major fires included: 1897 – Block gutted from Club House Hotel to ANZ bank 1906 – 17 buildings in Maitland Street destroyed 1911 – 12 business houses in Narrabri West 1912 – Several buildings at southern end of Maitland St 1917 – Maitland Street from Post Office to Westpac 1924 – Foxes, now Narrabri Arcade 1942 – Foxes, now Narrabri Arcade 1972 – Sheds and 7600 bales of cotton, Narrabri West 1994 – Narrabri Arcade gutted (again). …Narrabri was judged Australia’s most sporting district, in a competition run by television’s Channel 9 in 2001. At least 110 Australian representatives were either born in Narrabri Shire or started their sporting career here, including Chris Latham, Michael Brial, Scott Gourley (Rugby), Steve Elkington (golf), Jason Stoltenberg (tennis), and Don Bradman (just kidding).

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Page 1: ~NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS~€¦ · 1920s and housed a machinery dealership and a motor vehicle repair business and car dealership until the early 1990s. Alongside was the

NARRABRI HISTORICAL – CREEK WALKTOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE - Tourism was recognised as a viable industry for Narrabri at a meeting in 1975. A Tourism Centre was proposed in 1982. The present office, built of cypress pine from the Pilliga Forest, was opened in 1986.

MAJOR MITCHELL PLAQUE – Major Thomas Mitchell was Narrabri’s first tourist (with the possible exception of escaped convict The Barber). After his expedition in 1832 settlers quickly moved into the region. Young Andrew Doyle and Patrick Quinn were among the first Europeans to take up runs in the district. This plaque was officially unveiled during the 2005 New England & North West Regional Historical Societies Conference.

THE CROSSING THEATRE - The Theatre derives it name from the old crossing place in the creek nearby. Built in 2002 at a cost of $8 million, it was officially opened in November 2002 and has become the premier entertainment venue for North Western NSW.

THE RACEY - The Racey refers to an expanse of water in the creek behind the Crossing Theatre, so named because race horses were once exercised there. Further upstream was used as a swimming area, particularly by children, before the Olympic Pool was opened in 1958.

SPORTS FIELDS - Continue along the Narrabri Creek bank behind the Leitch and Hogan Ovals. Look across the Creek and you can see Narrabri Hospital. Continue under the Creek Bridge.

COLLINS PARK – Named after Charles Collins, the inaugural Mayor of Narrabri. The Collins family owned a department store from 1872 on the site of the present Coles supermarket in Maitland Street. Collins Park in previous years was popular for greyhound racing and cycling.

THE PALMS – Turn left up the avenue of palms, the origins of which are obscure.

CRICKET SIGHT BOARDS – These sight boards originally graced the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground where they were repositioned between overs by two attendants. One fell asleep during a test match and had to be woken by the bowler. The sight boards were moved to their present location in 1990.

CADE MEMORIAL GATES - were erected in 1933 by the citizens in memory of the much loved Dr. FJR Cade. The adjacent ticket office was built in 1928 and moved to its present site in 1939.

From here you can turn left (go back under the bridge to avoid the highway) to return to the Tourist Information Centre (450m) OR turn right and continue with the Creek Walk (another 2.2 km).

OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOL - Although residents were convinced of the need to construct a town swimming facility as early as 1900, it was not until 1910 that a swimming club was formed and Council gave permission for baths to be erected in the Creek at a site near Narrabri Creek Bridge. It was male only as swimmers were segregated until around 1920 when mixed bathing was allowed. The ladies formed their own club in 1911 and settled for a sandy spot further downstream to allow them some modicum of privacy. A new push for a formal swimming pool began in 1931 but it wasn’t until much later that Mayor Athol Gleeson became the driving force behind the concept. At one time he staged a highly successful Narrabri Ball at the Sydney Town Hall to help raise funds. The pool was opened by Olympic gold medallist and world record breaker Lorraine Crapp in 1958 and was the training venue for local 1976 Olympian Nira Stove.

Continue past the Big Sky Caravan Park and turn right over the Violet Street low level bridge, built as a bypass until completion of the new Creek bridge in 1977. Turn right after the bridge for a pleasant stroll back along the river bank and under the Creek Bridge to Cameron Park, named after the Cameron family who donated the land. The parklands upstream of the bridge are a designated off-leash area for dogs. The popular Gypsy Willow Markets are held here on the first Saturday of each Month. This area of the creek is a popular fishing spot for Golden Perch and Murray Cod.

Take the downstream footpath back over the Creek Bridge and turn left into Tibbereena Street, past the Hogan and Leitch Ovals once again.

