After a good night’s sleep in Gundagai, our first stop on Friday, 31st October 2025, was the famous Dog On The Tuckerbox at Snake Gully, just north of Gundagai, New South Wales.

Marija was expecting a large monument, but I had warned her that it was just a small monument, going by my memory. The last time I was there was when I was about 12 years old with my parents. Once seeing it, Marija exclaimed: ‘Is that it?” Nevertheless, we were both pleased to view one of Australia’s iconic monuments and a piece of unique Australian history.

When I last visited the Dog On The Tuckerbox, the Hume Highway passed right by the Dog, and if my memory recalls correctly, there were lots of tourists stopping to admire the monument and visit the adjacent souvenir shop. While preparing this post, I went through some old photo albums and found the photo below showing myself, my Dad and my sister at the Dog On The Tuckerbox in c. 1977. The photo was taken on a Polaroid instant camera, which became very popular in Australia during the 1970s.

Today, the Hume Highway bypasses the statue. To access it, you need to take the highway exit to the service station/KFC/Subway, about 8 km from Gundagai and a little further along Annie Pyers Drive, you will find the statue. The old visitor shop is still there and was refurbished and reopened in late 2025. Annie Pyers Drive is named after the original shopkeeper. There are plans in place for a major redevelopment here, including accommodation, and it certainly needs it. The site was looking a little tired.

The inspiration behind the monument is the poem entitled ‘Bill, the Bullocky’, which was published in 1857. The poem describes a series of misfortunes faced by a bullock driver, which culminated in his dog sitting on the food in his tucker box. For those reading this from overseas, a tuckerbox is an Australian name for a box that holds food. A tucker box is similar to a lunchbox, but is larger in size. (Wikipedia 2026)

While going through my boxes of memorabilia, I also found this postcard that I purchased back in the 1970s when visiting The Dog On The Tuckerbox. It has the words to Bill the Bullocky on the rear.

Many years later, in 1923, Australian poet Jack Moses penned another poem, called ‘Nine Miles from Gundagai.’ It relates to the story of his dog, which sat on the tucker box nine miles from Gundagai. (Wikipedia 2026)

Jack Moses was born on the 12th day of January 1861 at Haymarket, New South Wales. He became a wine and whiskey salesman and travelled around Australia. During his travels on Cobb & Co coaches, sulkies, trains and then motor vehicles, he wrote poetry. Moses died in July 1945, aged 84 years. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Jack Moses. Image c/o Trove

And in 1937, ‘Jack’ O’Hagan immortalised the legend in his son entitled ‘Where the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox.’ John Francis O’Hagan was born in November 1898 at Fitzroy, Victoria. Upon the introduction of radio in Australia, he was one of the very first to broadcast for radio stations 3LO and later on 3AW. He wrote over 600 songs. He was awarded the OBE in 1973. O’Hagan died on the 15th day of July 1986, aged 88. (Wikipedia 2025)

At the site, some signs describe the history of the Dog On The Tuckerbox and also show the words to both Bill the Bullocky and Nine Miles from Gundagai.

In 1926, a dog monument was erected on a site that was ‘nine miles’ from Gundagai. In 1928, Frank Rusconi, a Gundagai stonemason, suggested a more substantial monument. In 1932, this proposal was taken up by the local community. On the 11th day of August 1932, an article appeared in the Gundagai Independent which recommended that a monument be erected at the 9-mile peg dedicated to the pioneers and bullockies and that there should be an unveiling ceremony during the ‘Back to Gundagai Week.’ Wikipedia Contributors (2025). 

Above: article from The Gundagai Independent, Thu 11 Aug 1932. Image c/o Trove

Unfortunately, the Gundagai Shire did not support the proposal for the erection of the Dog On The Tuckerbox monument.

Above: part of an article from The Gundagai Independent, Mon 12 Sept 1932. Image c/o Trove

Despite the initial pushback from the Council, the construction of the monument went ahead. The dog component of the monument was designed by Frank Rusconi. It was cast in bronze at Oliver’s Foundry in Sydney. On the 28th day of November 1932, the Dog on the Tuckerbox was unveiled by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons. More than 3,000 people were in attendance. (Wikipedia 2025)

Marija and I then drove back into Gundagai to have a quick walk along the main street. We have travelled around Australia quite a bit, and we rate Gundagai as one of the nicest country towns we have visited, with an enormous amount of history and a range of things to see and do.

The first Europeans in the Gundagai district were explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in November 1824. Five years later, in 1829, explorer Charles Sturt travelled through the area, and again in 1830 on his return journey. It is believed that Gundagai is derived from Gundagair’, a pastoral run established in 1838 by William Hutchinson, to the immediate north of present-day Gundagai. That name in turn derives from the Aboriginal word ‘gair’, meaning bird. (Gundagai 2023)

The original town of Gundagai was located on the Murrumbidgee floodplain at a location called ‘The Crossing Place.’ It was subject to several flooding incidents, including the 1844 floods. During those particular floods, Henry Bingham, the Crown Commissioner for the Murrumbidgee District, praised the Aboriginal people for their efforts in the rescue of people during the flood. (Gundagai 2023)

Above: article from The Colonial Observer, Thu 28 Nov 1844. Image c/o Trove

And then, 8 years later, a major flood on the 25th day of June 1852, swept the town away and killed at least 78 people. It is suspected that the death toll was higher. Considering Gundagai’s population was only about 250 people, this was a devastating event. It is one of the worst natural disasters in the history of colonial Australia. (Gundagai 2023)

During the 1852 flood, local Aboriginal men Yarri, Jacky Jacky, and Long Jimmy played an important role in the rescue of residents of Gundagai. Using bark canoes, they rescued over 60 people, about one-third of Gundagai’s population. In the main street of Gundagai, you can find a bronze sculpture of Yarri and Jacky Jacky. (Gundagai 2023)

