Our final activation for Tuesday, 4th November 2025, was the Murray Valley National Park VKFF-1178. We had not intended to activate this park, but as we drove into the town of Barooga, we saw a sign for ‘Quicks Beach National Park.’ This intrigued us, as Marija and I had never heard of such a park.

We followed Quicks Road and soon reached the sign for the Murray Valley National Park, Cottadidda section. This includes the Quicks Beach campground. So the sign on the Barooga-Cobram Road is a little misleading. It was getting late and we were getting hungry, but we decided to very quickly activate the park.

The Murray Valley National Park is about 41,601 hectares (102,800 acres) in size and consists of several former State Forests. It comprises the largest stand of River Red gum forest in Australia. (Wikipedia 2026)

This was a beautiful spot on a picturesque bend of the Murray River with Victoria on one side of the river and New South Wales on the other.

Above: An aerial view of the park. Image c/o Google Maps

At this location in the park, you can also view O’Dwyer’s historic cattle yards.

Our operating equipment was our normal set up, comprising the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7EV
2. VK5LA
3. VK5KAW
4. VK3MCA
5. VK2LTP
6. VK3APJ
7. VK3ARD/P
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK3SMW
11. VK2IO/P (VKFF-1906)
12. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-1906)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7EV
2. VK5LA
3. VK5KAW
4. VK3MCA
5. VK2LTP
6. VK3APJ
7. VK3ARD/P
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK3SMW
11. VK3SQ
12. VK3JT
13. VK2BD
14. VK2IO/P (VKFF-1906)
15. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-1906)
16. KG5CIK
17. VK2NP
18. ZL1GA
19. VK4SMA
20. VK5NJ
21. VK1CHW
22. VK2CHW
23. VK2EG
24. VK2AAJ
25. VK3WSG
26. VK5BRU/P
27. VK5HS
28. VK3KLI
29. VK2HRX
30. VK5WE
31. VK5IS
32. F5PYI
33. VK4EW
34. VK3XEM
35. VK3ACZ
36. VK2YAK
37. VK4YAK
38. VK5MK
39. VK5EBA
40. VK4EMP
41. VK4TI
42. VK4GKO
43. VK2LEE
44. VK2MOE
45. VK1MO
46. VK4HMI

We packed up and headed to the Barooga Hotel for an evening meal.

After a very nice meal, Marija and I then drove north towards Jerilderie. We travelled along the Berrigan Road and soon reached the locality of Lalalty. It was dark, so we really did not get a chance for a good look at the surrounding countryside.

During the 1890s, a coach service was established between Cobram in Victoria and Berrigan in New South Wales. It was at this time, in 1896, that Gleeson’s Nangunia Hotel was built for Mr Patrick Gleeson. It took its name from Nangunia Station, a pastoral lease that was established in 1865. The hotel was constructed from timber and was built by Mr. Geoffrey Jeans, a carpenter from Berrigan. In April 1897, The Berrigan Advocate newspaper described the hotel as having a bar, bar parlour, commercial room, dining room, six bedrooms, servant’s room, kitchen and pantry. It stated that ‘the shelves of the bar and the cellar contain liquors of the choicest brands…….Behind the counter, we found the bulky landlord serving out drinks to the thirsty travellers and his genial smile and hearty hand-shake makes you feel at home at once.” (Berrigan 2025) (Facebook 2020)

Above: part of an article from The Berrigan Advocate, Thu 15 Apr 1897. Image c/o Trove

Patrick James Gleeson was born c. 1861 in Portland, Victoria. In 1888, he married Margaret Parnell. Patrick died on the 20th day of June 1924 at Essendon, Victoria. (ancestry 2016)

A general store was also established, from which the Naranghi Receiving Office operated. In September 1899, the Receiving Office was converted to a Post Office. In June 1900, the name of the Post Office was changed from Naranghi to Lalalty. (Facebook 2020)

I found the newspaper article below from The Berrigan Advocate in May 1902. The coach was travelling from Cobram to Berrigan and stopped at Gleeson’s Hotel. The driver was assisting a female passenger to alight when the leader horse was startled, and the coach overturned. Another lady in the coach was thrown from the coach, which fell on top of her, and was then dragged along the road by the horses. The coach continued to Berrigan, with medical aid being provided to the lady. Upon arrival in Berrigan, it was established that she had sustained a fractured arm and leg. She was taken to the Jerilderie Hospital, but sadly died from her injuries. (Trove 2026)

Above: article from The Berrigan Advocate, Fri 9 May 1902. Image c/o Trove

In January 1903, a fire destroyed the hotel and the Post Office.

Above: article from The Sydney Morning Herald, Thu 15 Jan 1903. Image c/o Trove

Following the fire, a house was built on the side and was owned by Mr Castello. In 1914, he opened the Lalalty Receiving Office. It was destroyed by fire in 1939. (Facebook 2020)

We then continued on to Berrigan. The first European settlement in the area was in 1849 when the 22,500 acre Momalong Station was established by Robert Rand. The Berrigan Post Office opened on the 11th day of May 1884. Six years later, on the 31st day of May 1890, Berrigan was officially proclaimed as a town. (Wikipedia 2024)

In the main street, you can find The Big Galah.

