Gooloogong  New South Wales

Set on the Lachlan Highway, the Lachlan River town of Gooloogong might be small, but it is worth more than a comfort stop.

Its history dates back to the 1820s when Dr William Redfern, personal physician to Governor Lachlan Macquarie, established the Gool-a-gong cattle station in the district. A showroom in the Log Cabin Hall uniquely traces that heritage through original rural clothing designs crafted by local women.

The state school has been teaching the three R’s since 1869 and St Malachy’s Catholic Church was built from local stone in 1880. Allow time, too, to make the 5km drive out of town to Croote Cottage, a simple clay home built by convicts in 1827 and recently restored with authentic, period furniture.

John Dowd and his wife took possession of the cottage in 1837 and descendants still own the property. Inspections of the home are only by appointment.

Gooloogong is about 35km from Cowra and about 60km from Forbes.