HARDEN MURRUMBURRAH EXPLORE A RICH HISTORY SPANNING THE GOLD RUSH ERA, VISITS FROM BUSHRANGERS, THE FORMATION OF THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE, COMPLEMENTED BY OLD-WORLD CHARM AND WARM COUNTRY HOSPITALITY.
MEMORIAL The Light Horse Memorial
PLACE OF INTEREST
Harden Railway Station
Founded in late 1820, the township of Murrumburrah was the first established out of the two. Sitting either side of the Murrimboola Creek, the area was home to the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. Gold was discovered in the area in the 1850s, technology advancement with industrialised ploughing and harvesting and railway junctions populated towns.
The station of Harden was established a mile up the road in 1877 and served as a major point on the Sydney-Melbourne line. In 1912 a branch line was opened, rail workers moved to the Demondrille Shire area and in turn the population expanded. The year 1975 saw the merger of Murrumburrah Municipal Council and Demondrille Shire Council and the formation of Harden Shire Council. A history and identity treasured by our local community, a large sign distinguishes where one town ended and the other began.
Country charm
MUSEUM
Murrumburrah Museum
Neill Street, Harden’s town centre, is the commercial precinct of the twin towns. Amble along the picturesque main street, adorned with mature date palms and shade trees. Browse fashionable country boutiques, crafts, homewares and coffee shops and there’s also a great butcher. Early 20th century architecture houses banks, a Mechanics’ Institute and Post Office. Nestled between the town centres is a garden centre for those with green thumbs, parks and our local swimming pool provide an excellent spot to cool off on a hot day.
PARKS AND GARDENS Newson Park Roberts Park
ABOVE: The Light Horse Memorial RIGHT: Harden Train Station
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Discover our history Early architecture of Murrumburrah is reflective of the Italianate style, a distinct 19th-century phase in the history of Classical architecture and seen most notably in the elegant red brick courthouse built in 1880. Visit the Murrumburrah Museum, formerly the Murrumburrah Institute, and marvel at the magnificent bar from the Harden Station refreshment room. The Light Horse Memorial honours the 1st Australian Horse and Australian Light Horse. Further down Vernon Street, over the heritage footbridge that spans the SydneyMelbourne railway line is St Mary’s Catholic Church, the oldest church in town.