The former Berigan School of Arts and Soldiers Memorial Hall was built in 1915. (Berrigan 2025)

The first Federal Hotel on the site of the current hotel in Chanter Street was built in 1890. It was constructed of timber. This was the same year that Berrigan was proclaimed a village. It was only the 2nd hotel officially opened in the township. (Berrigan 2025)

In September 1914, the Federal Hotel was destroyed by fire. Following the fire, the owner, Mr T Whelan of Melbourne’s Cathedral Hotel, engaged the distinguished architectural practice Bates, Pebble & Smart to design the new brick hotel. Construction of the hotel was completed in 1915. At its opening, the Berrigan Advocate newspaper described the hotel as ‘almost without compare in the Riverina.‘ (Berrigan 2025)

Above: part of an article from The Berrigan Advocate, Fri 18 Sept 1914. Image c/o Trove

The old Union Bank was built in 1913. It was made superfluous due to the amalgamation of the bank with the Bank of Australasia in 1949. During the 1950s, the building was used as a doctor’s surgery and residence by Dr O.A. Whitney.

We found a memorial on the front of the former Bank of Australasia for a New South Wales police officer killed in 1931.

On the 25th day of March 1931, a major fire broke out at the Momalong Hotel. Sergeant First Class G.T. Whitely was keeping people back as the hotel was razed to the ground by fire. As he did so, an exploding gas cylinder hurled fragments of metal into the crowd of onlookers. Sadly, Sergeant Whiteley was struck on the head by a piece of jagged metal and was killed instantly. His faithful dog was also killed in the blast. Sergeant Whiteley was 43 years old. (Findagrave.com 2021) (Trove 2026)

Above: part of an article from the Jerilderie Herald, Thu 26 Mar 1931. Image c/o Trove

George Thomas ‘Tom’ Whiteley was born on the 20th day of October 1888, at Bega, New South Wales. He was the third of nine children to George Edward Whiteley and Mary Eilen Whiteley, nee Mellen. He joined the New South Wales Police Force on the 15th day of March 1910. Whiteley served with the Australian Imperial Force and was injured by shrapnel, sustaining gunshot wounds to the left leg, left foot and the right side of his head. In 1918, he married Kathleen Harper. They had five children. He was stationed at Hill Ned, Forbes, Tullamore, and Cudal. In 1929, he commenced work as the Officer in Charge of the Berrigan Police Station, where he was described as being ‘widely esteemed and respected.’ He was a member of the local Berrigan Bowling Club. (ancestry 2016) (Australian Police 2026) (Findagrave.com 2021)

Above: Sergeant Whiteley. Image c/o Australianpolice.com

Sergeant Whiteley’s funeral took place on Thursday, the 26th day of March 1931. A squad of police marched at the head of the procession in charge of Superintendent Bisley of Deniliquin. This was followed by a body of returned soldiers from Berrigan and the surrounding district. They were followed by a large number of brethren from district Lodges, followed by a long line of motor vehicles containing family and friends. (Trove 2026)

Above: part of an article from The Berrigan Advocate, Wed 1 Apr 1931. Image c/o Trove

The current Momalong Hotel was built in 1932 following the devastating fire that destroyed the original hotel. The original Momalong Hotel was established in 1893 by Drummond Brothers. It took its name from the nearby Momalong pastoral run.(Berrigan 2025)

Berrigan saw several destructive building fires in the late 1890s and early 1900s. This included the Federal Hotel in 1897, several shops in 1897, the Australian Hall in 1899, the Roman Catholic Presbytery in 1901, the Federal Hotel in 1915, and the Momalong Hotel in 1931. Ironically, it was the birthplace of Australia’s first volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Marija and I agreed that we must come back here and spend an afternoon wandering around Berrigan. We continued on to Jerilderie, travelling quite slowly as there were a lot of kangaroos on the road.

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026]
2. ‌Australian Fallen Police, 2026, https://australianpolice.com.au/ [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026]
3. Berigan Shire, 2025, Berrigan Shire Heritage Study
4. https://www.facebook.com/susanescott13 (2020). Lalalty Township – Berrigan NSW. [online] Berrigan NSW. Available at: https://berrigannsw.com.au/lalalty-township/ [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026].‌
5. Trove. (2026). The Nangunia Hotel. – The Berrigan Advocate (Cobram, NSW. : 1891 – 1970) – 15 Apr 1897. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/266452242?searchTerm=nangunia%20hotel [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026].‌
6. Trove. (2026). A BIG BLAZE. – NANGUNIA HOTEL AND POST OFFICE DESTROYED BY FIRE. – The Berrigan Advocate (Cobram, NSW. : 1891 – 1970) – 16 Jan 1903. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/266521467?searchTerm=nangunia%20hotel [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026].‌
7. Trove. (2026). The Berrigan Advocate (Cobram, NSW. : 1891 – 1970) – 1 Apr 1931 – p2. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/29865250?searchTerm=berrigan%20%2B%20sergeant%20whiteley%20%2B%20funeral [Accessed 4 Apr. 2026].‌
8. Wikipedia Contributors (2026). Murray Valley National Park. Wikipedia.‌

Our next park for Tuesday, 4th November 2025, was the Murray Valley Regional Park VKFF-1785 at Barooga in New South Wales.

Above: Map showing the location of the Murray Valley Regional Park at Barooga. Map c/o Google Maps

After packing up at the Cobram Regional Park, Marija and I drove over the Murray River on the bridge on the Barooga-Cobram Road, back into the state of New South Wales.

