| Walgett | |
Location: | 685km northwest of Sydney on the Castlereagh Highway |
Shire: | Walgett |
Population: | 2091 |
Postcode: | 2832 |
A railhead and stock centre near the junction of the Namoi and Barwon Rivers, Walgett is the centre of a vast pastoral area stretching to the Queensland border. John Campbell was the first settler in 1838 and he called his property 'Walgett'. The town was laid out in 1859 and in its early days was a port for paddlesteamers carrying freight and passengers. Cobb & Co began a coach service in 1877.
Murray cod and golden perch are only two of the many types of fish which are caught in the good fishing waters of the local rivers. Duck, quail, wild pigs and kangaroos are the targets of game hunters who are attracted to the area.
The famous opalmining town of Lightening Ridge is 137km north of Walgett on the Castlereagh Highway. This is the only place in the world where black opal is found and the area is also renowned for other precious stones including agate, jasper and topaz. Opals are Lightening Ridge's reason for being and the town has many attractions based on these beautiful gems.