TOWN HALL CLOCK TOWER – Narrabri and District Soldiers’ Memorial, with the names of soldiers killed in the 1914-19 War. The clock was relocated and erected by Rotary.

AUSTRALIAN COTTON EXHIBITION CENTRE - Officially opened in 2002 by Federal member for Gwydir, the Hon. John Anderson, the centre houses an educational display that covers the cotton industry from field to fabric. Learn about modern pest management techniques, water use, efficiency and environmental impacts. The centre includes an excellent gift shop.

KEY:

Sites with an existing plaque

Sites with an Historical Walk plaque

~NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS~

EE

T

MT

M

H

HLLOYDSTREET

NARRABRI CREEK ROUTE1 - Tourist Information Centre

2 - Major Mitchell Plaque

3 - The Crossing Theatre

4 - The Racey

5 - Sports Fields

6 - Collins Park

7 - The Palms

8 - Cricket Sight Boards

9 - Cade Memorial Gates

10 - Olympic Swimming Pool

11 - River Walk

12 - Creek Bridge

13 - Town Clock

14 - Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre

LEITCH

OVAL

GO

12

TIB

BE

RE

EN

AS

TR

EE

T

A

1

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14

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11

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PARK

SWIMMING

POOL

MA

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ND

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KILLARNEYSTREET

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HLLOYDSTREET

11

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POLICE

STATION

COURT

HOUSE

OLD

GAOL

MUSEUM

M

11

TIB

BE

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EN

AS

TR

EE

T

DOYLESTREET

DEWHURST STREET

BOWEN

STREET

COUNCIL

CHAMBERS

MA

ITLA

ND

ST

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ET

DENISON

STREET

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400

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NARRABRI

HISTORICAL

WALKS

COOMAROAD

2 - Major Mitchell Plaque

3 - The Crossing Theatre

4 - The Racey

5 - Sports Fields

6 - Collins Park

7 - The Palms

8 - Cricket Sight Boards

9 - Cade Memorial Gates

10 - Olympic Swimming Pool

11 - River Walk

12 - Creek Bridge

13 - Town Clock

14 - Australian Cotton Exhibition Centre

12

13

10

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F - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire StationF - Fire Station

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PT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public ToiletsPT - Public Toilets- Public Toilets

GO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government OfficesGO - Government Offices

NARRABRI

HISTORICAL

WALKS

200 4000

metresNEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE AND LIBRARY - The refurbished Library was opened in 2007 together with the renovated Neighbourhood Centre. The site once housed the Narrabri School of Arts (or Mechanic’s Institute), built in 1880 and demolished in 1965. The current building was opened in 1966 for Narrabri Municipal Council and Council operated from these chambers until 1985 when they moved to their present amalgamated premises.

TOWN HALL GARAGE – The building dates from the early 1920s and housed a machinery dealership and a motor vehicle repair business and car dealership until the early 1990s. Alongside was the Farmers’ Market building constructed by Mr.Thurlow in 1918. It was used to sell farm produce until the 1970’s

AMBULANCE STATION - Although residents were aware of the need for an ambulance service as far back as 1920, it was not until around 1939 that an ambulance vehicle was purchased and Mr. H. J. Sims was appointed Superintendent. The original (1941) building on the corner of Balonne and Fitzroy Streets is still standing as a private residence. The present station was opened in 1953.

TOURIST HOTEL - As Thurlow’s Victoria Hotel (dating from 1859), this structure was one of the most important in Narrabri. When Premier Sir John See came to Narrabri in 1903 he and his party stayed at the Victoria. The hotel was pulled down and the present art deco Tourist Hotel opened in October 1938.

Kangaroo & Emu Shop - Built for Charlie Shearer as ‘The Caledonian Fruit and Sweetie Shop’ and opened for business in 1928. After Charlie’s death the shop came into the possession of Mr. Gordon Perkins. Since then it has had other owners including Leculier’s Fruit and Vegetable Shop and Craddock’s Butcher’s Shop. The shop front is now incorporated into the façade of the new Coles store.

COLES – Charles Collins built the Victoria Store on this site in 1872. The store was rebuilt for AE Collins Pty Ltd in 1918 and continued until taken over by Permewan’s in 1967. The store was demolished in 2007 and the present structure was built for Macquarie CountryWide Trust.

COMMERCIAL HOTEL - Narrabri’s second hotel was built on this site in 1861 for George Lewis and was known as Lewis’ Inn. Henry Pratt took over the hotel in 1874 and renamed it The Commercial. The Wall family owned the hotel from about 1890 until 1910 and built the current hotel in that period.

TOURIST OFFICE - Complete your walk of Narrabri Township by returning along Lloyd Street to the Tourist Office.