Just after crossing the bridge, we saw the turn off to Ski Beach and soon after found the park sign for the Barooga section. The nearby town of Barooga is a twin town of Cobram on the south side of the Murray River in Victoria. Barooga is believed to derive from the Aboriginal word interpreted to mean ‘my home.’ Other sources suggest it is derived from the Aboriginal word buruga, meaning ‘meeting of the waters.’ The Barooga pastoral station was established in 1847 by George Hillas. (SMH Traveller 2008)

The Murray Valley Regional Park comprises several areas which are dotted along the Murray River and the Edward River from Balranald through to Howlong. The park was established to protect the River Red Gum forests. (Visitnsw.com 2016)

Above: an aerial view of the Murray Valley Regional Park at Barooga. Image c/o Google Earth

We drove along Mon’s Trail and then along Paradise Beach Road, taking us past the beautiful River Red Gum forest.

It wasn’t long before we reached Paradise Beach.

Above: an aerial view showing Paradise Beach. Image c/o Google Maps

This was a really beautiful spot, on a bend on the Murray River, with a lovely sandy beach. We were in New South Wales, looking across the river to the state of Victoria and the Cobram Regional Park.

Marija and I ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation. As there were a few mozzies around, we sat in the 4WD.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK7EK
4. VK7PJM
5. VK3AKT
6. VK3ARD
7. VK3KRL
8. VK6HDY/P (VKFF-1758)
9. VK5FANA
10. VK3MCA
11. VK2IO/P (VKFF-1906)
12. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-1906)
13. VK2YL
14. VK2HEY/P (VKFF-2610)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK7EK
4. VK7PJM
5. VK3AKT
6. VK3ARD
7. VK3KRL
8. VK6HDY/P (VKFF-1758)
9. VK5FANA
10. VK3MCA
11. VK3EJ
12. VK3JOC
13. VK2NP
14. VK2IO/P (VKFF-1906)
15. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-1906)
16. VK2YL
17. F5PYI
18. KG5CIK
19. VK3WSG
20. VK4HMI
21. VK3BWS
22. VK1CHW
23. VK2CHW
24. VK3SO
25. VK3SFG
26. VK2KHA
27. VK2JSW
28. VK3BEL
29. VK3BEB
30. VK1AD
31. VK1NAM
32. VK3TZT
33. VK3APJ
34. VK2DA
35. VK1DA
36. VK7MAT
37. VK3AIW
38. VK3WRD
39. VK2FS
40. VK5LA
41. VK5KAW
42. VK5MOS
43. VK3TDK
44. VK3NYC
45. VK3HJW
46. VK2YAK
47. VK4YAK
48. VK2HBG
49. VK2HEY/P (VKFF-2610)
50. VK4QRZ

I worked the following stations on 40m AM:-

1. VK5LA
2. VK5KAW

References.

1. SMH Traveller. (2008). Barooga – Culture and History. [online] Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/barooga-culture-and-history-20081202-6p4v.html [Accessed 2 Apr. 2026].
2. ‌Visitnsw.com. (2016). Murray Valley Regional Park. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/the-murray/echuca-moama/attractions/murray-valley-regional-park-0 [Accessed 2 Apr. 2026].‌

Here are my latest FT8 award certificates for VK5COP.

Thank you to all of the FT8 operators around the world and to the various Award Managers.

A few days ago, I received the certificate below, the VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 2,450.

Thank you to all of the VKFF Hunters, and thank you to Adam VK2YK, the VK5 VKFF State rep, for the certificate.

Yesterday, in the mail, I received the three DXCC certificates below for VI8POL.

After being rained out at the Strathmerton Bushland Reserve on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, Marija and I headed to the town of Cobram. Our intention was to activate the Cobram Regional Park VKFF-0961.

Above: Map showing the location of Cobram Regional Park. Map c/o Google Maps

The original run where Cobram is now located was Yarroweya, later to become Yarrawonga. It was taken up in 1842 by Mrs Elizabeth Hume, who was the widow of John Kennedy Hume, who had been killed by bushrangers in 1840. Yarowea is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘strong wind’. (Moira SHire 2007) (Trove 2026)

John Kennedy Hume was the brother of the explorer Hamilton Hume. On the 20th day of January 1840, he rode into Gunning after hearing gunshots. He was met by Thomas Whitton, @Captain Whitton, and his gang of bushrangers. Whitton shot Hume dead. He was just 39 years of age. (Findagrave.com 2017) (Trove 2026)

In 1845, Octavius Philpotts established the pastoral station Cobram which had been part of Yarroweya. It is believed that Cobram is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘head’ and that the station was named as such due it being the head pastoral station in the district. (Cockatoo Grove 2025) (Vict Places n.d.)

Above: from the NSW Govt Gazette, Sat 26 Aug 1848. Image c/o Trove

Octavius Philpotts was born in 1822 in Durham, England. His father, Henry Philpotts, was the Bishop of Exeter. In February 1860, he married Georgina Harriet Lane in Plymouth, Devon, England. In January 1855 the run was subdivided into the runs of Cobram and St James. In 1864, Philpotts sold the Cobram property. He died on the 31st day of January 1869 in Devon, England. (ancestry 2016) (Cockatoo Grove 2025)

During the 1870s, the era of the large pastoral stations was coming to a close. Farmers were taking up smaller sections of land. In the Cobram district, the initial crop was wheat, but orchards with local irigation them commenced. (Vict Places n.d.)

