nyngan Nyngan’s history comes alive in the array of historical attractions the township has to offer. Located on the Bogan River within the Bogan Shire, Nyngan has given rise to a thriving sheep and wheat industry. The township has a number of historical attractions that pay tribute to its pioneering and notso-distant past. For history buffs, the Nyngan Museum is the perfect way to while away a few hours. The museum showcases the township’s fascinating history with a range of displays, photographs, audio recordings, and relics such as an old switchboard that was operational in the town up until 1965. The museum is open weekdays between 9am and 4pm.
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In 1990, Nyngan experienced its worst flood in history forcing residents to be evacuated by air from their homes. To pay tribute to the rescue operation, the township has erected a Helicopter Flood Memorial in Vanges Park where an Iroquois A2-022 helicopter has been mounted.
The Mid-State Shearing Shed built by retired shearers and Nyngan residents is a homage to the local shearing industry. Located on Mitchell Highway, the shed provides visitors with a real taste for shearing showcasing equipment and informative displays as well as murals created by local artists. This community effort is well worth a visit, and is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm. The Macquarie Marshes boasts an extensive area of 21,927 hectares and is listed on the Ramsar Convention as a wetland area of international importance. The area is a thriving eco-system for waterbirds. Bird species such as spoonbills, egrets and cormorants are common breeding species found in the region. This pristine environment also supports an array of different fauna. Guided tours are available through National Parks and Wildlife Service at certain times of the year. For more information, visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. If you’re into all things big, don’t miss the Big Bogan standing five metres tall on the main street. Dressed in a singlet top, cap and shorts, and weilding a fishing rod, this steel sculpture is a light-hearted play on the word ‘bogan’. For more information on Nyngan, visit www.bogan.nsw.gov.au.