The bridge across the Murrumbidgee River near Carrathool

Carrathool
Tiny village near the Murrumbidgee River
Located 683 km west of Sydney via the Hume and Sturt Highways Carrathool claims to have a population of 99. This isolated little village is situated on the flat Riverina plain a few kilometres from an attractive stretch of the Murrimbidgee River. Once a bustling river port which served a vast district that extended as far as Cobar, Carrathool appears to have run its course today.

Charles Sturt was probably the first European to pass through the area with his horses and bullock drays during an exploration of the inland river system in 1829. He noted the pine ridges which still exist.

The start of the river steamer service in 1858, a crossing of the river at Boree Point, where the village would later develop, and the Robertson Land Act of 1861 which opened the land up to selectors, created the conditions for growth.

Carrathool began its life as a way station serving those en route between Narrandera and Hay. Town plots went on sale in 1865 and the first hotel was opened on the south side of the river in 1868. The railway arrived on the northern side of the river in 1882 and Carrathool West came into being, which is the site of the present township. Between the trains and the steamers Carrathool became a bustling port and rail-head serving Hillston, Cobar, the copper mine at Mt Hope, and the sheep, timber, wool, cattle and wheat producers of the surrounding area. As with all country towns the first buildings included a hotel and a church, as well as a post office and a school. St David's Presbyterian Church (1884) is still standing today.

St David's Presbyterian Church

Unfortunately few others are, some being demolished recently. A bridge was built adjacent the punt in 1883, some pillars of which remain. The punt was later moved downriver and it is at that location that the current 119-metre bridge was built 1921-24. It is the last surviving example of a particular type of bascule lift span and, as such, is heritage listed.

The depression of the 1930s and the removal of the shire headquarters to Goolgowi in 1934 were a blow to the town and the development of the highway system in the postwar years further eroded its centrality as a service centre.

Things to see:  

In the Area
Pinkers Beach, 4 km south-east of town, is a popular family spot for relaxation, swimming and fishing unless the river is high. Tne locals will send you in the appropriate direction. More distant fishing, boating, picnicking and camping spots are Old Carrathool Reserve (10 km), Webb's Reserve (18 km), Wyvern Reserve (28 km) and Bringagee Reserve.

Of interest to the pastoral-minded is Carrathool Standardbred Stud which is open by appointment only (02 6993 5117).

	Hotels
	Family Hotel Wade St Carrathool NSW 2711 Telephone: (02) 6993 5117