In 1879, a school was opened at Cobram East. In 1888, a school at Cobram was established. The survey of the township of Cobram was underway at the time, with the Cobram Railway League anticipating the extension of the railway line from Numurkah. In 1887, township sites were sold. In the following year, 1888, the railway terminus at Cobram was built. In 1889, a punt service was opened, connecting Victoria and New South Wales across the Murray River. (Vict Places n.d.)

During the mid 1890s, Cobram was described as a rising township. It had two hotels, three stores, two implement factories, a newspaper, a sawmill, a school, a mechanics’ institute, a Methodist church, and a Presbyterian church. (Vict Places n.d.)

We found this beautiful mural on the side of the chemist’s alongside the Grand Central Hotel. The mural features a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a Rosella

Another attraction in Cobram is the old log cabin. It was relocated from the Beattie family property in Yarrawonga to its present location. The log cabin dates back to 1874 and was made from large boxwood trees covered with a bark roof and earthen floors.

On the corner of Murray Valley Highway and Station Street is a cairn to commemorate Charles Sturt, the leader of the first European exploration party to pass through the area in June 1838.

Marija and I then drove out to Cobram Regional Park.

Above: an aerial view of Cobram Regional Park. Image c/o Google Maps

The park is 470 hectares in size and has Murray River frontage with several sandy beaches, including Big Toms Beach, Thompson’s Beach, and Dead River Beach. The park contains River Red Gum forest and is home to kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Birdlife includes Kingfishers and Egrets. (Parks Victoria n.d.)

We ran our normal portable station for this activation, the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7PJM
2. VK1AO
3. VK2MET
4. VK2VH
5. VK4AAC
6. VK3DAC
7. VK3FE
8. VK3PF
9. VK2KAI
10. VK3PT
11. VK3GJG
12. VK3ANL/P (VKFF-0742)

Marija worked the following station on 20m SSB:-

1. ZL4NVW/p (ZLFF-0023)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7PJM
2. VK1AO
3. VK2MET
4. VK2VH
5. VK4AAC
6. VK3DAC
7. VK3FE
8. VK3PF
9. VK2KAI
10. VK3PT
11. VK3GJG
12. VK3MCK
13. VK3CLD
14. VK5QA
15. VK2DBF
16. VK3OAK
17. VK3GUM
18. VK4ZPF
19. VK3JW
20. VK3PJF
21. VK2ZR
22. VK3MGM
23. VK2YAK
24. VK4YAK
25. VK5IS
26. VK3ANL/P (VKFF-0742)
27. VK2KHA
28. VK2JSW
29. VK2EXA
30. VK3EJ
31. VK3UH
32. VK5DW
33. VK3UZI
34. VK3SQ
35. VK2BD
36. VK3JT
37. VK1DI
38. VK3XEM
39. VK5LA
40. VK5KAW
41. VK5AYL
42. VK3APJ
43. VK3UK
44. VK3MIJ
45. VK3KRL
46. VK3MCA
47. VK5BRU/P
48. VK2VW
49. VK2HFI
50. VK2AKA
51. VK2BUG
52. VK3BAP
53. VK3HQZ
54. VK2NP

I worked the following sttaion on 20m SSB:-

1. ZL4NVW/p (ZLFF-0023)

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026]
2. ‌Findagrave.com. (2017). John Kennedy Hume (1800-1840) – Find a Grave… [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115767755/john-kennedy-hume [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026].
3. ‌Moira Shire, 2007, The Environmental History
4. Parks Victoria, n.d., Cobram Regional Park Visitor Guide
5. Trove. (2026). THE SKETCHER. – History of Bushranging in New South Wales. WHITTON’S GANG. No. 2.—1840-1. – The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 – 1912) – 6 Jan 1894. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163325849 [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026].
6. ‌Trove. (2026). HISTORY OF COBRAM – Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) – 15 Nov 1930. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224918755?searchTerm=cobram%20%2B%20octavius%20philpotts [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026].
7. ‌Victorianplaces.com.au. (2026). Yarroweyah | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/yarroweyah [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026].
8. ‌www.victorianplaces.com.au. (n.d.). Cobram and Cobram Shire | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/cobram-and-cobram-shire. [Accessed 1 Apr. 2026]‌

On Tuesday, 4th November 2026, after leaving Tocumwal, Marija and I headed south towards the Strathmerton Bushland Reserve VKFF-5878 in Victoria.

Above: Map showing the location of the reserve. Map c/o Google Maps

We drove south on the Goulburn Valley Highway and reached Koonoomoo. We were hoping to call into the Big Strawberry at Koonoomoo, but unfortunately, it was closed. That might have been a blessing in disguise, as we were still full from our lunch in Tocumwal and the very nice ice cream at the Tocumwal Ice Creamery.

