Evidence suggests that sheep and cattle were moving through the Liverpool Plains in the early 1820′s making it difficult to pinpoint when pastoralism really began in this area.
Most of the Brands are those not originally associated with the properties but belong to known owners. Brands were required by law after 1866 and there are a number of stories relating to getting cattle inspectors drunk or driving off their horses so that property owners did not have their stock confiscated.
On a more practical note before the days of fencing an when cattle where driven to market, brands were the only way to separate mobs that may have accidentally been drawn together.
Brands or ear tags are mandatory to this day and are becoming more and more digitized and sophisticated. In some instances the classic branding iron has been replaced by a freeze dried brand which removes pigment from the hair follicles of the beast.
When the Quirindi and District Historical Society was formed in 1960 it set out to collect and record the history of Quirindi and district, and to publish this information for the benefit of local people and researchers. This important aspect of the Society’s work began in 1965, and 12 journals (“Historical Notes”) were printed before the society turned to publishing local history books. This important activity continues today, and publications are on sale at the Cottage and elsewhere in Quirindi. It was soon realised that it was also necessary to preserve and display items of historic value and local interest, for the better understanding of our heritage, especially for our young people.
The building at 44 Station Street Quirindi was constructed in 1887 from locally made sand stock bricks and had many close associations with Quirindi history, one of which being in fact that it was once the home of Quirindi’s first Mayor and Mayoress. It was bought by the Society from Mr G.A. Wheeler in 1967, and opened as a museum by Mr Ross Symonds of the ABC on 26th April 1970. Additions to the frontage include wrought iron which was once part of the Commercial Hotel balcony, iron pillars were donated by Mr Muir Taylor, (Mayor of Quirindi 1966-1980), and window shutters from Mrs L.P. Wilson of Woodton Quirindi.
As the Society’s collection grew, more buildings were added at the back of the Cottage. The land at the back was bought from Mr Wheeler in 1985, making one block from Station Street to Railway Avenue. Several sheds to house larger items were built on this land, making up the “Town and Country Building”, a workshop, and an outdoor display of agricultural implements. A brick Archives Room was added in 1988.
Quirindi & District Historical Society Inc and Historical Cottage & Museum is open Fridays 10am – 4pm (other times by appointment).
Directions: From Quirindi follow the Werris Creek Road for 10km. Turn right into the Quipolly Road for 5km to the new dam, an open area. Continue 1km to a T intersection, turn left – 4km to Hide.
Come and be part of the phenomenon of bird watching.
The first two pavilions, main exhibition area and a most interesting and very well presented Museum and refreshing Coffee Shop are now operational.
The annual Machinery Rally and Swap Meet held in the autumn attracts people and their machines from all over Australia and internationally. It showcases the restoration of machines from the past, ranging from tractors and steam engines, from collections of smaller items such as shearing gear, lawn mowers and also craft items to interest the ladies.
A tractor trek and street procession give the vintage tractors and car enthusiasts a chance to show off their prized possessions and the children are kept entertained with special events such as pumpkin bowling. The scarecrow competition is growing in popularity, with the town and district graced by their presence.
The Village has exhibits ranging from aboriginal heritage through to the explorers and early settlers; it demonstrates the trials and tribulations faced by the pioneers of this vast country. Take a journey in 50 year increments and see how your forebears lived in days gone by.
A beautifully restored buggy, a penny farthing bicycle, a foot pedalled dentists drill, and early household and office equipment are just some of the numerous items on display.
A mock solicitors office with early Dictaphone machines is a recently constructed attraction.
A new minature railway has been constructed and operates the 4th Sunday of each month 10am – 3pm or other times by arrangement.
Begining in 2008 the Car Club will run on the second Sunday of the month.
The 10th Anniversary Rally & Swap Meet will be held May 2nd & 3rd 2009.
The Federation Pavilion, which houses the extensive museum and coffee shop is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Coffee shop open Friday – Sunday only. Other times by arrangement.
Whispering Pines Bush Retreat provides one Bed & Breakfast and two fully self contained accommodation houses. The accommodation consists of Pine Lodge accommodating up to 11 guests (self contained), Wattle Ridge accommodates up to 4 guests (self contained) and Whispering Pines is Bed and Breakfast.
Whispering Pines Bush Retreat provides the ideal setting for families and friends to escape their busy lives and spend a few days away in a peaceful and safe environment free from all the usual commercial trappings.
The Quipolly area, in which Whispering Pines is located, is particularly renowned for its unique bird life and native animals. The area is a flora and fauna sanctuary.
The area is home to possums, kangaroos, wallabies and many bird species. Less than 1km away is the Old Quipolly Dam which is a designated bird sanctuary. A Bird Hide has been constructed on the edge of the dam allowing bird enthusiasts the opportunity to view the numerous species.
Hiking is an option for those willing to test their fitness levels. Guests are invited to explore the rugged tree covered hills on which Whispering Pines is situated.
A walking trail has been marked to assist guests in their exploration of the area. This trail leads to a ridge behind Pine Lodge where some spectacular views can be observed.
Come and stay at Whispering Pines Bush Retreat and experience the real Australia.
Activities: Hiking, bush walking, animals, bird watching, barbeque, camping, driving, flora & fauna, meditating/relaxing, sightseeing, walking, Aussie lifestyle.
