The newest town in New South Wales
Coleambally may well be the friendliest town in Australia. Certainly there are few towns that can match its deeply supportive community. Is this because it is the newest town in New South Wales? It was officially opened in 1968 and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in June, 2018. Or is it because, with a population of only 600 people, everyone knows that the town will succeed if they all work together? It is the administrative, commercial and social centre of the Coleambally Irrigation Area, an area which began to be developed in the 1950s and which covers 87,600 ha. with rice being the principal crop though wheat, barley, corn, canola, soybeans, olives and almonds are also grown.
Location
Coleambally is located 65 km south of Griffith and 638 km south-west of Sydney via the Hume and Sturt Highways and the Kidman Way.
^ TOPOrigin of Name
It is believed that the word "coleambally" is a Wiradjuri word referring to the speed of the spine-tailed swift, a bird known to hunt for insects in the local area.
^ TOPThings to See and Do
Bucyrus Class 3 Dragline
It is impossible to miss. As you enter Coleambally you pass the Lions Park and the huge Bucyrus Class 3 Dragline which is one of four machines that were imported from the USA in 1935 and used to excavate the main channels in the Murray Valley and the Coleambally Irrigation area. The huge machine was "walked" to Coleambally from Deliniquin following completion of the Mulawa canal. It started digging channels in the Coleambally district in 1958. In 1978 the machine was driven to its present site where it is a reminder of the scale of work involved in establishing the Coleambally Irrigation Area. It is still in working condition. The sign beside the vehicle offers the following specifications: Weight: 130 tonnes; Speed: 3 km/hr; Bucket Size: 4 cubic metres.
Wineglass Water Tower
Not only does the local water tower have the unique "wine glass" shape but it is decorated with a mosaic which has approximately 80,000 tiles. The mosaic depicts the history of the town and district.
Other Attractions in the Area
Forest Walks
The town is located in a pine forest and there are a number of walking tracks through the pines, acacias, gum trees and saltbush. Over 80 different bird species have been sighted in the area. It is possible to see the rare Superb Parrot and Brolgas are drawn to the area during the rice season.
History
* Prior to European occupation the area was home to the Wiradjuri people for over 20,000 years.
* Work on the Coleambally Main Canal began in 1958.
* Between 1960 and 1969 a total of 308 farms and 22 horticultural farms were allocated in the district.
* Planning for the town began in 1964.
* The town was officially opened on 27 June, 1968 with all streets being named after local birds. This year also saw the construction of the town's unique wine glass water tower.
* On 23 May, 1969 the local rice mill was opened.
* The local post office opened in 1970.
* In 2008 the Coleambally Irrigation Area offered all the land around Coleambally for sale for $3.5 billion.
^ TOPVisitor Information
The Coleambally Visitor Centre is located in the Shire Office near John McInnes Square, tel: 1300 676 243.
^ TOPAccommodation
Coleambally Caravan Park, Kingfisher Avenue, Coleambally, tel: (02) 6954 4100.
Coleambally Motel and Restaurant, Kingfisher Avenue, Coleambally, tel: (02) 6954 4233.
The Brolga Hotel, tel: (02) 6954 4009
Eating
The BP Coly Roadhouse, tel: (02) 6954 4010
Elouera TT’s Cafe Coleambally, tel: (02) 6942 2064
The Brolga Hotel, tel: (02) 6954 4009
Post Office Cafe, tel: (02) 6954 4112
Useful Websites
The Murrumbidgee Council website is useful. Check https://www.murrumbidgee.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-AFE-38-22-04
^ TOP
coly has kfc
No franchise fast foods. Local cafes and a Roadhouse/servo (fuel station, toilets, shower, meals)
Say something about the shops.
Information about the 50th Anniversary in 2018
Hi Rosemary, Information on the 50th Birthday of Coleambally is on our Facebook Page: @coleamballys50th (https://www.facebook.com/coleamballys50th/) until we have a website set up. Message the facebook page for more information. Thank you, and hope to see you there!
Who designed and who put the mosaic on the wine-glass water tower?
What events are planned to mark the town’s 50th anniversary, and when will they be held?
Hi Bruce, Information on the 50th Birthday of Coleambally is on our Facebook Page: @coleamballys50th (https://www.facebook.com/coleamballys50th/) until we have a website set up. Message the facebook page for more information. Thank you, and hope to see you there!
Hi Guys, I have noticed there are a few people looking for information on the 50th Birthday of Coleambally. The committee is working super hard for a huge event, and all of the information is on our Facebook Page: @coleamballys50th (https://www.facebook.com/coleamballys50th/) until we have a website set up. Message the facebook page for more information. Thank you, and hope to see you there!
Was Coleambally named after a farm in the area priorto WW2?
Yes I believe so, I lived there as a young boy from June 1958 until December 1958. If I recall correctly at that time Coleambally was about 125,000 acres in size, don’t quote this as fact though!!
You forgot about the mini super market. they have all nice fresh bread and milk delivered there every day.
The Coffee Nest is the only cafe we could find and it does nice ready made focaccias. sandwiches and cooked breaky. Friendly local staff.