We then drove northwest on Mywee-Koonoomoo Road, and then north on Farralls Road. We soon reached the park. The reserve was gazetted on the 30th day of September 1984. (Dcceew.gov.au 2025)

Above: the boundaries of the reserve. Image c/o Google Earth

Although called Strathmerton Bushland Reserve, the park is actually in the district of Mywee. The town of Strathmerton is about 10km south. Mywee is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘a well.’ (Wikipedia 2025)

It was drizzling with rain when we arrived at the park, but we were able to put up the 20/40/80m linked dipole. But, within 10 minutes of setting up, the heavens absolutely opened up, and it started hailing. The rain did not stop, and we got absolutely drenched packing up the antenna.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0987)
2. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0987)
3. VK4CK/M
4. VK3EJ
5. VK5HS
6. VK3ZPF
7. VK3ACZ
8. VK3ZSC
9. VK2VW
10. VK2HFI
11. VK2AKA
12. VK2BUG
13. VK4DNO
14. VK3DNO

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0987)
2. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0987)
3. VK4CK/M
4. VK3EJ
5. VK5HS
6. VK3ZPF
7. VK3ACZ
8. VK3ZSC
9. VK2VW
10. VK2HFI
11. VK2AKA
12. VK2BUG
13. VK3PF
14. VK4DNO
15. VK2NP
16. VK3UP
17. VK3CLD
18. VK5QA
19. VK2DBF
20. VK1AO
21. VK2MET
22. VK3WSL
23. VK1DI
24. VK2PET
25. VK5KBJ
26. VK2BW
27. VK3MGM
28. VK3TDX
29. VK3AIW
30. VK3LDX
31. VK3CEO
32. VK3KLI
33. VK2ADF
34. VK2EIS
35. VK4HMI
36. VK7HAM
37. VK3DAC
38. VK2RB
39. VK3HJW
40. VK5FANA
41. VK7EE
42. VK2EXA
43. VK2KAD
44. VK2YL
45. VK2ZR
46. VK3APJ
47. VK3MCA

References.

1. Dcceew.gov.au. (2025). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database 2024 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2024. [Accessed 31 Mar 2026]
2. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Mywee. Wikipedia.‌

After leaving Finley on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, Marija and I drove south to Tocumwal on the New South Wales and Victoria State border. We didn’t have any specific plans and just wanted to go for a drive and explore the area.

Above: Map showing the location of Tocumwal. Image c/o Google Maps

Tocumwal is about 275 km north of Melbourne and about 676 km southwest of Sydney. It is located in the southern Riverina region of New South Wales and lies on the northern bank of the Murray River. As of the 2021 Census, Tocumwal’s population was 2,862 people. (Wikipedia 2026)

Prior to European settlement, the Tocumwal area was occupied by the Ulupana and Bangerang Aboriginal people. Tocumwal is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning ‘deep hole’ or ‘pit’. It was the abode of a native spirit that moved swiftly underground by a subterranean passage and then appeared at the Blow Hole in the granite formation at The Rocks. The Blow Hole is a small outcrop of rocks near The Rocks area northeast of Tocumwal. (Trove 2026) (www.murrayriver.com.au n.d.)

In the early 1840s, the district around Tocumwal was taken up by an English syndicate that ran several pastoral runs, including the Murray Run, the Tuppal Run, Deniliquin Station and others. Some years later, the Royal Bank of Scotland acquired these runs. They placed well known pioneer of the South Western Riverina, Benjamin Boyd in charge of the runs. (Berrigan 2015) (Trove 2026)

Benjamin Boyd was born in Scotland in August 18901. He arrived in Australia in 1842. In the colony of New South Wales, he became a major shipowner, banker, grazier, politician and alleged ‘blackbirder’. Blackbirding was the trade in indentured labourers from the Pacific. Indenturing is a form of labour where a person is contracted to work without a salary for a specified number of years. As a result of the ‘blackbirding’ activities, in 2022, the Ben Boyd National Park named in his honour, was renamed Beowa National Park. (Wikipedia 2020) (Wikipedia 2026)

Above: Benjamin Boyd. Image c/o Wikipedia

In 1855, the bank sold the Murray Station with 8,827 sheep to John Mooney for £13,902 and the Tuppal Station to Mooney for £5,562 with 6,181 sheep. I have seen other sources that state that John Mooney was James Moodie and Dan Mooney. (Trove 2026) (www.murrayriver.com.au n.d.)

Above: part of an article from The Maitland Mercury, Sat 17 Nov 1855. Image c/o Trove

Tuppal Run was then purchased by Messrs Ronald and Macbain, and then by George Watson and Cyrus Hewitt. (Trove 2026)

George John Watson was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1831. He emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, in March 1850. In 1851, he became the lessee of the leading colonial horse sale yard, Kirk’s Bazaar. (ancestry 2016) (Eastwood 1976)

Above: George Watson. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Cyrus Wheeler Hewitt was born in May 1825 in Massachusetts, USA. (ancestry 2016)

Above: Cyrus Hewitt. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

In November 1857, Watson and Hewitt won the mail contract between Melbourne and Sandhurst (current day Bendigo), and Melbourne and Ballarat. In the following month, December, they won the Beechworth mail contract. They purchased the two operating Cobb and Co coachlines. (ancestry 2016) (Eastwood 1976)

In the 1860s, George Watson became a member of the first committee of the Victorian Racing Club. He was renowned for being an outstanding amateur rider and a successful racehorse owner. In 1861, he was a steward for the first Melbourne Cup. In that year, he also won the first Oaks Stakes at Flemington. He became known as one of the most respected men in Victorian horse racing. Watson was a world-renowned race starter with his nickname being the ‘Prince of Starters.’ He died in 1906 at St Kilda, Victoria, aged 80 years. The George Watson Handicap held at Flemington is named in his honour. (Blog 2017) (Eastwood 1976)

