The Zion Lutheran Church, Walla Walla

Walla Walla
Small town established by German Lutherans from South Australia.
Located 554 km south-west of Sydney via the Hume Highway the township of Walla Walla was established in 1868-69 when 56 German settlers, in search of appropriate land, travelled nearly 1000 km from Ebenezia in the Barossa Valley in 14 covered wagons and two spring carts. The journey took six weeks. Others soon followed, so much so that sections of local newspapers were being printed in German.

Explorers Hume and Hovell were probably the first Europeans to set foot in the general area when they explored the area to Port Phillip. In their report they noted the extensive grass cover and the potential for grazing. The first squatters arrived in 1834. By 1845 four stations, including Round Hill and Walla Walla, had been gazetted.

Bushranger 'Mad Dog' Morgan visited the Stitt Brothers at the Walla Walla station in November 1864. There he spoke to the servants and station hands, inquiring after their treatment and telling them to let him know if they were ill-used. Whether this was genuine sympathy, an attempt to earn favour, support, concealment and aid from the disadvantaged, or imitation of the actions of other contemporary bushrangers, or a combination of all, is unsure.

Walla Walla station is now known as Walla Park and is near Billabong Creek about 6 km north of Walla Walla. The homestead became a store for many years after a new homestead was built.

Things to see:  

Churches
The original granite church (1872) is still standing adjacent the Zion Lutheran Church, built in 1924. Reputedly the largest Lutheran Church in NSW the latter can seat 600 people and is open daily for visitors. A mud school dating back to 1875 is also extant.

Morgan's Lookout
Opposite Walla Park is a rocky outcrop known as Morgan's Lookout. In what is otherwise very flat country Morgan is alleged to have used this granite rock formation as a vantage point to watch for approaching victims and police. There are metal steps on the rocks and the view is well worthwhile. It was also used as a lookout for fires last century, a concern apparently exacerbated by fear of arson arising out of the disputes of graziers and shearers.

	Hotels
	Walla Walla Hotel/Motel 81 Commercial St Walla Walla NSW 2659 Telephone: (02) 6029 2309
	Restaurants
	Walla Walla Bowling Club Scholz St Walla Walla NSW 2659 Telephone: (02) 6029 2146