Time to Roam Magazine Issue 9 - June/July 2014 | Page 45

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on the roam newell highway promotion

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with wide flat roads perfect for caravans, making
it a pleasurable drive and well-appointed
tourist parks to enjoy at the end of the day.
Set your own pace between major centres and
the many small and charming country towns.
As well as being rich in history,
they’re renowned for throwing out a
big welcome mat for tourists.
www.newellhighway.org.au

Mirrool

Naranderra

Mirrool typifies the NSW Australian
community spirit you’ll encounter as
you travel the Newell. Stop at the Mirool
pub – saved by a committee of dedicated
locals a few years ago. Mirrool’s biggest
claim to fame is an annual footy kicking
comp attracting some of the AFL’s
greats, sending the Sherrin soaring
over the top of the town’s wheat silo.

The heart of the Riverina, the
Murrumbidgee town at the junction of
the Sturt Highway is a great place to
get back to nature. Walk through the
wetlands and spot a koala, the town
has one of Australia’s biggest inland
populations. Play the giant guitar at the
visitors centre, grab a steak at the New
Criterion, an Art Deco classic hotel.

VIC
Ardlethan

Grong Grong

Jerilderie

Just off the Newell, Ardlethan
is the home of the Kelpie.
We had to mention it.

Head due east along the Newell
from Narrandera and before
taking a turn to the north you’ll
stop at the uniquely named
town of Grong Grong. It’s
the midway point between
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Perfect place for a selfie!

A small town steeped in history.
Birthplace of Aussie legend Sir John
Monash and also home to the most
colourful chapters in the history of
the Kelly gang. Ned cut the towns
telegraph line, held up the police,
stole their uniforms and robbed the
bank. With police in the lock-up he
held court at the pub, also penning
the famous ‘Jerilderie letter’ pleading
for a fair go for all struggling Irish
settlers. Jerilderie is also home to one
of Australia’s great 20th century rural
engineering wonders, the steel wing
windmill. One of the giant irrigation
structures from the early 1900s has
been restored by devoted locals.

Issue 09 Jun/Jul 2014

45