I mentioned Jack O’Hagan a little earlier in this post. In 1922, he released the song ‘Along The Road to Gundagai.’ It was used as the theme to the Dad and Dave radio show, which I will talk about shortly. The song sold nearly 50,000 copies in the first 3 months. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Family Hotel was originally John Spencer’s Thatched Cottage in South Gundagai, and was first licensed in 1843. In 1848, Spencer renewed the license under the name of the Gundagai Family Hotel. It acted as a Cobb & Co booking agent. (Burch 2022)

At the hotel, you can find the sculpture of ‘Chip’, the Tuckerbox pup. It is the work of artist Darien Pullen. He is the same artist who created the Great Flood monument. ‘Chip’ is one of three pup sculptures in Gundagai. (Visit Gundagai 2021)

Marija and I then drove up to the Mount Parnassus lookout at Gundagai. which can be accessed either via Hanley Street or Nurse Murray Street. It was a beautiful morning, and we enjoyed excellent views of Gundagai and its surrounds, including the Murrumbidgee River.

The dual carriageway Sheahan Bridge over the Murrumbidgee River is clearly visible from the lookout. It is the 3rd longest bridge in New South Wales. (Wikipedia 2024)

Mount Parnassus is hardly a mountain. It is really a hill, about 330 metres ASL, that overlooks Gundagai. It was named by surveyor Samuel Augustus Perry in 1838 after Mount Parnassus in central Greece. Perry was born in 1787 in Wales who emigrated to Australia in 1829 after being appointed Deputy Surveyor General of New South Wales. (Mapcarta n.d.) (Wikipedia 2026)

Above: Samuel Augustus Perry. Image c/o Wikipedia

We then visited the Dad and Dave, Mum and Mabel sculptures in Gundagai. The sculptures were originally located at the Snake Gully Tourist complex opposite the Dog On The Tuckerbox. When the complex closed, they were donated to the community and moved to its current location. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.)

The Australian radio drama series Dad and Dave from Snake Gully was based on the On Our Selection stories of Steele Rudd. The series featured the characters Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel. The theme tune was ‘The Road to Gundagai’. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.) (Wikipedia 2025)

We then had a magnificent breakfast at The Coffee Pedaler, which is reputed to have the best coffee on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne. It was certainly very nice coffee, and the breakfast was sensational.

Following our excellent breakfast, we visited the North Gundagai Cemetery. Marija and I enjoy wandering around old cemeteries, viewing the historic headstones. They tell you so much about the local area. At Gundagai, we specifically wanted to see the headstone of the bushranger Captain Moonlite.

Andrew George Scott @ Captain Moonlitewas born on the 5th day of July 1842, in Rathfriland, Ireland. In 1861, Scott emigrated to New Zealand, where he intended to try his hand at the Otago goldfields. However, following the outbreak of the New Zealand Wars, he enlisted as an officer and fought in the Battle of Orakau. He was wounded and, following a long convalescence period, he was court-martialed, being accused of malingering. (Captain Moonlite 2024)

Scott left New Zealand and travelled to Australia, where in 1868 he was appointed lay reader at Bachus Marsh in Victoria, with the intention of entering the Anglican priesthood. Scott’s first brush with the law was in the following year in 1869, when he was accused of robbing a bank agent. The masked offender forced the agent to sign a note which read:

“I hereby certify that L.W. Bruhn has done everything within his power to withstand this intrusion and the taking of money which was done with firearms, Captain Moonlite.”

Scott was then imprisoned in New South Wales for 18 months for obtaining money by false pretences. In 1872, he robbed the London Chartered Bank of Australia. He escaped from custody but was recaptured. Following a term of imprisonment at HM Prison Pentridge, Scott commenced a career as a public speaker on prison reform. He met up with James Nesbitt, whom he had met in prison, and it appears that Nesbitt became his lover. (Captain Moonlite 2024)

Despite Scott’s good intentions, he was allegedly harassed by the authorities, and he subsequently formed a gang and he commenced the life of a bushranger. The gang included Scott, Nesbitt, Thomas Rogan, Thomas Williams, Gus Wernickie, and Graham Bennett. (Captain Moonlite 2024)

In November 1879, Scott’s gang held up Wantabadgery Station, NSW, near Wagga Wagga. They also robbed the Australian Arms Hotel. They then held up the farmhouse of Edmund McGlede, where the gang was involved in a shootout with the police. It resulted in the death of Constable Edward Webb-Bowen. Scott was captured and charged with the shooting of the Constable, which he denied. Scott, along with his companion Rogan, was hanged at the Darlinghurst Gaol on the 20th day of January 1880. Scott was 38 years old. (Captain Moonlite 2024)

Above: the capture of Captain Moonlite. Image c/o Wikipedia

Below is a short video on the life of Scott @ Captain Moonlite. There are some other excellent videos on YouTube about Scott.

Scott’s final request before being hanged was to be buried in the same grave as his constant companion, James Nesbitt. This was denied by the authorities, and he was buried at Rookwood Cemetery. In January 1995, Scott’s remains were exhumed, and he was reinterred at the North Gundagai Cemetery alongside Nesbitt’s grave, which is unmarked. Gang member Augustus Ernest Diedrich William ‘Gus’ Wernicke is also buried nearby in an unmarked grave. He was just 15 years old when shot by police at Wantabadgery. (Captain Moonlite 2024) (Findagrave.com 2016)

Constable Edward Mostyn Webb-Bowen, who was killed in the shootout with Scott’s gang, is also buried at the North Gundagai Cemetery. As is Sergeant Edmund Parry who I spoke about in my Tidbinbilla post.

