West Wyalong

Explore gold rush heritage, take a dip in a mineral pool, follow walking and cycling trails, discover local art legends and have a drink in a country pub in the West Wyalong region of the beautiful Riverina. This picturesque town is at the crossroads of the Newell and Mid Western highways.

History & art

The Main Street in West Wyalong is nicknamed the Crooked Mile as it was built around gold diggings and tree stumps. The street was famously sketched by Russell Drysdale in 1949 during a visit with a friend and a bronze sculpture of an easel now stands tall at the spot on the corner of the Tatts Hotel. 

Gold was discovered here in 1893. Follow the self-guided West Wyalong Heritage Walk through the historic streets, where the buildings are a mixture of late 18th and early 20th century featuring vintage shop facades and wrought iron verandahs. Pick up a brochure at from the West Wyalong Visitor Information Centre.

Discover more gold mining heritage in the Wyalong Museum, located in the old courthouse and open daily between 2pm and 5pm. At Cooinda Park, a popular picnic spot, you can see the 25-metre True Blue Mining Poppet Head, a replica of the structure above a mine shaft.

Browse antique shops and art galleries in both West Wyalong and Wyalong. You can see the work of local artists at Exclusive Hot Glass Gallery and Splatter Gallery. Follow the Bland Shire Art Trail to villages like Tallimba, Ungarie, Weethalle, Mirrool and Barmedman, to discover murals, silo art, sculptures and carvings.

Festivals & events

 The district has a strong agricultural heritage and grows most of NSW’s cereal crops. Experience classic country events like the West Wyalong Rodeo in March, the Mirrool Silo Kick in October, Barmedman Tractor Pull also in October and the Business West Wyalong Christmas Markets in December. 

Getting there

West Wyalong is just over five hours’ drive from Sydney, around six hours from Melbourne and 3hr 20min from Canberra. You can also fly into Wagga Wagga or Griffith, which are both less than two hours’ drive. Places to stay in the area range from caravan and camping sites to cottages, hotels and motels.