Visiting Coleambally
You'll be warmly welcomed to the town of Coleambally!
You can view a map of Coleambally here.
A vibrant and harmonious community with beautiful gardens and streets named after local birds, the town was established in 1968 to service the Coleambally Irrigation Area. It's the State's newest town and was fully planned.
An RV Friendly town, we're located on the Kidman Way between Darlington Point and Jerilderie, and offer a restful place to pause and revitalise.
Coleambally is an innovative and robust agricultural centre. Over 90 businesses are located in the township area, with serviced industrial land readily available to investors.
The Brolga Place retail precinct is right in the heart of the community. Green-space, barbeque and interpretative signs are located within the John McInnes Square. The coffee and cakes at Brolga Place are as warm and sweet as the welcome. Visitors can restock supplies at the IGA supermarket. Tim’s Meats is an authentic country butchery with on-premise smoked meats and sausages a ‘must try’. Catch the pharmacy, grab a haircut or browse the specialty stores for gifts, framing, quilting and sewing supplies.
There is a strong sense of community and pride in Coleambally. High levels of volunteerism make the biennial Taste Coleambally and Riverina Vintage Machinery Rally stand-out events for visitors and locals. Sporting and community events engage all age groups and interests throughout the year.
Coleambally offers visitors a place to revive, rest and stay whilst travelling along The Kidman Way.
History and Heritage
The story of Coleambally is a story built on water. The community was explicitly built to take advantage of the additional water made available by the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
The scheme called for the water of the Snowy and Eucumbene Rivers to be diverted inland through a series of tunnels and dams, under the Great Dividing Range, and into the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. The scheme has since been described as one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the World.
1958 - Construction of the main chanel got underway with four large Ruston Bucyrus Erie draglines doing the bulk of the excavating.
1959 - The first farms in the CIA were taken up. Farms were allocated using ballot system and generally "new irrigation settlers in the CIA were young married couples with children". 875 farms were originally surveyed for allocation by ballot.
1959 - Gogelderie Weir (which is the weir in the Murrumbidgee River used for diverting water into the CIA) was completed and officially opened.
1960 - First water delivered onto the CIA farm through the dethridge wheel.
1968 - The town established to service the farmers and families in the Coleambally Irrigation Area. The town is a planned community with gardens and streets named after local birds.
1968 - Construction of water tower
1969 – Coleambally Rice Mill opened
1974 – Great flood of the Murrumbidgee River
1982 – Drought and mouse plague
2000 – Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative limited becomes a private company owned by the irrigators
2010 – local growers planted cotton crops
For a comprehensive history of Coleambally, visit the Coleambally Lions Park display.
Visitor attractions
Agricultural sights
As you drive along our roads and past the vast agricultural paddocks, you will see how important agricultural production is to our area, accounting for about 65% of local jobs. Cropping is a large part of this and in late autumn you'll notice white remnants of cotton on the sides of the road, where it has been transported. Cotton is produced on a plant, that is part of the hibiscus family. It is a leafy, green shrub that briefly has cream and pink flowers that become the 'fruit' or cotton bolls. A crop takes about 150 days to ripen, with the average boll containing nearly 500,000 fibres of cotton. Australian cotton farmers are the most water efficient in the world, thanks to biotechnology and innovations in irrigation and farming techniques. You can visit neighbouring Whitton and take a tour through the Southern Cotton Gin (April to September).
Brolga Statue
Proudly welcoming visitors to the town is the metal sculpture of the Brolga on the Kidman Way, both north and south of Coleambally. While rare in the area, this elusive bird is occasionally seen. The town entranceway celebrates this magnificent bird in metal sculpture form.
Bucyrus Erie Dragline
The Bucyrus Erie dragline, an amazing piece of construction machinery, is located in the Lions Park at the entrance to town (on the corner of Kingfisher Avenue and Kidman Way). It truly represents the beginnings of Coleambally, as without this excavator to construct the extensive irrigation system, the town would not exist. It's one of only four machines that were imported from the USA and used to excavate the main channels in the Murray Valley.
