Condobolin

Condobolin is the largest centre in the Lachlan Shire. Known affectionately as ﾓCondoﾔ it lies on the banks of the Lachlan River, an hour from Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong and Lake Cargelligo. Home to around 3,500 people, Condobolin is serviced by well maintained roads which have the added benefit of being free of heavy traffic. Gum Bend Lake, a man made lake three kilometres west of town, is a haven for water skiers, fishermen, bird watchers and campers. Facilities include picnic tables and a toilet and shower block. Its peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place to relax and let the world go by. Mt Tilga, eight kilometres north of Condobolin on the Cobar Road, offers breathtaking 360 degree views and uninterrupted sunrises and sunsets. You can drive almost to the top or try various length bushwalks. A little easier to get to the top of is Reservoir Hill Lookout with views over the town. The Heart of New South Wales Visitor Information and Aboriginal Cultural Centre in William Street have a variety of Indigenous art and craft on display for viewing or purchase. They also have plenty of information on Condobolin and the surrounding area including maps, drives and brochures. Between Condobolin and Euabalong you will find memorials to Explorer John Oxley and the grave of an important Aboriginal Chief who died crossing the river at Goobothery. The original two burial poles are now in the Museum of Australia. The Condobolin Community Centre displays photos and other documents depicting the history and heritage of the area. Upstairs a room has been furnished as a bedroom of bygone years and downstairs local arts and crafts and a magnificent doll collection are also on display. The Lachlander Newspaper was putting their newspaper out on the last operational hot metal printing press in Australia up until January 2004. All of the equipment, which was previously used, has been kept complete and is available for inspection at the Lachlander Museum. The Museum houses working order equipment and machinery, used in the old 'hot metal' method in compiling and printing newspapers. The machinery includes three presses and two intertype machines.