Cyrus Hewitt married Margaret Helen Simpson in 1866. They had 2 children. He died in December 1874, in South Africa. (ancestry 2016)

In the 1860s, Tuppal Run was purchased by Messrs. Thomas Brown and Alexander Macfarlane for about £30,000. About thirty years after the purchase of the Tuppal Run by Watson and Hewitt, the Run was sold in the 1890s to Franc Sadleir Falkiner for about £400,000. Not a bad profit. Falkiner also purchased other pastoral interests. (Trove 2026)

Francis Sadleir Falkiner was born in 1833 in Tipperary, Ireland. His father, Daniel was a solicitor whose family had pioneered the woollen industry in Ireland. He emigrated to Australia in c. 1853, and in 1856, he married Emily Elizabeth Bazely at Carisbrook, Victoria. They had 10 children. He died in September 1909 in Deniliquin, N.S.W., aged 75 years. He left his family an estate of £204,000. (ancestry 2016) (Patenall 1972)

Above: Franc Falkiner. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

In the 1860s, Edward Hillson built a bark hotel and store alongside the Murray River, where current day Tocumwal is located. Hillson then built a small punt and established a crossing place on the Murray River between Shepparton and Jerilderie. Steamers travelling along the Murray commenced to make Tocumwal a regular point of call. Due to the increased number of people visiting Tocumwal, Hillson built a larger punt and opened a butcher and baker’s shop. (Berrigan Shire 2025) (Trove 2026)

Hillson was born in 1832 in Sydney. In 1862, he married Mary Ross Forsyth. They had 9 children. He served as a Magistrate at Tocumwal. He was known as ‘The King of Tocumwal.’ He died on the 27th day of June 1892, aged 60 years. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2026)

Above: article from The Corowa Free Press, Fri 8 Jul 1892. Image c/o Trove

Several historic buildings remain in Tocumwal. Before having some lunch, we drove around the town to admire them and take in their history.

Edward Hillson’s old store still stands on the main street. His former residence, built in the 1850s, can be found alongside the shop. Later in the day, we would pay the shop a visit for some ice cream.

The former Bakery is located on Deniliquin Street at the junction with Jerilderie Street. The bakery was built between 1888 and 1890. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

The present Tattersalls Hotel at Deniliquin Street was built in 1927-28 for Tooth & Co. From c. 1889, a hotel of this name had occupied the site. The old hotel, which included stables, was demolished. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

The former National Bank of Australasia can be found on Murray Street. It was built between 1921 and 1922 as a bank chamber and an attached manager’s residence. The building was designed by Arthur Edgar Dainton, an English-born architect who had previously worked in the southern African colonies. John Smith, a well-known local builder, was contracted to build the bank. This bank branch continued to operate until 1989. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

The Memorial Hall is located on Deniliquin Street. In 1919, the Tocumwal community sought to create a memorial to honour Tocumwal’s soldiers. A few years later, construction commenced on the building, which was completed in 1927. In 1938, Honour Rolls were added to the facade of the building. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

On the facade of the IGA supermarket is a very impressive mural.

The Tocumwal Hotel is located on Deniliquin Street. It was closed for renovations during our visit to Tocumwal. The hotel was established in 1859 by Edward Hillson. It was originally a timber public house with an attached store. In 1868 it was destroyed by a fire. The hotel was rebuilt with the existing structure. In 1900 the hotel underwent significant renovation whilst Frank Staples was the licencee. In 1910 the hotel was sold. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

The Terminus Hotel is located on Deniliquin Street. The hotel was built in 1909 at the behest of John Donkin, an English immigrant. He was a well-known publican, and he strategically constructed the hotel in close proximity to the newly established railway station. (Berrigan Shire 2025)

The Tocumwal Guardian in 1909 described the hotel as:

“The imposing structure is an ornament to the town of Tocumwal and greatly enhances the value of toenship property….”

Above: part of an article from the Tocumwal Guardian & Finley Free Press, Fri 27 Aug 1909. Image c/o Trove

The former Houghton’s Wine Saloon on Murray Street was built c. 1905. It replaced an earlier timber building on the site to accommodate a wine saloon, boarding rooms and dining room. John Thomas Houghton was the first licensee. He died in 1918 and at the time of his death, the Tocumwal Guardian reported that he was “‘well and popularly known in Tocumwal. He was a thrifty and honest man, and was respected by all classes of the community.” (Berrigan Shire 2025) (Trove 2026)

A little building that captured our eye was the former Railway Store on Tuppal Road. Sadly, it appears to be in a run-down condition and was vacant. The Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre previously occupied the building.

The store was built in 1900 for John Wilson and Robert Bustorff and traded as Bridge Stores. The partnership did not last long, and in November 1901, the partnership dissolved. Wilson became the sole owner, and as the business grew, the building was expanded. In February 1912, Wilson sold the business to Mr Cunningham, who continued to trade from the building, assisted by his wife. It was at this time that the business name was changed to Railway Stores. Two years later, in 1914, the store was sold to James Flanagan. The business was later sold to Laurence Plowright, who continued to run the store until the 1960s. (Berrigan Shire 2025) (Facebook 2026)

Above: article from The Berrigan Advocate, Fri 6 Mar 1903. Image c/o Trove

I found this plaque in the main street commemorating the Tocumwal flour mill. Marija and I would activate this silo lateer in the day.

