If you want to take a break from a busy life in the city, a getaway in the scenic and historic town of Gundagai, in New South Wales, Australia, may be just what you need. An iconic place in the whole of the country, the former home to European settlers is packed with sights to see and adventures for the weary traveler as small as it may be.
Tucked between Mt. Parnassus and the Murrumbidgee River, Gundagai is referred to in a number of poems, songs, and other literary works. One interesting fact about the town is that it is believed to have been a major point of rendezvous for bush travelers, teamsters, shearers, swagmen, and drovers in the 19th century.
With a population of only around 2,000, Gundagai is home to several heritage sites that include the Gundagai rail bridge over the Murrumbidgee River, the Gundagai Courthouse, the Old Gundagai Town Site, the Prince Alfred Bridge, and the Murrumbridgee River Underbridge. The town also hosts exciting activities for tourists to participate in. They include the Camp Draft and horse sale in March, the Turning Wave music festival in September, and the Snake Gully Cup horse-racing carnival in November.
Things to Do
For tourists interested in old buildings and history, they could explore Sheridan Street, where some of the town’s oldest buildings can be found. Check out Sheridan Lane, Prince Alfred Bridge, and the longest timber viaduct in Australia, which was constructed in 1866. Fishing is also another of the most enjoyed activities in Gundagai. Fishes like trout, red fin, Murray cod, yellowbelly, and bream are waiting to be caught in Murrumbidgee River.
Majestic views of Mt. Parnassus surround the town and are sure to calm and rejuvenate every traveler. Galleries and craft shops are in abundance across the town as well. Guests are encouraged to pay the Gabriel Gallery and the Gundagai Museum a visit. Recreational activities can be taken upon at Mt. Selwyn snowfields, the Yarrongabilly Caves, and the Blowering Dam.
Along Hume Highway, the Niagara Café, which opened in 1939, is located. Visitors should also not miss the marble work of art by renowned mason Frank Rusconi. A miniature of the Baroque Italian palace, consisting of almost 21,000 pieces of marble, stands 1.2 meters high and took almost three decades to complete. The bronze Dog on the Tuckerbox is also the work of Rusconi’s hands.
Last but not least, enjoy baked goods at the oldest bakery in town, the Gundagai Bakery. Take a look at the glass-plate photos by Dr. Charles Gabriel, which depict life in town in the 1900s. Also, do not miss a silver-service morning tea at the Historical Museum.
Accommodations
There are several inns, motels, and bed-and-breakfast accommodation within the town premises. One of them is Sovereign Inn Gundagai. With rates starting at AUD 95 per night, the inn features well-appointed guest room and family rooms furnished with all your basic needs. Sovereign Inn Gundagai makes a good jump-off point to the town’s favorite tourist spots. For more information on Gundagai accommodation, visit www.sovereigninngundagai.com.