MOLONG Molong is encounted when traveling the Mitchell Hgy between Orange and Dubbo. Molong is a small town but is very apparent heritage is important. Molong is a busy cross roads centre and a pause to explore is recommended. Charles Sturt visited Molong in 1828. Molong was the site of the first copper mine in Australia, located at Copper Hill just outside of Molong. The origin for the name was not discovered. William Lee of Kelso is said to have had cattle in the area by 1819. He later held property just north of present Molong, around Larras Lee. In 1826 a military and police outpost was established at Molong, on Governor Darling's orders, as a step in opening up the government stock reserve west of the Macquarie River for settlement. The Historical Museum is housed in a former hotel (1856), built by rubble-mason James Mortal, who sold it in 1861 to John Smith of Gamboola. Smith let the building to a series of publicans and it later became the residence and surgery for a series of doctors. The Historical Society acquired it for use as a museum, in 1969, with help from the Molong Shire Council. Molong has two classic old century plus pubs.  The Congregational Churches are a mix of the very old and ‘new’. The Anglican being of classic turn of the century design. The Molong War Memorial is acknowledged in a number of locations and format. Molong has lots of old heritage buildings. Molong is a pretty spot and the traveler will enjoy what is on offer. Not the least a refreshment should the timing be right. Heritage diary