Marija and I then visited Tocumwal’s Big Murray Cod. It was originally erected at the old swimming pool in 1968, but was later removed to its current location. The idea of the Big Murray Cod was that of three women from the auxiliary of the local Chamber of Commerce, Miss Kathryn Moore, Miss Alice Johnson, and Mrs Lorna Nash. At the time, it was just the second ‘Big Thing’ to go on display in Australia. (Visitnsw.com 2015)

We then drove out to the Tocumwal Aviation Museum.

During the Second World War, Tocumwal was home to the Royal Australian Air Force Station Tocumwal. It was a major RAAF training airfield and aircraft depot. Tocumwal was the largest base operated by the RAAG during WWII and the largest base ever operated by the RAAF in its history. (Wikipedia 2026)

The museum has an excellent display of aircraft and RAAF memorabilia. We wandered around for a few hours.

One of the aircraft on display is a de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk. The Chipmunk was developed shortly after WWII and was typically employed as a replacement for the de Havilland Tiger Moth biplane. The particular Chipmunk on display was manufactured and delivered to the Royal Air Force in November 1951. Following a brief flying career, the aircraft was put into storage and then declared surplus and sold in 1956.

An interesting display is the bulletproof glass from a B-24 Liberator and the nose wheel of a B-24.

There is also an excellent mural of a B-24 Liberator. There were 54 Liberator bombers of No. 7 Operational Training Unit located at RAAF Station Tocumwal. About 4,500 airmen acquired the skills at Tocumwal to take these aircraft into the theatre of war.

The De Havilland DH-89A Dominie were manufactured between 1934 and 1946.

One display that really interested me was the Aermacchi MB-326H. This aircraft was a light military jet trainer that was designed and manufactured by Italian aircraft manufacturer, Aermacchi. They were powered by a single Rolls-Royce Viper non-afterburning turbojet engine. The RAAF used them as a jet trainer. They were used by the RAAF’s aerobatic team The Roulettes.

This Wirriway is owned by Paul Bennett, an Australian aerobatic pilot. He has performed at the Tocumwal Air Show.

The CAC CA-28 Ceres was developed by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Pty Ltd as a heavy payload agricultural aircraft.

Outside, the museum has a beautiful garden to stroll around.

At the front of the museum, there are silhouettes of aircraft flown at Tocumwal.

You can also find the blade propellor of a B-24 Liberator.

This is still an active airfield.

We enjoyed a nice lunch in ‘The Drome’ restaurant at the aviation museum, and then headed back into town to the Tocumwal Ice Creamery for some very yummy ice cream.

With full bellies, we drove towards the Tocumwal Regional Park for a park activation for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

We stopped briefly to view the historic Tocumwal railway station. It was opened in February 1929 and is now closed, but houses a small railway museum. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. (Wikipedia 2026)

The Tocumwal South silo VK-TCT2 is located alongside the old Seymour Tocumwal Railway, and close to the Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum. They consist of two steel Aquila-type silos. It is one of 4 silos in Tocumwal that qualify for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

The Tocumwal South 2 silo VK-TCU2 is also located alongside the old Seymour Tocumwal Railway, a little further to the south of the Tocumwal South silo.

In 1911, Henry George Wise and his brother Thomas Walter Wise purchased land next to the Victorian railway line in Tocumwal to construct a flour mill. The mill commenced operation in 1913 and featured a 13-sack roller design.

Above: part of an article from the Tocumwal Guardian, Fri 29 Aug 1913. Image c/o Trove

Henry George Wise was born in October 1843 in County Cork, Ireland. His younger brother, Thomas Walter Wise, was born in December 1850 in County Cork, Ireland. Henry emigrated to Australia in 1861. He died on the 2nd day of February 1926 at Paddington, N.S.W. His brother Thomas emigrated to Australia in 1860, when aged 10, with his father and mother, George and Elizabeth Wise. He died on the 29th day of August 1922 in Sydney, N.S.W. (ancestry 2016)

Above: Thomas Wise. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

The two original 10,000 bushel wheat silos at this location were designed and built by Sir John Monash of the State Monier Pipe Company. In May 1912, construction commenced on the 50-foot-high silos.

Above: Sir John Monash. Image c/o Wikipedia

In March 1945, a fire at the Tcocumwal mill caused about £30,000 in damage. The mill was saved by the RAAF Fire Brigade.

Above: article from The Pastoral Times, Tue 13 Feb 1945. Image c/o Trove

Interestingly, the Tocumwal Regional Park is actually located in Victoria. We travelled across the mighty Murray River on the Edward Hillson Bridge to reach the park. A point of interest, the Murray is known as the River Murray in South Australia and the Murray River in Victoria and New South Wales. The Edward Hillson Bridge is named in honour of Edward Hillson, who I have spoken about above.

This was not the first bridge to span the Murray at Tocumwal. The original bridge was opened on Easter Monday in 1895 by J.H. Young, the Minister for Works. Members of the NSW Assembly, the Victorian Assembly and about 250 people were in attendance. It was the 9th bridge to be erected over the Murray between Victoria and New South Wales, with construction commencing in 1893. (Trove 2026) (www.murrayriver.com.au n.d.)

Above: the Tocumwal Bridge, 1895. Image c/o Australian Town & Country, Sat 14 Sept 1895, Trove

The bridge survives today, and is just to the south of the Edward Hillson Bridge.