Edward Mostyn Webb-Bowen was born in October 1851 in Pembrokeshire, Wales. He arrived in Australia in 1873 aboard the Marietta. In 1876, he married Bridget Maria Power. They had 2 children. He commenced service with the New South Wales Police Force in March 1875. He was shot in the neck during the 1879 shootout with Scott’s gang at McGlede’s Farm, Wantabadgery, NSW. (ancestry 2016) (UBC Web Design 2026)

Above: Edward Webb-Bowen. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Constable Webb-Bowen succumbed to his injuries a few days after being shot. His funeral took place in Gundagai on Monday 29th May 1899. It was reported to be one of the largest funerals that ever took place in Gundagai. (Trove 2026)

Above: article from the Newcastle Morning Herald, Tue 25 Nov 1879. Image c/o Trove

Constable Webb-Mostyn’s headstone was erected by the Government of New South Wales. It reads:

‘…was mortally wounded when bravely performing his duty in an encounter with armed criminals near Wantabadgery on the 17th of November 1879.’

Sergeant Edmund Parry was shot dead whilst attempting to capture the bushranger John Gilbert near Jugiong. He was 32 years old. His headstone was erected by ‘some of his officers and comrades by whom the deceased was much respected nd regretted.’

For more information about Sergeant Parry and John Gilbert, please have a read of my Tidbinbilla post.

There is a Sergeant Parry Memorial Day Facebook page, which contains a significant amount of information.

Yarri, the famous Aboriginal hero whom I mentioned earlier in this post, is also buried in the cemetery. His headstone was erected in September 1990 by the Tumur-Brungle local Aboriginal Land Council in recognition of his heroism.

Stephen White was born c. 1800 in Wiltshire, England. On the 17th day of October 1820, he was sentenced to 7 years’ transportation to Australia. He arrived in Australia on the 16th day of September 1821 aboard the Grenada. On the 22nd day of September 1825, he was issued a Ticket of Leave. White died on the 16th day of December 1857, at Gundagai. (ancestry 2016) (convictrecords.com.au 2026)

His son Edward White was born in 1825 in New South Wales. He died on the 12th day of April 1866, at Gundagai, as a result of a drowning. (ancestry 2016)

Jeremiah O’Connor was born in c. 1834 in County Kerry, Ireland. Five Mile Creek near Gundagai. (ancestry 2016) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from the Goulburn Herald, Thu 8 May 1884. Image c/o Trove

Although the headstone states his date of death was 4th May 1884, it appears the correct date of death was 27th April 1884. (ancestry 2016)

Thomas Henderson was born on the 8th day of December 1829 in Midlothian, Scotland. After emigrating to Australia, he married Emily Martha Josephine Harricks at Tumut, NSW. They had 2 children. Thomas was a surgeon and chemist in Gundagai. He died on the 17th day of April 1874 at Gundagai, aged 44 years. (ancestry 2016)

Dr Henderson suffered from neuralgia, which is an intense stabbing or burning nerve pain. He was discovered dead in bed. A coroner’s inquest was held, and after reviewing the evidence, the Coroner and Jury returned a verdict that his death arose from natural causes. (Trove 2026)

Above: part of an article from The Gundagai Times, Sat 18 Apr 1874. Image c/o Trove

Thomas Belford was born in 1841 in Galway, Ireland. He emigrated to Australia, and in 1873, he married Ellen Ryan at Gundagai. They had four children. Thomas was a cordial manufacturer. Thomas died on the 14th day of February 1882, at Gundagai. He was attempting to cross a creek in a sprint cart when it capsized. Thomas was thrown on his head. It was reported that he was ‘removed in an insensible condition’ to Leary’s Hotel, where he was attended by Dr Ogg. Sadly, he died shortly afterwards. A boy who was in the cart at the time escaped unhurt. (ancestry 2016) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from The Sydney Daily Telegraph, Wed 15 Feb 1882. Image c/o Trove

The headstone was erected in ‘affectionate remembrance’ of his wife, Ellen.

There are so many other historical headstones in the North Gundagai Cemetery. You could wander around here for hours.

Marija and I then visited the Gundagai Visitor Centre and collected a key to enter the old Gundagai Gaol. Ironic that it was a key to enter the Gaol. I am sure there were a lot of inmates over the years who would have paid good money for that key. You can undertake a self-guided audio tour for a small fee. We can highly recommend it.

The gaol is located on the corner of First Avenue and Byron Street, Gundagai, and is surrounded by a high wall made of local slate with rendered capping.

The Gaol was originally built as a lockup in 1859. In October 1859, two prisoners who were being held at the Gundagai Lockup, awaiting their trials at the Gundagai Sessions, escaped from the lockup. They struck Constable with the butt end of a pistol and batten. The two wives of the Constables were also injured while assisting their husbands in trying to prevent the escape of the men. (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from the Wagga Wagga Express, Sat 1 Oct 1859. Image c/o Trove

It commenced operation as a Gaol in 1861. The buildings at the gaol were built in stages between 1859 and 1899, to designs by colonial architects Dawson, Barnet, and Vernon. The buildings were predominantly built from local slate.

Above: NSW Govt Gazette, Tue 16 Apr 1861. Image c/o Trove

The Gundagai Gaol held men and women who were serving short sentences, generally less than 12 months. Cattle and horse theft, and larceny were common offences for which prisoners were held at Gundagai Gaol. Other minor crimes included obscene language, absconding from hired service, and furious riding of horses. Those who had committed more serious offences were only held at Gundagai Gaol for short periods of time. They were then transferred to larger gaols. The gaol closed in 1909. However, it continued to operate as a lockup until the late 1970s.

We unlocked the door on Byron Street and entered the gaol.

The first section of the gaol we visited was the Exercise Yard. The prisoners were unable to see the outside world due to the high walls, but they could view the sky through the caged roof.

We then viewed the calls. Certainly nothing like the cells in modern-day prisons.

We then viewed the kitchen area.

Marija and I highly recommend a visit to the gaol. You are issued with a headset with a commentary on the history of the gaol and its various buildings. You are free to wander around the gaol and enter the various buildings.