DID YOU KNOW THAT …?…The site for Narrabri originally recommended by the government surveyor in 1859 was at Deep Creek, about 8 kilometres to the south-east. “It is higher ground, has better drainage, better soil, better water and better facilities for building”. Local landholder, Patrick Quinn, however, had other ideas and prevailed, with the same surveyor sent up from Sydney to mark out a town on the present site.

…Narrabri Creek is an ana-branch of the Namoi River, rejoining the river about 10 kilometres downstream of the Creek Bridge. The river branch is normally dry and the creek carries all of the Namoi flow, except in floods when the old channel also runs.

…Floods occur about every 10 years on average in Narrabri, with the longest period between floods in recorded history being 14 years (twice). The most recent floods were in 1998 and 2000. The 1955 flood was the largest in living memory, followed by the 1971 flood. However, the floods of 1910 and 1864 are reputed to have been larger, and the 1841 flood perhaps the granddaddy of them all.

…Fire has shaped Narrabri throughout its history. Apart from the destruction of residences, major fires included:

1897 – Block gutted from Club House Hotel to ANZ bank

1906 – 17 buildings in Maitland Street destroyed

1911 – 12 business houses in Narrabri West

1912 – Several buildings at southern end of Maitland St

1917 – Maitland Street from Post Office to Westpac

1924 – Foxes, now Narrabri Arcade

1942 – Foxes, now Narrabri Arcade

1972 – Sheds and 7600 bales of cotton, Narrabri West

1994 – Narrabri Arcade gutted (again).

…Narrabri was judged Australia’s most sporting district, in a competition run by television’s Channel 9 in 2001. At least 110 Australian representatives were either born in Narrabri Shire or started their sporting career here, including Chris Latham, Michael Brial, Scott Gourley (Rugby), Steve Elkington (golf), Jason Stoltenberg (tennis), and Don Bradman (just kidding).

Page 2: ~NARRABRI HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS~€¦ · 1920s and housed a machinery dealership and a motor vehicle repair business and car dealership until the early 1990s. Alongside was the

NARRABRI HISTORICAL - TOWN WALKTOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE – starting point for both the Creek Walk and Historical Walk. Walk up Lloyd Street and turn right into Maitland Street.

CENTREPOINT - This building once housed the former Namoi County Council. After amalgamation and the formation of NorthPower (now Country Energy) the building was sold and now houses several businesses.

CALEDONIAN HOTEL - The original hotel was destroyed in the fire on 20th April 1906. The owner, Mrs. Catherine Turner, carried on her business in the burnt out shell until she could rebuild.

WATSON’S KITCHEN - The last of Narrabri’s bakeries, this business has long been in the Miller family and has been renovated to include a coffee lounge upstairs (where old photos of Narrabri adorn the walls) and a self serve section in Tibbereena Street.

KROHN’S SHOE STORE – A family home was first constructed on this block in 1875 by Mr. Theodore Morath, who shortly thereafter leased all or part of the building to the ANZ Bank. The building was destroyed in the great fire of 1905 and replaced by a two story structure in 1907, built for stock and station agent Mr TA Stirton. The building also housed the Government Savings Bank and Narrabri Pastures Protection Board until bought by Mr W Krohn for a shoe store in 1912. The building was burnt down in 1923 and replaced by the current building in 1924. Krohns is the only building in Maitland Street to retain its original verandahs.

OLD WOOL STORE – The building is thought to predate 1900 and has a long history as wool and hides store. Among the many rolls of cow hides and sheep skins stacked to the ceiling in the 1940s were the crow and hawk heads and pig snouts tired on wires up to the rafters. The place had a smell of its own. The building has housed a Cafe, florist and Hairdressers.

ANZ BANK - The present offices replaced an earlier brick structure, owned by the Bank of Australasia, which was the only building in this section of Maitland Street to escape destruction in the disastrous 1897 fire.

BARRAKETS – Simon Barraket, grandfather of the present business owners, started a general business in Narrabri in 1887 but sold out and went back to Lebanon in the early 1900s. Three of his sons returned to Australia in 1927 and were hawkers throughout north-western NSW before opening the present business in Narrabri in 1933.

TELEGRAPH HOTEL - At one time Narrabri boasted over 20 hotels. Now there are only five operating in the main section of town. The Telegraph was once owned by John Cody whose granddaughter Ida Holliday was Narrabri’s oldest resident when she died in 2003 at the age of 102.

CLUB HOUSE HOTEL - Built in 1898, this building replaced the earlier one destroyed by fire in 1897. The fire started in the rear of the building and spread through Maitland Street destroying 23 businesses, only sparing Bank of Australasia (now ANZ) building.