Formely an outstation cottage it was moved in the 1950′s and is now part of “Gananny” homestead complex. Your hosts, the Simson family have been here since 1887. “Gananny” runs Merino sheep & Hereford cattle. Working in harmony with nature is a priority. The property is covered with native pastures, trees & shrubs with wildlife here in abundance.
Activities
Bushwalking, bird & wildlife watching, swimming – 10m pool, tennis, farm tour or sit back, wind down & relax.
You can also visit any of the many attractions within the area including museums, lookouts, national parks, lakes & dams, heritage village, memorial gardens and much more. Simply view the “attractions” on the home page.
Entertainment is offered throughout the year catering for all with a diverse style of music.
There’s plenty of room with a sheltered beer garden, public bar, restaurant and lounge area where you can enjoy a coffee, hot chocolate or cool drink.
Lunch is offered with a café style menu which is available Monday to Friday 12pm-2pm and dinner Wednesday to Saturday with the world famous char grill Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm-9pm.
Our accommodation offers 14 rooms varying from single, double, twin, triple and family rooms. Rates are as below.
Children allowed in unrestricted areas only.
Accommodation type
Rooms only
Room configuration
4 family rooms, 5 single rooms, 3 double rooms, 1 triple room, 1 twin room
Maximum capacity per room: Family (4), Triple (3), Twin (2) Single (1), Double (2)
Rates per night $30 Per Head, 55$ Doubles, $70 Family Room /// Rates per week: By negotiation on application
We cater for the casual diner as well as special occasions and functions with a private dining room for bigger parties. Kick up your heels every Friday night from 8.30pm with Gj’s Disco. Pub style accommodation with lunches and dinner catered for workers and travelers alike.
Accommodation is available with a range of room options including family rooms ($55.00), doubles ($40.00) and singles ($30.00), some with air conditioning, all with shared facilities. Television hire is available in some of the rooms. All room rates include a self serve continental breakfast of cereal, toast, tea and coffee. A cooked country breakfast is available at an additional cost. Our friendly, helpful staff will make your visit to the Federal Hotel an enjoyable experience.
Room configuration
Queen bed + 2 singles (4 rooms), 2 single beds (2 rooms), 1 double (2 rooms) share facilities
Rates per night
Family $55.00, Singles $30.00, Doubles $40.00
|
Population: Approximately 3000 Even though there have been several translations of the name Quirindi, which is derived from the Kamilaroi Aboriginal language, the most appropriate would have to be ‘nest in the hills’. From any approach road the town looks a haven of tranquillity tucked within undulating slopes and ranges, its surrounding region blessed by some of the richest soil in Australia the Liverpool Plains. Quirindi is the hub of the Liverpool Plains Shire. It’s located a short distance off the New England Highway, a comfortable four hour drive from Sydney, 50 minutes from Tamworth and is situated midway between the famous wine growing area of the Hunter Valley and the cooler climate vineyards of the New England. Quirindi is also ideally located within four hours of Australia’s magnificent coastal resorts of Forster, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Quirindi is the “Gateway to the North-West” with the Kamilaroi Highway commencing in the township and ending at Bourke. Take the drive from Willow Tree and your approach to Quirindi will be the same as Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell’s in 1831 where he came across squatters who had pushed beyond the legal limits of location at the time looking for rich pastures. To embrace the full beauty of the area the Whod-A-Thought It Lookout is a must. A full 360 degree expanse offers panoramic views of the town, the Liverpool Plains and the Great Dividing Range. It’s the picnic perfect location to watch the sun set and contemplate how the region once supported oceanic coral reefs and beaches and now crops such as sorghum, wheat, cotton, sunflowers, lucerne and corn. To get there follow the Gunnedah signs to the edge of town where you’ll see a signposted right-hand turn. The Lookout also has a location compass providing distances to various places of interest as the crow flies. If you’ve packed your binoculars you’ll want to take a drive north-east of Quirindi to old Quipolly Dam to look at some of the most plentiful waterbirds in the region. Even with the naked eye the Quipolly Bird Hide offers a bird’s eye view of the dam and its inhabitants. The all weather viewing structure is snuggled amid reeds, and as the water gently laps at the pylons and the sun sparkles against a back drop of Cyprus Pine even the most disinterested feather watcher will become hooked. To find the Bird Hide head out of Quirindi along Borah Creek Rd, which is north-east opposite Nowland St, and follow the signs. The round trip is approximately 35 kilometres. |
|
|
|
Quirindi has a place in the horse sports history books with the first Australian polo club formed in the region in 1888. The annual polo carnival, Australia’s oldest, commenced in 1893 and is still held every August. The Duke of Edinburgh played polo at Quirindi in 1968. The town has a very active racecourse which hosts numerous meetings and the main event, the Quirindi Cup, is held in February. Equestrian sports are also particularly popular. The racecourse and showgrounds are a short distance from town on the road to Wallabadah. No town steeped in such rural heritage as Quirindi’s would be complete without a museum or heritage village. Quirindi is fortunate to have both. The museum is situated in Station St in a building constructed in 1887. The Rural Heritage Village is 3 kilometres from town on the Gunnedah Road. Both provide a host of historic information and memorabilia. |
||