Fast facts
- Once centre of an historic mining district, now a virtual ghost town
- Isolated desert setting with spectacular scenery
- 1,456 km north-west of Sydney, population 6
Why go there
Located 39 km south of Tibooburra, Milparinka is in the midst of what is known as Corner Country, where the borders of New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia converge.
The remains of the goldfield diggings of Mount Browne, a short drive to the south-west, provide a glimpse into the hardships experienced by the early miners. The colonial buildings of Milparinka include the police barracks and cells.
History
In 1845, explorer Charles Sturt and his party camped for six months at Preservation Creek, which Sturt named Depot Glen. In 1878 gold was discovered there, with further diggings established at Mount Browne within a year.
A settlement established along the banks of Evelyn Creek became Milparinka. It developed during the 1880s, but harsh conditions led to the town's demise in the next decade.
Things to do
- Share a cooling ale with the locals at the Albert Hotel.
- Witness history at the Milparinka Courthouse Local History Centre, built of local sandstone.
- Locate the ruins of other nearby ghost towns – Albert and Mount Browne.
Events
- Milparinka Gymkhana and Mini Field Day, in July.
Don’t miss
- The grave of James Poole, one of Charles Sturt’s men, at Depot Glen, now within the privately owned Mount Poole Station boundary.
- Milparinka Historic Walking Trail.
- Displays of native flora at the Harry Blore Native Park.
- Milparinka Police Cells Art Gallery.
- Pastoral History Shed, with displays of local agricultural implements.
