Balranald - NSW RVFT
The Shire of Balranald is located in New South Wales and covers an area of approximately 21,400 square kilometres, almost half the size of The Netherlands. The main centre of Balranald, is bordered by the Murrumbidgee River, which has two accessible parks featuring walking tracks and is promoted along the Sturt Highway as a popular resting spot for travellers. The township of Balranald was gazetted on the 4th of April, 1851 and is considered the oldest settlement on the Lower Murrumbidgee. The town was established by the primary rural industries harvesting wheat, wool and red gum timber. Agriculture is still a strong factor for the economy of the town with farmers’ now also growing canola, rice, wheat, fruit and vegetables. An interesting fact about Balranald is that the first telephone to be used in Australia was installed at nearby Yanga Station. The telephone was required for communication between the homestead and the shearers’ quarters and installation was carried out by James Cromyn under directions forwarded from England by his uncle Alexander Graham Bell. Today the population of Balranald Shire is approximately 2,500 people and the township has become renowned for the habitation of a frog! But, not just any frog; Balranald is home to the highly endangered Southern Bell frog species, which is listed on the NSW Endangered Species List - Local businesses and Balranald Council hope to promote awareness of the endangered Southern Bell frog with sculptures of the amphibian throughout the town and a large number of frog souvenirs are also for sale at the Visitor Information Centre. The frog sculptures are a key tourist attraction and are popular with both the young and the old.Those visiting Balranald can find casual parking in Market Street, Church Street and We Street. For those wishing to stay in town for a night or two can do so at the newly established caravan and motorhome parking area, which is located behind the Visitor Information Centre in River Street. There is no fee to stay here, and stays are limited to 48 hours. The perfect stopover, Balranald offers plenty of free parking in close proximity to the shopping district and an array of walking trails, bird watching, and other outside activities are available.Tourist/Visitor Centre Balranald VIC, 78 Market St, Balranald NSWPh: 03 50201 599infocentrestaff@balranald.nsw.gov.auwww.balranald.nsw.gov.auCasual Parking Market Street, Church Street and We Street. A caravan and motorhome parking area has recently been established off Market Street behind the new visitor information centre. Access to the parking area is via River Street.Short Term Parking 132 Church St, located at the sealed car park in front of water tower, (24hr). A short term caravan and motorhome parking area has recently been established off Market Street behind the new visitor information centre. Access to the parking area is via River Street. And stays are limited to 48 hours.Long Term Parking Yanga Campsite, Stuart Hwy, 8km SE of BalranaldDump Point 132 Church StPotable Water Balranald VIC, 78 Market StHospital Court St, Ph: 0350 719 800Doctors Surgery Court St, Ph: 0350 201 055Dentist Peter Sidway, Court St, Ph: 0350 201 362Pharmacy 107 Market St, Ph: 0350 201 618Supermarket IGA, Market St, Ph: 0350 201 612; Foodworks, Market St, Ph: 0350 201 626
