Wentworth, New South Wales
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| Wentworth New South Wales |
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 Darling Street, Wentworth |
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| Population: | 1653 (2006)[1] | ||||||
| Postcode: | 2648 | ||||||
| Elevation: | 37.0 m (121 ft) | ||||||
| Location: | |||||||
| LGA: | Wentworth Shire | ||||||
| State District: | Murray-Darling | ||||||
| Federal Division: | Farrer | ||||||
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Wentworth is a small border town in the far south west of the state of New South Wales, Australia. It lies at the confluence of Australia's two most important rivers, the Darling and the Murray, the latter forming the border with the state of Victoria to the south. The border with the state of South Australia lies approximately 100 km to the west. The town of Wentworth is in the Local Government Area of the same name.
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[edit] History
Named after the famous explorer and politician William Charles Wentworth, the town is 34 km to the west (via the Calder Highway) of the Victorian regional city of Mildura. The famous mining city of Broken Hill is 266 km to the north along the Silver City Highway.
During the late 1800s Wentworth was an important river port; however, like many such towns, its significance faded with the development of the railways (railroads).
The town has been flooded many times by the two rivers. The most significant was in 1956, when both rivers flooded simultaneously. Local farmers, supplemented by the army and navy, worked for months to build levee banks to hold the water out of the town.[2]
[edit] Visitor attractions
Wentworth is now an important tourist outback destination and provides a welcome break for those travelling to or from Broken Hill. In addition to its authentic outback charm, the town offers some interesting attractions:
- P.S.Ruby - a restored 1907 side-wheel paddlesteamer
- The annual Great Wentworth Tractor Rally
- The Wentworth Gaol
The Great Wentworth Tractor Rally is a commemoration of the grey Fergie tractors that were used to maintain the levee banks and save the town from the 1956 Murray River flood.[2]
Wentworth was a popular destination for 'pokie tour' bus rides from Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, prior to the legalisation of poker (gambling) machines in that state[citation needed]..
[edit] Gallery
 Conluence of the Darling with the Murray River |
 Location of Wentworth |
 Roadside sculpture, Wentworth, NSW, Australia |
 Semi-arid countryside; roadside rest stop 20km north of Wentworth |
[edit] References
- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). Wentworth (State Suburb). 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved on 2007-10-01.
- ^ a b The 1956 flood of Wentworth, Mildura Tourism Inc, Accessed September 16, 2007
[edit] External links
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