The Gaoler’s residence was originally built as a single-storey building. It was later expanded using the same bricks that were used to build the Gundagai Courthouse.

We then visited the Gaol’s infirmary which was built in 1863. A new ward was added in 1899.

Inside the infirmary is an excellent display of Captain Moonlite.

Marija was keen for me to get into the prison stocks below, but I was a bit concerned I might be left there.

After leaving the old Gundagai Gaol, Marija and I headed back down the street for a walk. Our first stop was St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mr Manfred of Goulburn was the architect. The foundation stone was laid on the 17th day of March 1885, by the Right Reverend Lannigan. About 1,200 people were present. There was a procession from the old church to the new. A Mass was celebrated by Father Hennessy, and the Very Rev Prior Butler gave an address. (Trove 2026) (UBC Web Design 2018)

Above: article from The Gundagai Times, Tue 17 Mar 1885. Image c/o Trove

The church was open, so we ventured inside. Marija, being of Catholic faith, paid her respects. The interior of this church is beautiful.

The former Commercial Banking Co of Sydney building is very impressive. The branch opened in 1877, and this building was erected in 1880. (Gundagaitouristpark.com.au 2024)

The grand old Royal Hotel on the corner of Sheridan Street and Homer Street was de-licenced in 1999. (Chirp 2026)

The old Blueheeler guesthouse was built in 1853. Over the years, it has been the Crown Inn, Tracey’s Club House Hotel and the Gresham Hotel. (Gundagaitouristpark.com.au 2024)

There is so much history in Gundagai, and fortunately, so many historic buildings have remained.

The Gundagai Courthouse was built in 1859 and opened in 1860. It was constructed after the devastating 1852 Gundagai flood. It was one of a handful of existing courthouses in New South Wales that were designed by Colonial Architect Alexander Dawson. The court held the trial of bushranger Captain Moonlite in 1879. (NSW Courts 2013( (Nsw.gov.au 2026)

The interior of the courthouse was destroyed in a fire in 1943. It was rebuilt with an opening ceremony taking place on the 25th day of March 1944. Three days later, Gundagai’s first official visit from a State Governor occurred, with a visit to the courthouse by Lord Wakehurst. (Nsw.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from the Daily Advertiser Wagga Wagga, Thu 18 Feb 1943. Image c/o Trove

The Gundagai Bakehouse is believed to be the oldest working bakery in Australia. It was built and opened by William Bibo in 1864.

Wendelin ‘William’ Bibo was born in June 1826 in Sachsen-Anhalt in the Kingdom of Prussia. He was a baker by trade. He married Eva Pursch in 1855, and they emigrated to Australia shortly thereafter. They had three children. William became the Mayor of Gundagai and was a Justice of the Peace. He was also the chairman of the racecourse trust. William made fame as a maker of lollies, biscuits and fancy breads. Eva died in 1999. William died in May 1910. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2026)

The Gundagai Post Office was opened on the 1st day of April 1843. The current building was built in 1879. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.) (Wikipedia 2023)

Gundagai had the last official ‘pony express’ who delivered mail on horseback. This ended in 1984. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.)

Marija and I then had lunch at Niagara Cafe. Wow, what a place. So much history, amazing decor, great food, and very friendly staff.

The cafe was initially established in 1902 by Stratee Notara, a Kytherian Greek. An American Carbonating Fountain was installed in 1910 to serve cold drinks. In 1919, the Castrission family purchased the cafe. At that time, there were separate dining rooms for the ladies and gentlemen. In 1928, the cafe was altered and rebranded as the Niagara Cafe.

In 1938, the cafe’s Art Deco interior and exterior were created with the services of a highly qualified architect, shop fitter Frank G. O’Brien from Sydney and a professor of electronics working to present the cafe and lighting system to an incredibly high standard. The Niagara Cafe was promoted as ‘Australia’s Wonder Cafe’. It has been frequented by politicians, including Prime Minister John Curtin and his War Cabinet during the 1940s.

The cafe’s original ceiling was dome-shaped and was decorated with images of various constellations. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1975.

The Castrission family operated the cafe until 1983. Since that time, the Loukissas family have operated the cafe.

After lunch, we strolled down the main street and visited the Australian Pen Museum. It is located in the old Fry’s Assembly Hall, which was built in 1881 as an entertainment venue for Fry’s Family Hotel, which is located opposite. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.)

The hall was the location of the first local council meeting after Gundagai was declared a municipality in 1889. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.)

Above: item from Australian Town and Country Journal, Sat 16 Nov 1889. Image c/o Trove

In 1932, the hall was converted to T.W. Irwin’s Garage. From 1956, it became Hume Motors, owned by Mrs E.G. Winnett. It was then used as a plumbing and appliance store owned by T & J Wells. (Gundagai Visitor Info Centre n.d.)

We spent quite some time wandering around the museum and chatting to the owner, admiring his amazing collection.

The museum also has several historic newspapers on display.

The museum includes a 1920s school.

We left the museum and continued our stroll up and down Gundagai’s main street.

The Gundagai Theatre was built in 1928. with movie screenings commencing on the 15th day of June 1929. The theatre contained a total of 524 seats. Movie screenings ceased during the 1980s. (Gundagai Theatre 2026)

Wahroonga was built for Dr Henry Morton Marshall in the 1870s. Wahroonga is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Our Home.’ Dr Marshall and his wife had 9 children. Their youngest son, Harold, was accidentally shot in the leg in the Boer War. He died whilst undergoing surgery to amputate his leg.

Butcher Roberts Garden Gallery & Gifts store is now an antiques store. The original grant of 2 roods was sold to Robert Riley in 1845 for £134. Mr. JM Dodd who was a member of the Legislative Council of NSW conducted his ‘Centennial Stores’ on this site. In 1908 Samuel Solomon purchased the building and ran a general merchants. Various other owners have operated various stores at the site. In 1946 the buildings were purchased by Butcher Roberts Pty Ltd, with the building being used as a retail business and photographic gallery.