After finishing the Malawa canal in the Murray Valley, it was brought to Coleambally to commence the canal work in the local area. On completion, the machine was driven to the Lions Park. It's still in working order, and comes back to life when the Riverina Vintage Machinery Club hold their biennial rally in August.
Community Experimental/Demonstration Farm
This 379 ha not-for-profit working demonstration farm is Council owned land that is made available to community groups to utilise for cropping. It is an exciting and original concept. Operating since 1996, it has provided a structure for community associations to engage in agricultural pursuits for experimental, demonstration and local fundraising purposes. Tours are generally only available during the biennial Taste Coleambally Festival.
Jenimar Arcade Mural
Depicting the history of the area, this mural was painted by the local art group in 1991. Address: Brolga Place
Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Water Wheel display
This display provides a fascinating insight into the history of the water wheel and irrigation in the Coleambally area. Visitors can view the open air display at any time. Address: 7 Brolga Place, Coleambally.
Wine glass water tower
Sitting atop a sandhill in the town centre, the unique water tower can be seen over the tops of the cypress trees. Debate the shape and nominate it as a wine glass or a schooner. Its mosaic depicts the history and amenities of Coleambally. 24 ½ metres in height, with a capacity of over 1 million litres, it is filled from two deep bores. The site offers great facilities for a picnic. Location: Kingfisher Avenue, Coleambally.
Yarrow Park Olive Grove and Vineyard
Soak up the experience of Yarrow Park Cellar Door, nestled between the vineyard and olive grove and overlooking bushland. Proud of our regional produce Yarrow Park is dedicated to the production of quality estate grown produce. Call in and talk to Bruce who will share his passion for these delicious products while you enjoy free tastings. Additional experiences are available when booked ahead. There is also a barbecue area available in a delightful garden setting.
Address: Kyola Road off the Kidman Way, just a few kilometres from the town entranceway.
More information: Bruce Dalgliesh on 0429 444 074 or send an email. You can also check out their Facebook page.
Recreation and Leisure
Walking tracks are located in the forest reserves that surround the town. Kangaroos are often seen at dusk and dawn, feeding on the ovals and reserves.
Coleambally and surrounds is a bird watcher's delight! Each of the streets are named after local birds, with the street signs featuring each bird's picture. You can wander through the town to see the beautiful birds featured on the street signs or you can check out the real thing with the bountiful bird life that is around. We are home to an extensive array of fauna and flora, including the threatened species the Superb Parrot and the Southern Bell Frog. Rice fields provide a valuable feeding habitat for many species of water birds, including bitterns, sandpipers, ibis, herons and egrets. More information on our birdlife is available here.
Brolga, although rare, are found in and around Coleambally. The town entranceway celebrates this magnificent bird in metal sculpture form.
The Lions Park at the entrance to town is an ideal spot for a refreshing break with a gas barbecues, rest facilities, dump point and an excellent fenced playground for the children.. The information board has a range of information on things to do in town and see as well as the history of the town. Wander over and examine the Bucyrus Erie dragline excavator, an amazing piece of construction machinery (see more information about the dragline in 'Visitor attractions').
John McInnes Square in Brolga Place was constructed in 1988 as a Bicentennial project. The pergola is made from local red gum timber covered with wisteria. Modern public toilets are located here along with plenty of seating and a barbecue.
Coleambally Skate Park
Brolga Place
Coleambally Golf Club, Pine Drive - Nine hole sand green golf course
Coleambally Squash Club - competitive and social games available
3 Falcon Road, Coleambally
(02) 6954 4170
Coleambally Swimming Pool
Falcon Road
0427 267 481
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 am and 1 pm to 7 pm
The pool includes a 25 m lap and recreational pool and a shaded toddler's pool, change rooms and shaded picnic tables and BBQ.
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Sweatbox Community Gym - community gym with cardio and weights equipment. Classes available.