The Tocumwal Regional Park is bounded by the Murray River and the Goulburn Valley Highway.

Above: the boundaries of Tocumwal Regional Park. Image c/o Google Earth

The park includes about 25 sandy riverside beaches and several bush camping sites.

Above: an aerial view of Tocumwal Regional Park. Image c/o Google Maps.

Marija and I drove a short distance down Pump Bend Track and set up very close to the river, and ensured we were in the activation zone of the 2 silos. We operated with the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

The activation zone at the 2 silos. Image c/o SiOTA website

We had a group of young lads riding trail bikes in the park, stop to ask us what we were doing. We took the time to explain the hobby of amateur radio to them, and they seemed quite keen and wished us well.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK3DAC
4. VK3ACZ
5. VK1AD
6. VK1NAM
7. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0987)
8. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0987)
9. VK2VW
10. VK2HFI
11. VK2AKA
12. VK2BUG

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK3DAC
4. VK3ACZ
5. VK1AD
6. VK1NAM
7. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0987)
8. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0987)
9. VK2VW
10. VK2HFI
11. VK2AKA
12. VK2BUG
13. VK3ZSC
14. VK2YAK
15. VK4YAK
16. VK3CLD
17. VK5QA
18. VK2DBF
19. VK5HS
20. VK2EXA
21. VK3KLI
22. VK3WRD
23. VK2DA
24. VK1DA
25. VK3BWS
26. VK2NP
27. VK7EV
28. VK3SX
29. VK3CEO
30. VK5WU
31. VK2VMC
32. VK3YY
33. VK3OAK
34. VK5VK
35. VK3UH
36. VK1AO
37. VK2MET
38. VK3AIW
39. VK3EJ
40. VK3ZPF
41. VK3JW
42. VK3PJF

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2LEE
2. VK2VW
3. VK2HFI
4. VK2AKA
5. VK2BUG

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2026]‌
2. Blog. (2017). George Watson and The Melbourne Cup. [online] Available at: https://blog.qm.qld.gov.au/2017/11/02/george-watson-and-the-melbourne-cup/ [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
3. ‌Eastwood, J. (1976). Watson, George John (1829–1906). [online] Anu.edu.au. Available at: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/watson-george-john-4810 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
4. ‌Facebook.com. (2026). Explored Visions by GD. [online] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/exploredvisions [Accessed 26 Mar. 2026].‌
5. Patenall, D. (1972). Falkiner, Franc Sadleir (1833–1909). [online] Anu.edu.au. Available at: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/falkiner-franc-sadleir-3495 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
6. ‌Trove. (2026). THE HISTORY OF TOCUMWAL – No. 64— Weekly Times Country Towns Series – Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) – 27 Dec 1930. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224917025 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
7. ‌Trove. (2026). Sydney News. – THE SCHEDULES. (From the Empire, Nov. 14.) – The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893) – 17 Nov 1855. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/708762/129360 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
8. ‌Trove. (2026). DEATH OF A PIONEER. – THE FOUNDER OF TOCUMWAL. TOCUMWAL, Monday. – The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954) – 27 Jun 1892. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242861308?searchTerm=edward%20hillson [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026].
9. ‌Trove. (2026). The Murray Bridge at Tocumwal. – Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954) – 20 Apr 1895. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220542875?searchTerm=tocumwal%20%2B%20bridge%20%2B%20open [Accessed 31 Mar. 2026].
10. ‌Trove. (2026). Obituary. – MR J. T. HOUGHTON. – Tocumwal Guardian and Riverina Echo (NSW : 1913 – 1918) – 12 Apr 1918. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128729469?searchTerm=houghtons%20wine%20saloon%20tocumwal [Accessed 31 Mar. 2026].
11. ‌Visitnsw.com. (2015). Big Murray Cod. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/the-murray/tocumwal/attractions/big-murray-cod. [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026]
12. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2026). Benjamin Boyd. Wikipedia.
13. ‌Wikipedia. (2020). Indentured servitude. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indentured_servitude. [Accessed 30 Mar. 2026]
14. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2026). Tocumwal. Wikipedia.‌

After leaving Finley silo on Tuesday, 4th November 2025, Marija and I drove a short distance to the Finley North silo VK-FNH2. The silo is located to the north of Finley, on the western side of the Newell Highway, at the junction with Rice Mill Road.

Marija and I parked on Rice Mill Road and operated from the 4WD, running the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above: the activation zone at the Finley North silo. Image c/o SiOTA website

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0986)
2. VK3PF
3. VK2YAK
4. VK4YAK
5. VK2EXA

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0986)
2. VK3PF
3. VK2YAK
4. VK4YAK
5. VK2EXA
6. VK1AO
7. VK2MET
8. VK3APJ
9. VK3DAC
10. VK3HJW
11. VK3SQ
12. VK3JT
13. VK2BD
14. VK2DA
15. VK1DA
16. VK2YL
17. VK2VH
18. VK4AAC
19. VK3TDK
20. VK3NYC
21. VK2NP
22. VK3EJ
23. VK3JOC

References.

1. Silosontheair.com. (2026). Silos on the Air. [online] Available at: https://www.silosontheair.com/silos/ [Accessed 26 Mar. 2026].‌

Here is a selection of QSL cards received in the mail recently for VK5MAZ, VK5PAS, VK5COP & VK5IPA.