We then ventured down to the Gundagai Historical Museum.

The museum contains a magnificent collection of memorabilia associated with Gundagai and the district.

I even found a selection of old bakelite radios.

We drove a little further along Sheridan Lane and stopped to have a look at the old Gundagai Mill. It was built in 1848 by Mr Joseph Morley for Edward Flood and Thomas Hanley as Gundagai’s first flour mill. Joseph Dillon Morley was born on the 30th day of May 1813 in Sydney, New South Wales. He died on the 30th day of May 1886 at Gundagai. (ancestry 2016) (Service 2023)

Our next stop was the Prince Alfred Bridge Viaduct. The old town of Gundagai was built on the flats of the Murrumbidgee River where the bridge now crosses. The bridge was named in honour of Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria. He was the first member of the British Royal family to visit Australia.

Above: Prince Alfred. Image c/o Wikipedia

The bridge was completed in 1867. Its total length is 921 metres. The railway viaduct was built in 1903 and is the longest timber truss bridge ever built in Australia. It measures 809 metres.

We then visited the old Gundagai Railway Station, which was built in 1886. The branch railway line from Cootamundra to Gundagai was opened in June 1886. Unfortunately, we were limited to what we could see as the caretaker was waiting for some pest control people to arrive regarding a bee problem.

We then drove out along Oibell Drive to admire the railway viaduct.

Whilst there, we met 2 gentlemen who were on their way home from a model train show. Wow, would our grandson Flynn have loved these!

We then visited the Gundagai Rotary Lookout at the end of Luke Street.

The lookout offers magnificent views of Gundagai, the Murrumbidgee River, and surrounds.

After leaving the lookout, we had a look around Gundagai South. One of the impressive buildings is the Star Hotel in Mount Street, which is now closed. It was established in 1855 by Scotsman Euan Cameron. The internet showed that the hotel was renovated back in 2011 and that it was sold in June 2017, and then sold again in July 2021. It did have a restaurant called Fangios. (Chirp 2026) (Real commercial 2025)

It is so sad to see these historic buildings sitting vacant. If only the walls could speak.

Above: the Star Hotel, 1924. Image c/o Star Hotel Facebook page

A bit further around the corner is the Old Bridge Inn. It was built in the 1860s and was known as the Bridge Hotel. The owner was Mr Fuller. He operated a punt across the Murrumbidgee River (About Regional n.d.)

We then visited the cairn on Middleton Drive at the golf course, commemorating the site of the Murrumbidgee Inn. Now if you have visited Gundagai and visited this site and are confused, then you are not on your own. So were we, until we researched this a little deeper.

The cairn has two plaques. One indicates that it is the site of the Rose Inn, while another states it is the site of the Murrumbidgee Inn. The fact is, the site is that of the latter. The lower plaque specifies that it is the site of the Murrumbidgee Inn and corrects the upper plaque, which was erected in 1988 and incorrectly stated it was the site of the Rose Inn.

The Murrumbidgee Inn was licensed on the 19th day of June 1838. It was the first hotel to be licensed in Gundagai, with the licence being issued to Joseph Andrews. It was built by Edward Bernard Green and was originally a slab construction.

At the time of the 1852 Gundagai flood, the Murrumbidgee Cottage Inn was licensed to Gerard Hemphill. He was born in June 1804 in County Fermanagh, Ireland. He married Ann Amelia Clinton. They emigrated to Australia in 1841. Sadly, Hemphill, his wife Anne and four of their five children, Jane 16, Rebecca 14, Ann 4 and James 1, all lost their lives during the flood. Their son John 16, was rescued from a tree near the Inn. The Inn, the stables and the outbuildings were all destroyed in the flood. (ancestry 2016) (Burch 2022)

It was reported in the newspapers that ‘Miss Hemphill, who on Saturday night was alive in the tree, in which on Sunday she was found dead.’ It is presumed that this was one of the daughters, Jane or Rebecca. (Trove 2026)

Above: extracts from the Geelong Advertiser, Wed 21 Jul 1852. Image c/o Trove

We also viewed more of the timber viaduct.

We then visited the actual site of the Rose Inn. On the 12th August 1841, Edward Norman purchased Section 2, Allotment 10 at a Crown land sale. He built the Rose Inn on the site and commenced trading. Four years later, in 1845, Charles Simpson purchased the Inn from Norman.

In November 1850, Thomas Lindley purchased the Rose Inn and was granted a publican’s licence. On the night of the 25th June 1852, all 11 residents of the Rose Inn lost their lives during the Gundagai flood. This included Hannah Lindley, the wife of Thomas, and their 4 children, George 6, Emma 5, Thomas 3, and Hannah 1. Thomas was away in Yass at the time of the flood. Hannah and the children initially took refuge in the loft and then on the roof of the stable, which was on higher ground, before losing their lives. Also killed were Mary Scott and her child, Lindley’s servants Ann Farrell and Mary Anne Smart, and travellers James McNamara and John McKinnon. The Rose Inn survived the floor, however the kitchens, stables, store, and fencing were destroyed.

Nearby is the cairn to commemorate Yarri, the Aboriginal man mentioned earlier in this post.

On the corner of Homer Street and Sheridan Lane, near Morley’s Creek, are flood markers which show the various flood levels at Gundagai.

Marija and I then drove to Mount Burra VK2/ SW-054 for an activation for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. This was our only amateur radio activity for the day. We headed north out of town along the Burra Road and then Reno Road. There were some magnificent views across the hills.

The summit is about 17 km northwest of Gundagai in the locality of Reno. Mount Burra is about 9 km (by road) west of Reno.