MAX’S SPARES - Site of the first hotel in Narrabri, The Greyhound Inn. Johnny McNamara (the Made-to-Measure Suit King) operated from the old hotel lounge from 1926 and Tarngar & Son operated a grocery business from the corner premises from 1934 until 1974.

STRAND THEATRE - The original building constructed in 1915 was destroyed by fire and a ‘new’ theatre opened in 1921. After rebuilding in 1937, an outdoor theatre, The Savoy, was added on the southern side in 1938-39 for summer time use. The theatre closed in 1972.

ROADS AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITY - Originally the premises of chemist, Mr. Fuss, who, in 1870, operated from a slab walled building. Many other businesses operated out of the site until the building was damaged by fire in 1928. The premises had the first open-air tennis court equipped with lighting for night games. Dancing and skating followed along with mini golf before the premises were converted to an open-air theatre, The Roxy. The theatre, owned by Athol Gleeson, operated into the 1960’s and was demolished in 1969 to make way for the RTA which opened in 1972.

BELL & JOHNSON – Originally the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. Moved to this present site in 1884, which was the original site of Narrabri’s first blacksmith’s shop. The first building was erected in 1876 on the site opposite, where the On Lee Restaurant now stands. The National Bank combined with the Commercial Bank and operated from this building until 1993.

NAMOI HOTEL – The Phoenix Hotel was built on this site for the Arndell family in the mid-1880s and replaced in 1914 by the present hotel, built for the Lloyd family. Mary Lloyd was an early licensee. It now operates as a hotel, with motel units added in the 1970s.

LODGE NAMOI – The foundation stone was laid in 1902 after Masonic Lodge No. 207 was established in 1892.

FAULKNER’S CORDIAL FACTORY - Mr. Septimus Faulkner purchased Narrabri’s oldest cordial factory situated between Bowen and Dewhurst Street. In 1912 he moved the business to this new building, specifically constructed with the floor above the 1910 flood level. The factory ceased to operate in 1980 and now houses Campbell’s businesses.

NARRABRI SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS – were completed in 1985 to accommodate the amalgamated Namoi Shire Council and Narrabri Municipal Council. The latter amalgamated with Narrabri West Council in 1957.

OLD POLICE RESIDENCE - This gracious old structure was completed in 1880 as the Police Sergeant’s residence and later became the Lock Up Keeper’s residence. The building was restored in 1977 at a cost of $48,000

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1 - Tourist Information Centre

2 - Centrepoint

3 - Caledonian Hotel

4 - Watsons Kitchen

5 - Krohns Shoe Store

6 - Old Wool Store

7 - ANZ Bank

8 - Barrakets

9 - Telegraph Hotel

10 - Club House Hotel

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F - Fire Station

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11 - Max’s Spares

12 - Strand Theatre

13 - Road & Traffic Authority

14 - Bell & Johnson

15 - Namoi Hotel

16 - Lodge Namoi

17 - Faulkners Cordial Factory

18 - NSC Chambers

19 - Old Police Residence

20 - Court House

21 - Clerk of Petty Sessions

22 - Old Gaol

23 - Boys Club

24 - Gallipoli House

25 - RW & JA Young

26 - Courier Building

27 - Tattersalls Hotel

28 - Chans Restaurant

29 - Narrabri Arcade

30 - Commonwealth Bank

31 - Westpac Bank

32 - Finn’s Pharmacy

33 - Post Office

34 - Fire Station

35 - Town Hall Car Park

36 - War Memorial

37 - Narrabri Public School

38 - Neighbourhood Centre & Library

39 - Town Hall Garage

40 - Ambulance Station

41 - Tourist Hotel

42 - Kangaroo & Emu Shop

43 - Coles Supermarket

44 - Commercial Hotel

1 - Tourist Information Centre

2 - Centrepoint

3 - Caledonian Hotel

4 - Watsons Kitchen

5 - Krohns Shoe Store

6 - Old Wool Store

7 - ANZ Bank

8 - Barrakets

9 - Telegraph Hotel

10 - Club House Hotel

HISTORICAL WALK ROUTE COURT HOUSE – Designed in the office of Colonial Architect, James Barnet and built in 1888 to replace the original Court House which was becoming inadequate for the growing needs. At least half a dozen sheep and cattle steelers were reported dealt with each court day. Alterations in 1910 added two jury rooms and jury yards. A further room was added for the Crown Prosecutor in 1962.

CLERK OF PETTY SESSIONS - Built in 1865, to plans drawn up by Colonial Architect, James Barnet, as the original Court House. The old Court House is still in use today and is protected under a heritage listing as part of the Court House complex.

