Murrumbidgee: Coleambally, Darlington Point, Jerilderie and surrounds

Jerilderie

The Kidman Way begins here – popular with travellers on their way to the outback – and it’s also on the Newell, the main inland route linking Melbourne to Brisbane. You’ll step right in to Jerilderie’s country charm and hospitality on the banks of Billabong Creek. Walk the same streets Ned Kelly’s gang once did as you soak up the history of this township established in 1859.

Coleambally

Whether you’re just passing through along the Kidman Way or keen to stick around a little while, take a moment to pause and refresh in Coleambally. You’re bound to get a warm welcome from the locals and will soon pick up on the strong sense of community and pride about the place.

Darlington Point

Pop in for a day trip or bring the RV and set up camp as there’s plenty to do in Darlington Point. Head to ‘The Point’ (as it’s affectionately known by the locals) for fishing, boating and camping with friends or simply revel in the country hospitality on offer in the town. For a walk on the wild side, make tracks for nearby Altina Wildlife Park and see the animals up close on a personalised zoo tour.

Coleambally

This planned community is a relatively recent addition to the map, established in 1968 to service the Coleambally Irrigation Area. Nearby are fields of rice, wheat, maize and sorghum. And if you visit in autumn or early winter, you’ll see acres of fluffy white cotton dotting the horizon.

The Brolga sculpture welcomes you to town, and you’ll find other animal sculptures sprinkled around too. Feel at one with the outdoors as you spot rare and wonderful birds along local walking trails, without venturing far from town.

Like water tower art? The Coleambally Water Tower has a unique mosaic celebrating the town at its base. Oh, and the debate over whether the tower’s shape is a wine glass or a schooner is ongoing, so feel free to join in.

With free camping, a caravan park and two motels in town, there’s no reason not to spend the night.

It all started with the river

Wander through the Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Water Wheel display and discover more about irrigation farming through pieces that used to be part of the system like drop boards, a propeller metre and a Dethridge wheel. Just across the road in John McInnes Square, learn about the town’s pioneers who gambled on a new future with a ballot to draw their farm plot and their fate. At the edge of town, you’ll find the amazing Bucyrus Eerie Excavator, imported from America to dig the local irrigation channels and still in working order.

Taste the region

At Yarrow Park enjoy tastings of their extra virgin olive oil, table olives and wine at the cellar door. Book ahead to reserve your spot. For an essential coffee hit, head to the Coffee Nest in town or if you’re searching for a café with a paddock-to-plate experience head to the Muddy Duck. While you’re in Brolga Place, why not do a spot of shopping? Stop by Kerry Weymouth Art Studio and Gallery to enjoy local art.

Stay a While

Whether you’re driving an RV, towing a van, pitching a tent or prefer the comfort of four walls and a cosy bed, there are plenty of places to stay in Jerilderie. Make the most of free camping along the creek.

Find Art in Unexpected Places

Not all murals around here are on water towers. The Wedge-Tail Eagle Mural in Jerilderie features the line of the Billabong Creek along its wings and can be found on the side of the Jerilderie Bakery (pop in for a pie while you’re here).

You’ll find more to admire at the Jerilderie Swimming Pool where the mural features local flowers. Then continue on your way and see Yo-thun-ing-yuna Ngarratya gracing the walls of the local Council Chambers. The name means ‘coming together’ and was created to welcome visitors for the 2000 Olympic Games by four Barundji/Barkindji artists. During the games, it hung in Parliament House.

More traditional gallery displays are found at The Willows. This space regularly hosts exhibitions, so be sure to check what’s on when you visit.

What’s on

Don’t miss our region’s unique festivals, markets and shows

Taste Coleambally Food and Farm Festival

Celebrating the region’s produce, Taste Coleambally is a biennial event and one you’ll want to mark on the calendar. It showcases how local farmers grow food sustainably and how the crops are transformed into everyday items you buy at the supermarket. Eventgoers can feast on degustation meals, head out on farm tours, and witness cooking demonstrations and heritage displays.

Riverina Classic Catch & Release Fishing Competition

Across a three-day weekend event, anglers can make the most of more than 30 kilometres of the Murrumbidgee River centred on the boat ramp at Darlington Point. The Riverina Classic Catch & Release Fishing Competition is held in February each year with proceeds to local charities and the restocking of native fingerlings in the river.

Jerilderie Gold Cup Races

A day of country racing at its finest with a six-race program including the famous Jerilderie Gold Cup. Highlights of the day will include metropolitan and local bookmakers, bar and catering facilities and free children's entertainment.