Murrumbateman Primary School

Murrumbateman
Tiny historic goldmining town near Canberra
Murrumbateman is 296 km south-west of Sydney on the Yass Plains. It is located 17 km south of Yass and 39 km north of Canberra on the Barton Highway. Murrumbateman is the service centre to a rural district which has developed a large number of cold climate wineries and vineyards in recent years.

Prior to European occupation there was a large Aboriginal population in the area, mostly Ngunnawal people. In 1821 the exploratory party of Hamilton Hume became the first known group of Europeans on the Yass Plains. Hume returned with William Hovell in 1824 during their ground-breaking expedition to Port Phillip Bay (i.e., Melbourne). Settlers followed them, bringing flocks of sheep which represented the start of the local wool industry. A bush track joined the Goulburn and Yass Plains by 1825.

One of the major figures in Australia's wool industry, Sir Water Merriman, was born in the area and educated at Murrumbateman Public School. He established a new standard of excellence for super-fine wool at his property 'Merryville'. It is exemplary of his achievements in this field that he won every major award in his field at the Sydney Sheep Show in 1953.

The Murrumbateman Field Days attract about 20 000 people each year in mid-October.

Things to see:  

The tiny community church in Murrumbateman

Tourist Information and Sundry Details
The nearest information centre is at Yass, tel: (02) 6226 2557. One of the town's most historic buildings is the old schoolhouse (1872) which has remained largely unaltered. Jones Park provides a space for picnics and relaxation in the township.

Murrumbateman Country Emporium
The emporium sells antiques, country-style homewares and giftwares from within a relocated timber building (1877) in Rose St (turn off the Barton Highway at the hotel and take the first left). It is open weekends and public holidays other times by appointment, tel: (02) 6227 5549.

Helm's Wines
Helm's Wines is located east of town in Butts Rd (via Yass River Rd). It is open Thursday to Monday and has a picnic area, tel: (02) 6227 5953.

Murrumbateman Winery
Murrumbateman Winery is located on the Barton Highway at the southern outskirts of Murrumbateman. It has a cellar door, a restaurant (for functions only), and picnic-barbecue facilities. The complex is open from Sunday to Thursday, tel: (02) 6227 5584.

Doonkuna Estate
Doonkuna Estate, established in 1973, is virtually opposite Murrumbateman Winery on the Barton Highway. It is open from Thursday to Monday, tel: (02) 6227 5085.

Clonakilla Wines
Clonakilla Wines, established in 1971, is located in Crisps Lane which heads south off Murrumbateman Rd to the south-east of town. It was the first modern winery in the area and it is open daily, tel: (02) 6227 5877.

Yass Valley Wines
Yass Valley Wines is also located in Crisps Lane. It is open on weekends and public holidays and has barbecue-picnic facilities, tel: (02) 6227 5592.

Jeir Creek Wines
Jeir Creek Wines is open Friday to Sunday and public holidays. Turn off the highway 6 km south of Murrumbateman into Gooda Creek Rd, tel: (02) 6227 5999.

Brindabella Hills and Pankhurst Wines
Brindabella Hills Winery and Pankhurst Wines are both located in Woodgrove Close, via Wallaroo Rd which heads north-west off the highway near Hall, 23 km south of Murrumbateman. Brindabella Hills is open weekends and public holidays or by appointment, tel: (02) 6230 2583. Pankhurst is only open by appointment, tel: (02) 6230 2592.

Wine and Roses
Every year on the October long weekend visitors can join the winery walkabout. The local wineries add entertainment, activities and culinary delights to their usual tastings. For more information ring the information centre in Yass.

Paragliding
The Australian Paragliding Centre offers tandem flights and gift vouchers. It also specialises in courses for complete beginners with 2 day introductory courses. It operates all year / 7 days. Contact: 02 6226 8400.

	Motels
	Murrumbateman Country Inn Barton Highway Murrumbateman NSW 2582 Telephone: (02) 6227 5802 Facsimile: (02) 6227 5973 Rating: **1/2
	Restaurants
	Barrique Cafe/Restaurant Barton Highway Murrumbateman NSW 2582 Telephone: (02) 6227 5600
	Murrumbateman Country Inn Barton Highway Murrumbateman NSW 2582 Telephone: (02) 6227 5802 Facsimile: (02) 6227 5973
	Cafés
	Barrique Cafe/Restaurant Barton Highway Murrumbateman NSW 2582 Telephone: (02) 6227 5600