Wentworth, New South Wales: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 34°05′S 141°54′E / 34.083°S 141.900°E / -34.083; 141.900
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[[Category:Towns in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Towns in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Australia]]
[[Category:Towns on the Murray River]]
[[Category:Towns on the Murray River]]
[[Category:Towns on the Darling River]]
[[Category:Towns on the Darling River]]
[[Category:River ports of Australia]]


[[fr:Wentworth (Australie)]]
[[fr:Wentworth (Australie)]]

Revision as of 23:43, 2 October 2008

Wentworth
New South Wales
Darling Street, Wentworth
Population1303 (2006)[1]
Postcode(s)2648
Elevation37.0 m (121 ft)
Location
LGA(s)Wentworth Shire
State electorate(s)Murray-Darling
Federal division(s)Farrer
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
24.3 °C
76 °F
10.9 °C
52 °F
286.1 mm
11.3 in

Wentworth is a small border town in the far south west of the state of New South Wales, Australia. It lies at the confluence of Australia's two most important rivers, the Darling and the Murray, the latter forming the border with the state of Victoria to the south. The border with the state of South Australia lies approximately 100 km to the west. The town of Wentworth is in the Local Government Area of the same name.

History

Named after the famous explorer and politician William Charles Wentworth, the town is 34 km to the west (via the Calder Highway) of the Victorian regional city of Mildura. The famous mining city of Broken Hill is 266 km to the north along the Silver City Highway.

During the late 1800s Wentworth was an important river port; however, like many such towns, its significance faded with the development of the railways (railroads).

The town has been flooded many times by the two rivers. The most significant was in 1956, when both rivers flooded simultaneously. Local farmers, supplemented by the army and navy, worked for months to build levee banks to hold the water out of the town.[2]

Visitor attractions

Wentworth is now an important tourist outback destination and provides a welcome break for those travelling to or from Broken Hill. In addition to its authentic outback charm, the town offers some interesting attractions:

  • P.S.Ruby - a restored 1907 side-wheel paddlesteamer
  • The annual Great Wentworth Tractor Rally
  • The Wentworth Gaol

The Great Wentworth Tractor Rally is a commemoration of the grey Fergie tractors that were used to maintain the levee banks and save the town from the 1956 Murray River flood.[2]

Wentworth was a popular destination for 'pokie tour' bus rides from Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, prior to the legalisation of poker (gambling) machines in that state [citation needed]..

Gallery

References

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Wentworth (Urban Centre/Locality)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 2008-28-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ^ a b The 1956 flood of Wentworth, Mildura Tourism Inc, Accessed September 16, 2007

External links

34°05′S 141°54′E / 34.083°S 141.900°E / -34.083; 141.900