Wombat, New South Wales

Wombat is a town in South West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the Olympic Highway, 15km south-west of the regional centre of Young. It is in the local government area of Hilltops Council. Wombat has a population of approx 180.HistoryThe area was occupied by the indigenous Wiradjuri people for thousand of years. 1860 - Gold discovered at nearby Young. 20,000 miners converge on surrounding areas. Wombat Post Office opened on 16 July 1862. 1865 - The village of Wombat was established. Many Chinese miners moved to the area taking plots of land. 1867 - Wombat Public School was founded in a bark hut 1873 - foundation stone of St Matthews Church of England laid 1875 - Roman Catholic Church built 1877 - Wombat Hotel began trading 1880 - Carlo Lazzarini, (1880-1952), NSW politician and trade unionist was born in Wombat. 1895 - Mechanics Institute opened 1903 - Wombat Hotel's current building constructed 1909 - Roman Catholic convent opened 1923 - Wombat Soldiers' Memorial hall officially opened 1924 - the old hall was destroyed by fire 1950s & 1960s - The Olympic Way highway was built throughAttractions "The Wombat Hotel", which has had a continuous liquor licence since 1877, making it the longest in New South Wales. "Allambie Orchard", A cherry orchard that allows people to pick their own fruit in season "Wombat Heights", a farm on a hill which produces jam, fruit wine and liqueurs from traditional recipes. Visitors are invited to do-it-themselves. "Wilkies Cottage Restaurant/Café". "The Old Convent Geranium Nursery", Hope St, offers many colours & varieties of miniatures of variegated, climbing and scented Pelargonium geraniums. The highway into Wombat is graced with a statue of a wombat, made of local material, which was unveiled in 2002.