MERRIWA Merriwa is the next town encounted when travelling towards Dubbo from Newcastle. and an interesting little town this is. Heritage is clearly important and there is strong evidence of town pride. Merriwa offers many different activities and attractions including The Goulburn River National Park, The Battery, many different Historical Buildings and a Bottle Museum containing over 5,000 bottles. Merriwa is the Birth place of Pony Club. Merriwa is a town in the far west of the Hunter Valley, It is located on the Golden Highway, 273 kilometres northwest of Sydney and about half way between Newcastle and Dubbo. At the 2006 census, Merriwa had a population of 946 people. Merriwa is host to the Festival of the Fleeces every year, although in 2007 floods caused the festival to be stopped. From a rail perspective it took 30 years of lobbying by locals back in the late 1800's lead by Mr Alan McRae to have a commitment from the NSW Government to build a rail line to service Merriwa and the surrounding district. In 1970 Merriwa was the last branch line in NSW with steam locomotives in regular service. The last working of CPH Rail motors on passenger duties on the Merriwa line occurred in 1973. From that point only diesel hauled goods trains could be seen on the line. The Anglican Church is a 100 year classic. Just look at these internal photos. The Catholic likewise is old. The United modern. The Merriwa hotel is also a 100 year classic NSW pub. The Merriwa Museum is an interesting visit. Be sure to check those papers out. The Merriwa War Memorial is located on the eastern approach. There is a lot on offer at Merriwa and an overnight may be required to get the best out of the place. Heritage Diary