Up until 2016, the locality was known as Jones Creek. The locality of Reno takes its name from the old gold mining village of Reno, which was laid out in 1900. In turn, it was named after Reno in Nevada, USA. The town was proclaimed on the 28th day of August 1900. Prior to the town being gazetted, a settlement existed at Reno. In 1899, the population was about 700 people. By 1900, the population had reached 1,200 people. Reno once had a police station, a post office, a hotel, a public school, a church, and numerous dwellings (Wikipedia 2022)

Above: part of an article from The Gundagai Independent, Wed 25 Apr 1900. Image c/o Trove

The two main mines were the Prince of Wales Gold Mine and the Long Tunnel Mine. (Wikipedia 2022)

The Prince of Wales mine commenced operation in 1896 and closed in October 1902. It produced about £100,000 worth of gold. (Wikipedia 2022)

Above: The Prince of Wales mine. Image c/o Trove

The Long Tunnel mine was originally known as the Long Flat mine. Several rich patches of reef were located, including a ton of quartz that yielded £1,000 worth of gold. (Wikipedia 2022)

Above: Syndicate members at the entrance to the Long Tunnel mine, 1911. Image c/o Wikipedia

It was a beautiful drive to the summit through hilly and green countryside.

On our way to the summit, we encountered a few gates, grids, and warning signs. Marija and I knocked on 3 doors and spoke to the landowners who allowed us access up to the summit.

As we got higher in elevation, the views became even more spectacular.

The bitumen soon became dirt, and we slowly had the towers on the summit in sight.

Mount Burra is worth 4 points in the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. It is located in the South West Slopes region for SOTA. The summit is 722 metres above sea level. (Sotadata.org.uk 2026)

Above: an aerial view of Mount Burra. Image c/o Google Maps

There are a significant number of telecommunications towers on the top of the summit.

The views from the top are quite good and not obstructed by vegetation.

There is also a trig point at the summit.

Before setting up, we took a few minutes to further admire the views from Mount Burra.

We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation. As this was a drive-up summit, we had the luxury of a deck chair and fold up table.

This was the first time that Mount Burra haad been activated for SOTA.

The band conditions were fair. We experienced very loud static crashes, which made it extremely difficult to pick up low signal stations that were calling us.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5PE/M
2. VK2HLM
3. VK5WU
4. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-1159)
5. VK5HS
6. VK7EV
7. VK5NHG
8. VK1AO
9. VK2MET
10. VK5LA
11. VK5KAW

Marija worked the following station on 20m SSB:-

1. ZL1LD/P (SOTA ZL1/ AK-023)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5PE/M
2. VK2HLM
3. VK5WU
4. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-1159)
5. VK5HS
6. VK7ZM/2
7. VK7PJM

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4JT
2. ZL3ET
3. W4RBN
4. 3D2MP
5. KH6KW
6. ZL1LD/P (SOTA ZL1/ AK-023)
7. VK4CK
8. ZL2BEJ
9. ZL1HIM
10. ZL1IM

Whilst we were on the summit, Tim, the owner of the land paid us a visit. We explained the hobby of amateur radio to him and he was extremely interested.

Following our activation, Marija and I drove back into Gundagai and went out for dinner at the Criterion Hotel.

The hotel’s history dates back to 1847, when the original township of Gundagai’s 4th hotel was built by Robert Riley and John Massey. The hotel was called the Blacksmith Arms Hotel. The hotel was then purchased outright by Riley, who changed the name of the hotel to Milton’s Head Hotel. The hotel was destroyed in the 1852 flood, and it was rebuilt by Riley, who changed the name to Riley’s Hotel. (JAM Admin 2023)

In 1871 Jeremiah Leary became the licencee of Riley’s Hotel. (JAM Admin 2023)

The hotel later became the Criterion Hotel and was owned by the Leary family for several years. The hotel was rebuilt in 1939. (JAM Admin 2023)

The hotel features some magnificent murals on its walls in the bar area. They depict the Gundagai flood and Captain Moonlite. The murals are the work of artist Arnold ‘Don’ St Claire who completed the murals during the 1960s. He was a finalist in the 1965 Sulman Prize and the Archibald Prize in 1966. (JAM Admin 2023)

Arnold ‘Don’ St Claire was born c. 1926. I have not been able to find a record of his birth on the internet. During his life, St Claire was admitted to various mental health facilities and prisons across New South Wales and Victoria, largely due to his alcoholism and depression. It was reported by his de facto wife that he drank methylated spirits. (Slattery 1990)

During his time at the Parramatta Asylum (now the Cumberland Hospital) in 1972, he painted several murals, including one in the male admission ward. Below is an excellent video on that particular mural.

St Claire was a regular cartoonist for the Campbelltown Ingleburn News. In 1966, St Claire held an art exhibition in a butcher’s shop. During the 1970s St Claire completed a 7 metre high statue of a rearing horse which stood in the forecourt of the Tourmaline Hotel. (Allen 2026)

Arnold died on the 24th day of May 1974 in the Horsnby Hospital, aged 48 years. His cause of death was recorded as pneumonia. For 8 days prior to his death, he had been subject to ‘Deep Sleep Therapy’ (DST) at Chelmsford Private Hospital. This is an infamous and discredited treatment that involved long periods of barbiturate-induced unconsciousness. It was prescribed for several conditions, including schizophrenia and depression. During the late 1980’s, the treatment was the subject of a Royal Commission when it was revealed that 24 patients had died as a result.

The Royal Commission concluded that Arnold was neglected during his last admission to Chelmsford and that they ‘were in no way equipped to care for him in his seriously ill condition’ and that he should have been transferred to a better-equipped hospital. The Royal Commission further stated that ‘he was a singularly inappropriate subject for DST’ and that ‘the treatment significantly contributed to his illness and eventually his death.’ (Slattery 1990)

Above: article from The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat Jul 30, 1988. Image c/o newspapers.com

It was still daylight when we left the hotel, so rather than heading back to the hotel, we decided to have more of a look around Gundagai.

