Fast facts
- A historic former railway centre surrounded by farmland
- Joined at the hip to the village of Murrumburrah, in fruit-growing country
- 341 km south-west of Sydney, population 2,200
Why go there
Harden is known for its scenic beauty, particularly during spring. The area produces more than a dozen different grain and fruit crops; when the latter are in flower they provide a magnificent landscape of colour.
The twin villages of Harden and Murrumburrah have a delightful old-world feel.
History
Before European settlement, the Harden area was part of the large territory of the Wiradjuri language group.
The explorer Hamilton Hume passed through in 1824, and a sheep station known as Murrumburra was established soon afterwards.
In the mid-1850s gold was discovered in the area, leading to the establishment of a supply town called Murrumburrah. Harden was originally a northern suburb.
Harden became an important rail centre after the building of a railway station in 1877, and it wasn't long before the town's commercial centre outstripped its neighbour in size.
Things to do
- Discover Harden’s historic buildings on a self-guided town tour.
- Visit an orchard in season to learn how the fruit is processed and to sample the produce.
- Visit nearby historic villages for tales of bushrangers and early European settlers.
- Call in to the visitors information centre for refreshments and to buy local mustard oils, quality crafts and souvenirs.
- Browse through antique and collectable stores.
Don’t miss
- Seeing the trades of yesteryear recreated in the blacksmith’s shop and wheelwright’s premises in the town's historical museum.
- A cellar door tasting at a local winery.
- Tasting the flavour of preserves and freshly picked stone fruits from a local orchard.
- A picnic in a park in the shade of a willow tree.
