Gilgandra: History, Culture and Nature

Gilgandra can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: agricultural history, the story of the Coo-ee March, a walking trail, and green spaces with a range of facilities. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether you would rather focus on historical sites, nature or leisure activities. The following destinations offer specific starting points for each.

Agriculture and local history

The Gilgandra Museum houses an extensive and varied collection of agricultural equipment and machinery. One specific technological development adds to this broad collection: the Howard Rotary Hoe was invented in Gilgandra in 1920. This places a varied collection of agricultural technology alongside a specific piece of equipment with a definite year of invention. Together, they offer two different perspectives on local agricultural history: a broad overview of equipment and machinery, and a single, dated invention.

The Coo-ee March and its history

The Coo-ee March Gallery tells the story of the original Coo-ee March: in 1915, 35 men marched from Gilgandra to Sydney to encourage enlistment for service in the First World War. The Union Jack flag carried by the marchers is on display there as an artefact of national significance. The route, number of participants and destination provide clear reference points for the historical story; the flag adds a specific object to the account.

The Coo-ee Heritage Centre offers insights into local art, history, produce and culture, with a broader cultural focus. Hitchen House is also part of the story of the march: it was there that the Hitchen brothers decided to begin the 1915 Coo-ee March from Gilgandra to Sydney. So, alongside the account of the march, you can visit the place where the decision to set it in motion was made.

Windmill Walk: walking trail and artworks

The Windmill Walk is an easy, two-kilometre walking trail between the Gilgandra CBD on Miller Street and the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct. Its stated length and named endpoints can help you plan the walk as a separate activity. Restored windmills along the trail feature artworks created by local disability services. The windmills add an artistic touch along the route and provide another specific theme beyond its endpoints.

Green spaces with different features

Hunter Park has modern play equipment, a skate park, public barbecue facilities and access to the Gilgandra Swimming Pool. The Flora Reserve covers more than eight hectares of native bushland, with rare and endangered plants. Facilities for visitors include barbecue areas, picnic tables, shelters, toilets and water. If you are choosing between the two green spaces, their main difference is their stated focus: play and skating facilities, as well as pool access, at Hunter Park; and bushland and picnic facilities at the Flora Reserve. Check the information about facilities at the Flora Reserve before your visit.

Find hotels in Gilgandra

If you are looking for a hotel in Gilgandra, first consider which of the town’s features described here matter to your trip. To choose a specific place to stay, compare the information for each hotel offer, including rooms, amenities, prices and booking conditions for your travel dates. This lets you choose your destination based on your interests and assess accommodation using the details actually offered.

For the broader travel overview: Gilgandra Shire Council.