THE KURRAJONG MEMORIAL
The Kurrajong Memorial is a memorial to the men of Inverell and surrounds known as ‘ The Kurrajongs ’, who were the largest single contingent of men ever to leave a country town to enlist .
In January 1916 , a group of 114 men left Inverell to fight in WWI . They were given the name ‘ The Kurrajongs ’ from the name of the hardy evergreen Australian tree .
Travelling by train and visiting the neigbouring towns of Warialda and Moree , their numbers swelled to 150 by the time they reached the Narrabri Army Depot Camp .
Most of the men subsequently enlisted in the 33rd Battalion AIF being raised at Armidale , NSW , at the time .
WHERE TO FOSSICK Seven Oaks Fossicking , sapphires
Head north-east on Kings Plain Rd for around 20km until you come to the signposted site . Guided fossicking and equipment hire available .
Billabong Blue Fossicking Park , sapphires
As above , except drive a little further along Kings Plain Rd until you come to the signposted site . Guided fossicking and equipment hire available .
Stannifer Crystal Area , jellybean crystals , citrine and quartz
From Inverell , head south on Tingha Rd for 10km until you come to Gilgai . Continue another 15km and turn left onto Old Mill Rd then drive for 8km . The fossicking area is either side of the road within a 200m radius of the stream .
Staggy Creek , diamonds , topaz , quartz and black tourmaline
Head west on the Gwydir Hwy and turn left at Copeton Dam Rd . Continue for 23km and turn right where signposted .
fast facts
Did you know ?
In its heyday , this region supplied around 80 per cent of the world ’ s sapphires
• What You Might Find : Topaz , quartz , diamonds , petrified wood , rhodonite , tourmaline , sapphires , diamonds , tin , grass stone and jellybeans
• Equipment Needed : Gold pans , fine sieves , pick and hammer , shovel
17