Marija and I walked down the street to have a look at the ‘Three Sisters of Gundagai’ mural. The mural was completed in 2021 and is the work of artist Yiannia Johns. The mural depicts Melba XV, a milking cow from Darbalara, who in 1924 became the world’s champion butter-fat cow. (Mural 2022)

Melba XV, in her heyday, was able to produce 743.5 pounds of milk and 28.7 pounds of butter fat during a 7-day period.

Above: part of an article from the Mount Barker Courier, Fri 4 Jul 1924. Image c/o Trove

Marija and I then paid a visit to the site of the old National School. A campaign by local Gundagai residents for a government school resulted in the erection of the National School in 1850. The school consisted of a two-room building with a loft that included accommodation for the teachers. Joseph McKenna and his wife Elizabeth, were the first teachers appointed to the school.

Tragedy struck the school during the Gundagai flood. At the peak of the flood, the McKennas, their 5 children and two 13-year-old female boarders were marooned in the schoolhouse. On Thursday the 24th day of June 1852, the flood consumed the school building which resulted in the drowning of all those at the school.

Above: part of an item in The Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 5 Jul 1852. Image c/o Trove

Nearby is a sign indicating the centre of Old Gundagai.

There is also a cairn commemorating the explorer Captain Charles Sturt, who passed through the district in November 1829.

Our final ‘touristy’ visit that day was the War Memorial cenotaph, which was designed by Frank Rusconi to honour Gundagai’s fallen.

Marija and I then headed back to our motel and had an early night. It had been a big day.

References.

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2. ‌Allen, A. (2026). The History Buff. [online] Blogspot.com. Available at: https://campbelltown-library.blogspot.com/search/label/St%20Claire%20Arnold?fbclid=IwY2xjawQZ00tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCYW50eVljekZkY0N3UDltc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpAZn7S9ec2_vw5XjO31sn6mqD8P77MkKGFqpBkixBnGEZifxBlFuSVaVTbB_aem_66cf8RB3KNlVxUaiKAvT1Q [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026].
3. ‌ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 7 Mar. 2026]
4. ‌Burch, G, 2022, Gundagai 1829-1852
5. ‘Captain Moonlite’ (2024) Wikipedia. 5 April 2024 [online]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Moonlite. [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026[
6. ‌Chirp Internet (2026). Hotels in Gundagai < New South Wales | Gday Pubs – Enjoy our Great Australian Pubs. [online] Gdaypubs.com.au. Available at: https://www.gdaypubs.com.au/NSW/gundagai.html [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026].
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8. Findagrave.com. (2016). Augustus Ernest Diedrich William ‘Gus’ Wernicke… [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178936973/augustus-wernicke [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
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10. ‌‘Gundagai Theatre in Gundagai, AU – Cinema Treasures’ (2026) Cinematreasures.org. 2026 [online]. Available from: https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/54465 [Accessed 9 March 2026].
11. ‌Gundagaitouristpark.com.au. (2024). A two foot tour of Historic Gundagai – Gundagai Tourist Park. [online] Available at: https://gundagaitouristpark.com.au/2024/01/15/a-two-foot-tour-of-historic-gundagai/ [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
12. ‌JAM Admin (2023). History. [online] Criterionhotelgundagai.com.au. Available at: https://www.criterionhotelgundagai.com.au/history [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026].
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14. ‌Mural, G. (2022). Visit Gundagai. [online] Visit Gundagai. Available at: https://www.visitgundagai.com.au/discovergundagai/melbamural [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026].
15. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9702060?searchTerm=jeremiah%20O%27connor%20%2B%20gundagai [Accessed 3 Mar. 2026].‌
16. Nla.gov.au. (2026). Trove. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/search/category/newspapers?keyword=thomas%20belford%20%2B%20gundagai&l-decade=188 [Accessed 4 Mar. 2026].
17. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/10120764?searchTerm=gundagai%20lockup [Accessed 4 Mar. 2026].
18. ‌NSW Courts | New South Wales Courts. (2013). Gundagai Local Court – Lawyers for Gundagai Local Court | NSW Courts. [online] Available at: https://nswcourts.com.au/courts/gundagai-local-court/ [Accessed 7 Mar. 2026].
19. ‌Nsw.gov.au. (2026). Gundagai Courthouse | Heritage NSW. [online] Available at: https://apps.environment.nsw.gov.au/dpcheritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=3080066 [Accessed 7 Mar. 2026].
20. ‌Real commercial (2025). Commercial Real Estate & Commercial Property For Sale and For Lease. [online] http://www.realcommercial.com.au. Available at: https://www.realcommercial.com.au. [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026]
21. ‌Service, C. (2023) The Old Mill, NSW Government. Available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/old-mill (Accessed: 9 March 2026).
22. ‌Slattery, J.P., 1990, Royal Commission into Deep Sleep Therapy
23. Sotadata.org.uk. (2026). Sotadata3. [online] Available at: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/summit/VK2/SW-054 [Accessed 3 Mar. 2026].‌
24. Trove. (2026). ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, GUNDAGAI. – The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 – 1931) – 5 Jun 1885. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/123467434?searchTerm=st%20patrick%27s%20church%20gundagai [Accessed 7 Mar. 2026].‌
25. Trove. (2026). A PIONEER GONE. – DEATH OF MR. W. BIBO. – The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 – 1928) – 7 May 1910. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/121495882 [Accessed 7 Mar. 2026].‌
26. Trove. (2026). Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 – 1856) – 21 Jul 1852 – p2. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/8163141?searchTerm=gundagai%20%2B%20hemphill [Accessed 8 Mar. 2026].
27. ‌Trove. (2026). THE FUNERAL OF CONSTABLE BOWEN – The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 – 1931) – 2 Jun 1899. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122739675?searchTerm=constable%20bowen%20%2B%20funeral [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
28. ‌Trove. (2026). SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. THOMAS HENDERSON. – The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 – 1931) – 18 Apr 1874. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122751795 [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
29. ‌Tuckerbox Pups — Visit Gundagai (2021). Visit Gundagai. [online] Visit Gundagai. Available at: https://www.visitgundagai.com.au/discovergundagai/tuckerboxpups [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
30. ‌UBC Web Design (2026). Senior Constable Edward Webb-Bowen | Monument Australia. [online] Monumentaustralia.org. Available at: https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/people/crime/display/109908-senior-constable-edward-webb-bowen- [Accessed 9 Mar. 2026].
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32. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Dad and Dave from Snake Gully. Wikipedia.‌
33. Wikipedia Contributors (2026) Nine Miles From Gundagai Wikipedia. 1 March 2026.
34. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025) Jack Moses Wikipedia. 6 June 2025.‌
35. Wikipedia Contributors (2024) Sheahan Bridge Wikipedia. 19 September 2024.‌
36. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Jack O’Hagan. Wikipedia.‌

