Galore Hill Scenic Reserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Galore Hill Scenic Reserve | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Bushland and recreation reserve |
| Location | Fargunyah, New South Wales |
| Nearest town | Lockhart |
| Coordinates | 35°06′34″S 146°47′00″E / 35.109526°S 146.783398°E |
| Area | 510 hectares (5.1 km2; 2.0 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 240 metres (790 ft) - 380 metres (1,250 ft)[1] |
| Established | 1968 |
| Administered by | Lockhart Shire[2] |
Galore Hill Scenic Reserve is a bushland reserve, located in the South Western Slopes region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 510-hectare (1,300-acre)[2] reserve is located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of the Sturt Highway between Wagga Wagga and Narrandera, and approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) north of Lockhart.[3]
In 1829, explorer Charles Sturt recorded the first European sighting of The Rock (Kengal) and Galore Hill.[4]
Local folklore has it that the early settler Henry Osborne is responsible for Galore Hill's unusual name.[4] Osborne first travelled through the region in 1839, and soon after began to acquire large holdings of land in the area.[5] It is said that after climbing to the top of the hill, Osborne shouted to the world, "There's land enough and galore for me".[4] Galore Hill has been known by this name ever since.[4]
The notorious bushranger Dan Morgan reputedly used the caves on the northern side of Galore Hill in the 1860s as a refuge when he was being hunted by the authorities.[6]
In 1968, Galore Hill was proclaimed a Recreation Reserve, under the management of Lockhart Shire Council.[4]
Features
The reserve is dominated by Galore Hill, which rises 215 metres (705 ft) above the surrounding plains.[4]
A gravel track provides vehicular access to the summit of Galore Hill, whilst another goes to a picnic area called "The Saddle".[4] A children's playground is located at The Saddle, whilst barbeques, picnic facilities and toilets are available at both the summit and The Saddle.[3]
A lookout tower at the summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.[4]
Walking trails
Morgans Caves Loop trail starts at the summit and traverses along the northern side of Galore Hill, providing views of the surrounding plains.[4] The trail also passes the caves believed to be used by the bushranger Dan Morgan to avoid the authorities.[4] Morgans Caves Loop takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.[4]
The Saddle Loop Trail links the picnic area at The Saddle to the viewing tower and picnic area at the summit.[4] The walk features views of The Rock to the east, and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.[4]
