Stuart Town
Stuart Town was originally known as "Ironbarks", made famous in the Banjo Patterson poem The Man from Ironbark. With the event of the railway coming through in 1889 the name was changed to Stuart Town, named after the then NSW state Premier Sir Alex Stuart.
Agriculture pursuits are mainly sheep and wool while the area has a reputation for its perfect peaches along with other stone fruit varieties. Before the decline of small townships in the late 1940's there were five general stores which offered delivery and generous credit in hard times, two hotels, one barber shop, two bakeries, two butchers, two boot makers, a blacksmith, a wheelwright and garage.
Mail is delivered from Wellington and the post office after 100 years in its former location, is now situated in the Old Railway Hotel. Moxon Park in Molong Street is on the site of some very old brick buildings owned by the Moxon family. Bricks from these houses are used in paths around the Park.
The School of Arts Hall was built in 1934 (RTC has been built onto the side of this hall) The Old Railway Hotel has been restored by a local Committee and is now in its original state. As in most small communities most things are done on a voluntary basis and the Stuart Town community is now only 300 strong but is made up of the most caring, kind hospitable people you will meet.
Stuart Town's hospitality is well known and they are very proud of it. Two of Stuart Town's greatest achievement are two books written and published by eight local ladies, firstly "Whispers of Ironbark" and secondly "Branches of Ironbark".
Things To Do in Stuart Town
Gold Panning
A visitor to Stuart Town would have no trouble asking "where is the best place to wash a pan?". Many of the old mines can be found by taking a pleasant walk on Stuart Towns common, but extreme caution should be taken when approaching old mine shafts. The common, which covers an area of approx. 1000 acres, is easily approached by crossing the railway line from town.
Most creeks on the common could reward gold panners with a few 'colours'. Beside the Mookerawa Road which winds its way through the old diggings to the Mookerawa waters park there is a replica of an old miners log hut near the Mookerawa Creek. Nearby are the remains of an old oven.
Mookerawa Waters Park
Located only a short drive from Stuart Town there are excellent opportunities for water sports and activities. Mookereawa is located on the foreshores of Lake Burrendong and is one of the state's largest and most magnificent waterways enjoyed by water enthusiasts and anglers.
The park features include boat ramps for water sports activities such as boating, skiing, fishing & swimming. There are clean amenities, free gas BBQs, well stocked kiosk and some excellent caravan and camping sites.
Stuart Town Rural Transaction Centre (RTC)
The RTC was opened in 2003 after much dedication from the local community. Located next door to the community store the RTC has internet, photocopying, fax & basic secretariat facilities.
Open Air Museum
Come and see a slice of the past in Stuart Towns unique Open Air Museum.
Local Artists
John Winch is a well-known painter, printmaker, sculptor and ceramicist who has exhibited in both the National Gallery, Canberra, the Art Gallery of NSW as well as numerous overseas locations. His books 'The Old Man Who Loved to Sing' and 'The Old Woman Who Loved to Read' were inspired by country life in Stuart Town.
Heritage Walks
Take in a walking tour around the streets of Stuart Town, exploring the rich history and heritage of the town. Buildings of significance include Boehme's Hall, Yee Lee Store, Railway Hotel, Railway Gatekeepers Cottage & the local cemetery.
Boehme's Hall was built in 1850 by local businessman Henry Boehme and was used to host dances as well as the local picture theatre. It also spent some part of its life manufacturing cordials, extracting teeth and setting broken bones.
The old Yee Lee stores is very unique building located in Alexander Street.
The Railway Hotel has been restored by a local Committee and is now in its original state and is home to the local Post Office.
Situated on the west end of the village, the local Cemetery (originally known as Omigal Cemetery) is home to many old graves and monuments from early settlers who were buried there, making a worthwhile visit for those looking for a branch of the family tree.