Brolga Place
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Events and Festivals
Taste Coleambally
Taste Coleambally is a biennial food and farm festival showcasing the unique Coleambally community and everything it has to offer, from farming and produce to country spirit and creativity. The Festival grew from a dedicated group of locals wanting to show consumers how they grow food for Australia and the world in a sustainable and productive manner. Coleambally Irrigation is one of the most water efficient delivery systems in Australia and each year one average farm feeds an amazing 4,516 people. You can read more here.
Riverina Vintage Machinery Club Rally, Coleambally
This event is also held every second year (alternate years to Taste Coleambally). Held over two days, it features the starting of the giant Bucyrus dragline at Coleambally's entrance, a vehicle trek, vintage tractor pull and many displays.
Shopping
Brolga Place is the retail centre. Banking services, an IGA supermarket, butcher, post office, newsagent, a niche fabric haberdashery specialising in quilting and craft supplies, hair salon, coffee shops, and a picture framing and giftware business provide interest. There is a pharmacy, accounting and legal service providers. You'll also find a great range of places to eat.
Dining
Coleambally offers a range of cuisines with dine in and takeaway options available.
Brolga Hotel Motel
Brolga Place
COLEAMBALLY
T: 02 6954 4009
W: http://www.brolgahotelmotel.com.au/bistro.html
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The Coffee Nest Café
15 Brolga Place
T: 02 6954 4148
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Coleambally Community Club - The Panda Restaurant
Australian, Chinese & Thai Cuisine
3 Falcon Road
COLEAMBALLY
T: 02 6954 4170
W: http://www.colyclub.com/restaurant
Coly Roadhouse and Service Station
12 Kingfisher Avenue (past Brolga Place)
COLEAMBALLY
T: 02 6954 4010
The Muddy Duck
21 Brolga Place (Town Hub)
T: 0419 493 429
W: https://www.muddyduck-townhub.com.au/
Accommodation
Check out Coleambally's accommodation below:
Coleambally is an RV Friendly Town. A dump point is available for blackwater waste at the Lions Park at the town entranceway.
Brolga Hotel Motel
From newly built accommodation rooms, to great value meals in our bistro for the whole family, or an icy cold beverage with mates after a busy day, to all the sports and racing action in the public bar - there's something for everyone at 'the Bird'.
Brolga Place
T: 02 69 544009
E: brolgahotel@gmail.com
Website
Coleambally Caravan Park
66 Kingfisher Avenue
T: 02 6954 4100
W: http://www.coleamballycaravanpark.com.au/Located in a natural bush setting, the Coleambally Caravan Park provides peaceful visitor caravan/cabin accommodation for short and long term stays with both powered and unpowered sites available for vans and motorhomes.
Coleambally Cottages
Kingfisher Ave
0419 493 429
jbellato@bigpond.net.au
Website
Coleambally Cottages provides local employees, visitors and contractors with comfortable and tastefully decorated accommodation.
Coleambally Motel
77 Kingfisher Avenue
T: 0428 544 322 (Gwynn)
Website
Welcome to the Coleambally Motel, a nice option for travellers. Coleambally Motel is a budget friendly motel offering air-conditioning and a kitchenette in the rooms. A great option for next time you're in town. Stop by and enjoy the hospitality. Comfortable and quiet.
Serviced short-stay houses
Various locations in Coleambally
Available weekly or long-term
T: 0428 544 322 (Gwynn)
Free camping
Free camping is available at the Coleambally Community Club, 3 Falcon Road, Coleambally.
RV Information
Coleambally is an RV Friendly town and we welcome both caravanners and campers.
Parking: Kingfisher Ave
Dump Point: Lions Park, cnr Kidman Way and Kingfisher Ave
Potable Water: Lions Park, cnr Kidman Way and Kingfisher Ave
Fuel Stops: Coly Roadhouse
Mechanics/ Tyres shops: CIA Tyre Service
If you'd like to work and live in the amazing town of Coleambally, click here.