Overview
Deniliquin is an oasis of green on the edge of the Riverine plain, which stretches northwards in what is claimed to be the flattest land on earth - the beginning of the outback.
Deniliquin is situated on the Edward River, in the centre of Riverina sheep station country and on the fringe of the world's largest redgum forest, where bird and wildlife abound.
The natural attractions of the region and the well developed network of forest trails offer you the chance to free your adventurous spirit. Try camping, kayaking, biking, bird watching, swimming, fishing or water-skiing. Or take a trip out to Conargo and drink in the sunset on the open plains where the uninterrupted landscape allows you to view the natural arc of the earth.
History
Deniliquin is in every sense a crossing place. The township sprung up along favourable banks on the Edward River, where drovers forded or swam their stock across on their journey along 'The Long Paddock' - the travelling stock route.
The area was inhabited by the Perrapa Perrapa and Wamba Wamba tribes of indigenous people before European settlement.
Seeking to extend his pastoral holdings inland, entrepreneur Benjamin Boyd commissioned young Victorian station owner, Augustus Morris to look for further land north of the Murray River. For Boyd, Morris took up 700,00 acres, the Deniliquin Run, commencing from the Murray and extending half way between the Billabong Creek and the Murrumbidgee River.
The first inn, named the "Wanderer" after Boyd's yacht, was erected in 1847 on the ground now occupied by the North Deniliquin School. In 1847, James Maiden moved his old punt on the Murray and set it up at Deniliquin, at the end of Edwardes Street. A Dr Coward, the first resident on the south side of the river, settled on what is now the Island Sanctuary, just upstream of the punt.
The town site was surveyed in 1848 and gazetted in 1850. The site became an important river crossing and market-place for stock as it was situated at the convergence of three major stock routes from Queensland and NSW to Victoria.
Deniliquin's first gaol, built in 1856, was replaced by a large brick building in 1864. At times the gaol housed as many as 75 prisoners; three hangings took place within its walls. It was demolished in 1966.
A court house established on the site of the present police station was replaced in 1862 by another on the site of the present ANZ Bank in Cressy Street. In turn, this was replaced in 1872 by today's large imposing building in Poictiers Street.
In 1858 a hospital was built but as it was not open to working people another was established in 1859. The two amalgamated in 1861 and part of the original building, with its stained-glass window depicting the goddess Hygeia, remains within the current complex.
The first National (Government) bridge across the Edward River at Deniliquin was built in 1864. This was replaced by a toll bridge which served until 1896, when it was demolished to make way for a toll-free structure that lasted until 1969, to be replaced by the present concrete structure.
Deniliquin was declared a municipality in 1868. At the time it had 11 hotels and about a thousand people. Early industry included two breweries and a flour mill. In 1876 a town hall was built and the privately financed Deniliquin-Moama railway arrived from Echuca.
With the population growing, new school buildings were erected in 1879 and the old schoolhouse became the headmaster's residence. The school was extended to its current form in 1899 and 1905 and now houses the Peppin Heritage Centre, a tribute to the Peppin family who established their world renowned breed of merino sheep at Wanganella, north of Deniliquin.
The Robertson Land Laws of 1861 allowed the vast areas of land held under lease by the "squatters" to be split up into small holdings under a "Conditional Purchase" scheme. This resulted in a major invasion of the region by "settlers" from all parts of Australia and at times led to conflict between the two classes.
The land underwent further subdivision following both the First and Second World Wars, when small blocks were made available to returned servicemen under Closer Settlement schemes. Availability of water from the Mulwala Canal system allowed for subdivision into quite small blocks and the development of a range of new enterprises.
Today, while the Deniliquin district still supports a thriving wool industry there is now greater emphasis on production from beef cattle, fat lambs, oil seeds, dairying, and cereal crops. Deniliquin is now the centre of an extensive rice growing region and is home to one of the largest rice mills in the world.
Attractions
The Peppin Heritage Centre, which incorporates the Visitor Information Centre, housed Deniliquin's first public school and has now been transformed into a regional museum.
Wander through the island sanctuary, where there are kangaroos, possums, bats, and birds aplenty amidst river red gum. Relax in the Wearing Gardens or learn about the rich history of the famous stock route along the Long Paddock River Walk. Visit the Pioneer Garden Centre and Steam Pump Display, where restored steam engines and pumps are displayed, or take photos of the ute on a pole, erected in celebration of the annual World Record Ute Muster.
The town offers many fine dining establishments and many historic hotels to cater for all entertainment needs.
Accommodation
A wide variety of accommodation is available to suit all budgets, ranging from self contained cabins and caravan parks to farm-stays and Bed and Breakfasts, houseboats, motor inns and resorts.
Further information can be found at www.denitourism.com.au or by calling 1800 650 712.
Visitor Information Centre
- Peppin Heritage Visitor Information Centre
- George St (PO Box 270) Deniliquin NSW 2710
- Ph: 03 58983120 or 1800 650 712
- Fax: 03 58983129
- Email: peppin@deniliquin.nsw.gov.au
- www.denitourism.com.au