crookwell

Business Directory and Tourist Guide

welcome to the upper lachan shire

Welcome to a Shire of breathtaking beauty, robust seasons, outlandish bushranger history and unique rural charm. Although Upper Lachlan is just two hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Canberra, it has the feel of a secluded rural hideaway. Riding high on the top of the Great Dividing Range, the Shire experiences the seasons in all their glory. Autumn blazes with fiery oranges, brilliant golden yellows and deep ruby reds. Falling leaves shower the roads and countryside with their fading glory.

Winter introduces you to rolling hills blanketed in white powdery snow and the perfect excuse to snuggle
up next to a roaring log fire. Spring heralds the arrival of warmer times with masses of exquisite blossoms, bulbs and flowers of every description. Gentle summers allow you to escape the harsh heat and humidity
of coastal regions.

The Scenic & Historic Drives Information Sheets, available from the Visitor Information Centre, will take
you on a journey of discovery into the heart and essence of the Upper Lachlan district. Soak up the atmosphere as you discover these leisurely drives. Stroll hand in hand through award-winning gardens
or browse through a diverse range of regional retailers.

If you want a little more outdoor action, bring your best walking shoes and trek through the stunning high country. Take your camera to capture some of Australia’s shyer wildlife, tackle a trout in its own backyard
or try your hand at fossicking. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Abercrombie and Wombeyan Caves for fascinating walks through underground caverns with remarkable formations. If water sports are your thing, head out to Grabine State Park to water ski, sail, swim or fish in the sparkling waters of Wyangala Dam.

Close to major centres but secluded from the hustle and bustle of big city life, the Upper Lachlan district
is the perfect place to renew, refresh and revitalise your body and soul. Looking for a romantic getaway?
Book into a self contained cottage or snuggle up to a roaring fire in a comfortable country retreat.

Anyone interested in Australia’s infamous and sometimes eccentric bushranger and pioneering history will have a grand time in the Upper Lachlan district. Discover gems of history in every nook and cranny of this region. Explore buildings dating back to the mid 1880s, visit the information centres, learn of heroic acts of bravery and dastardly deeds of crime. Tuck into a counter meal at a pub and ask the locals about stories that didn’t make it into the history books. With something for all ages, the whole family will enjoy the attractions of Upper Lachlan.

There’s a lot to do, there’s a lot not to do!


CROOKWELL

he first white settlers began trickling into the region in the 1820’s and in 1860 the town of Crookwell was officially named. Today, a series of historical walks will immerse you in the town’s proud and turbulent history. Wander down the tree-lined streets and past majestic buildings that have seen their fair share of good and bad times.

Drop into the Visitor Information Centre for maps of the historical walks. The Centre also has a remarkable variety of local goods, art and craft on display and for sale.
Choose from a selection of lavender creams and oils, pickles, jams and beautifully soft clothes made from alpaca fibre.

When the region was first settled, wheat, potatoes, sheep and cattle were the main produce of the Shire. Today, Crookwell is home to more unusual industries. The first fully commercial grid-connected wind farm in Australia was erected in Crookwell in 1999 and generates enough power for 3,500 homes. The massive 36-tonne steel towers are 45 metres high and have a blade diameter of 44 metres.

Socks, in every colour of the rainbow, are another surprising product of Crookwell. How often do you get to buy a souvenir that keeps your toes toasty? Enjoy Christmas all year round at a shop dedicated to this festive time of year. Enter a magical wonderland that features Christmas items from all over the world! Wander through a nursery that specialises in cold climate plants or choose your own fruit (in season) at the orchard that welcome visitors all year.

The Crookwell and District Fishing Club hatches and releases approximately 150,000 rainbow and brown trout into streams and public dams each year so your chances of landing ‘the big one’ are pretty good. Other fish caught throughout the Shire include bream, catfish, cod and yellow belly. Popular fishing spots throughout the district include: Crookwell Water Supply Dam, (Iron Mine Road, off Redground Road), Pejar Dam, Wyangala Dam, Reedy Creek, Laggan and Golspie, Phils River, Bolong River, Lachlan River and Abercrombie River.

Grabine is best known for its Lakeside State Park, on the shores of Wyangala Dam. The dam is ideal for all sorts of water sports and the roped off area with pontoon is great for children and children at heart. A nearby playground, plenty of barbecues, picnic shelters, free tennis and golf, plus good facilities make this a wonderful recreational playground. The camping ground also has vans and self-contained cabins and the well stocked kiosk means there is no need to hop in the car during your stay. When the lake is at full capacity, it is 2.5 times the size of Sydney Harbour.



For more information about any of these interesting, fun, free activities and other great things
to see and do in the Upper Lachlan Shire contact the friendly team at the
Crookwell Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4832 1988.

E: info@visitupperlachlan.com.au www.visitupperlachlan.com.au/index.html

Crookwell Visitor Information Centre

36 Goulburn Street
Crookwell NSW 2583