Fast facts
- On the Namoi River near the junction of the Barwon River
- Prime Outback location and gateway to Lightning Ridge
- 705 km north-west of Sydney, population 2,100 people
Why go there
The fertile black soil plains of the region support farming and grazing including wool, cotton, wheat and sheep. Walgett is the gateway to the opal fields of Lightning Ridge, Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard.
History
Explorers John Oxley, Charles Sturt and Thomas Mitchell passed through the area at various times before pastoralists moved in and the town was gazetted in 1859. The late 19th century saw a boom in the wool industry and Walgett served as a port for paddle-steamers working the Murray-Darling river system.
Things to do
- Fish for Murray Cod and yellowbelly in one of the eight rivers in the area.
- Marvel at the giant grain silo, the biggest above-ground silo's in the southern hemisphere.
- Experience life at an outback station.
Events
- Walgett District Show in May.
- Walgett Rodeo Carnival in August.
- Come-By-Chance Picnic Races in October.
Don’t miss
- Narran Lake, one of the biggest inland lakes in Australia.
- Graves of the early settlers.
- Colourful outback characters with many stories to tell.
- Excursions to out of the way, but charming, towns such as Collarenebri.
- The varied flora and fauna.