OLD GAOL – Designed and built in the 1880s by Colonial Architect, James Barnet, the old gaol housed convicted persons from September 1882 and continued until September 1982. After much debate the old gaol became a Heritage Centre. The Narrabri Historical Society now houses its collection in the old gaol section and opened Narrabri’s Museum to the public in 1988.

BOYS CLUB - Formed in 1958, the Narrabri Police-Citizens Boys club purchased the building constructed in 1936 for the M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge, a benevolent society once prominent in Narrabri. The building had numerous uses before the Boys Club took possession.

GALLIPOLI HOUSE - The Namoi Steam Flour Mill was constructed in 1881 on this site. Later it worked in conjunction with the adjacent Namoi Steam Saw Mill. It was purchased in 1899 by, A.R. Stafford who generated electricity from the mill and supplied electricity for many years to his business interests. The flour mill moved in 1912. It was once the RSL Club, hence the name ‘Gallipoli House’.

RW & JA YOUNG - Originally the site of Narrabri’s first department store erected for Adolf Goldman in 1861 and destroyed by fire 1885. From 1924 Central Motors operated from the new building. The first kerbside petrol pump in Narrabri was installed here in 1926 and was used until the early 1970’s.

COURIER BUILDING – The North Western Courier arose from the amalgamation of the Narrabri Herald (first published in 1873) and the Narrabri Age (1894). The Courier first appeared on 7th January 1913 and continues to this day under the management of the Dunnet family, who bought it in 1920 and constructed this building in 1936.

TATTERSALL’S HOTEL - Formerly Grand Central Hotel built in 1882 and rebuilt in 1913. The sills of this hotel are made from Narrabri’s W. M. Hardy’s patented ‘Terrazzo’. Another example of Terrazzo can be seen at the Old Gaol Museum.

CHAN’S RESTAURANT - The original building on this site was The Union Store, opened in 1869 and destroyed by fire in 1912. The Majestic Picture Theatre was built in 1916, then sold and removed in 1928. The site was then used to stage outdoor rodeos and circuses before the present structure was erected for the Rural Bank. The building was used as a bank from 1935 until 1998, after which it became a Chinese restaurant.

NARRABRI ARCADE - Originally the site of Barry & Stafford’s department store and later known as Foxe’s. Converted to the Narrabri Arcade in 1974, it was destroyed by fire in 1994 and rebuilt. Fire had previously destroyed buildings on this site in 1924 and 1942.

COMMONWEALTH BANK - Formerly the Government Savings Bank that operated out of Stirton’s building (now Krohn’s) for several years before moving to the present site around 1912. The building was destroyed by the fire of 1917 and re-erected. This building has been extensively modernised over the years..

WESTPAC BANK – Occupied by the former Bank of New South Wales, this building was severely damaged in the disastrous fire of 1917, which destroyed all the buildings in the block down to the Post Office. The bank was reconstructed in 1918.

FINN’S PHARMACY – Built in 1887, it now houses the Dentist’s Surgery and Barnes Jewellery Store. The building was once occupied by E. E. Ford, the chemist who produced ‘Ford’s Famous Pills’ (not to be confused with Ford Pills).

POST OFFICE - Built by contractor Mr. T Avery and opened in 1879. In 1888, four arches were added. Repairs were carried out following the cyclone in 1900, one room being added for telephone equipment. Complaints of overcrowding led to extra rooms being added in 1910. In 1916 two more arches were added and the entrance rebuilt in 1955.

FIRE STATION - The Fire Station was opened in September 1921. However, the town boasted a Fire Station Officer, Mr. J. Kneeve, from 1918 when he arrived from Sydney Headquarters with an 1888 cart-mounted ‘Tilly’ hand-operated pump, which was pulled to each fire outbreak.

TOWN HALL CAR PARK - Narrabri’s most imposing building once stood upon this site. State Governor, Sir Robert Duff, opened the Town Hall in 1893 and it stood as a mark of Narrabri’s importance until 1971 when it was demolished under controversial circumstances. The site was turned into a car park in 1980.

WAR MEMORIAL - The plaque on the rock on the corner of Doyle and Barwan streets was erected by the Narrabri Garden Club in 1988, acknowledging the unveiling in 1920 of the Anzac Parade Trees, planted in memory of our soldiers who fought in the 1914-18 War.

NARRABRI PUBLIC SCHOOL – Public education in Narrabri started on this site in 1868. The front part of the school dates back to 1884.

Now a primary school, the school originally taught students through to end of Secondary School.. The old Edgeroi Station bell is mounted near the front gate.

e site of Barry & Stafford’s

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