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 
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