After leaving Mount Stromlo on Thursday, 30th October 2025, Marija and I drove out towards the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This was a beautiful drive, with our first stop being Casuarina Sands & Casuarina Pool on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

This area has sandy riverside beaches, a playground, electric BBQs, picnic tables & shelters and toilets. It is a nice spot for a swim or to cast out a line. The area takes its name from the Casuarina trees (she-oaks) which grow along the sandy banks of the Murrumbidgee. (Environment 2021)

It was a beautiful day, so Marija and I took some time to enjoy the beautiful views of the Murrumbidgee River.

A little further along the river is another car park where you park your vehicle and take a walk along the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

There is an information sign here detailing the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach, which is a regional partnership of stakeholders who are working together to protect and improve the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee River. (We 2019)

Whilst there, we were blessed to see several Australian King Parrots. The adult male of this bird has brilliant red plumage on his head, breast and lower undersides.

Marija and I then drove south along Paddys River Road and then turned onto Discovery Drive towards the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. We stopped for the obligatory photo of the sign for the complex.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is part of the Deep Space Network of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

During the early 1960s, enquiries commenced for a replacement site in Australia for a Deep Space complex. It was decided that the existing Island Lagoon Tracking Station near Woomera in South Australia was not suitable. The Tidbinbilla Valley in the Australian Capital Territory was chosen. Construction at Tidbinbilla commenced in June 1963. (Wikipedia 2025) (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

Above: article from RAAF News, Wed 1 May 1963. Image c/o Trove

Operations at Tidbinbilla commenced in December 1964 to align with providing support for the Mariner 4 Mars spacecraft. The complex featured a 26-metre antenna (Deep Space Station 42). (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Wed 23 Dec 1964. Image c/o Trove

The Tidbinbilla complex was officially opened on the 19th day of March 1965 by the Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Robert Menzies. (Wikipedia 2021)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Sat 20 March 1965. Image c/o Trove

In 1969, construction commenced on a new antenna, the 64-metre (Deep Space Station 43 ‘Ballima’) antenna. Ballima is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘very far away’. It was officially opened in April 1973 by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. The antenna is 73 metres in height and weighs more than 7 million kgs. It was more than 6 times as sensitive as the 26-metre antenna, allowing communication with spacecraft at greater distances from Earth. (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 1980, the 26-metre antenna was upgraded to a 34-metre antenna. (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 1986, a 34-metre antenna (Deep Space Station 45) was constructed. It provided better reception at higher frequencies and coincided with the Voyager-2 contact with the planet Uranus. Deep Space Station 45 was decommissioned in 2016. (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Fri 10 Jan 1986. Image c/o Trove

In 1987, the 64-metre antenna was upgraded to 70 metres in diameter to assist with Voyager 2’s encounter with Neptune. It is the largest steerable parabolic antenna in the Southern Hemisphere. (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 1996, an 11-metre antenna (Deep Space Station 33) commenced operation. It was decommissioned in 2002. In 2008 the antenna was dismantled, and the parts were sent to a Norwegian island where it was rebuilt to assist in conducting atmospheric research (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 1997, a 34-metre Beam Wave Guide antenna (Deep Space Station 34) commenced operation. It took 3 years to complete the construction of this 35 metre high antenna. (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 1998, Deep Space Station 42 was decommissioned after 35 years in use. It had been used to support the flyover of the planet Mars by NASA’s Mariner IV spacecraft. It returned close-up images of the surface of Mars (www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

In 2014 and 2016, Deep Space Station 35 and 36, two 34-metre Beam Wave Guide antennas, became operational at Tidbinbilla.(www.cdscc.nasa.gov, n.d.)

Over the years, the Tidbimbilla complex has been used to track the Apollo Lunar Module, the US Voyager 1 spacecraft, and the Mariner IV spacecraft. It is now used to communicate with and track other NASA spacecraft. (Wikipedia 2021)

Although a few years old, the video below gives a good description of the Deep Space Communication Complex.

As we drove along Discovery Drive, the complex soon came into view in the distance.

And as we got even closer, the antenna dishes became very evident.

Unfortunately, the Visitor Centre was closed.

But we were able to get up close and personal with the amazing antennas.

Marija and I left the Deep Space complex and continued south on Paddy’s River Road towards the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

We soon reached the park sign and stopped for a photo opportunity.

As we entered the car park of the Visitor Centre, we encountered mother, father and family below.

Marija and I spent a bit of time inside the Visitor Centre chatting to the Rangers. We explained the reason for our visit, and they were very interested in amateur radio, WWFF, and my blog. We paid the small fee for park entry.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is 5,400 hectares in size and was established in 1971. It is located on the fringe of the Namadgi National Park. Tidbinbilla includes a large valley floor, Tidbinbilla Mountain and the Gibraltar Range. (Wikipedia 2021)

Above: aerial view of Tidbinbilla. Image c/o Google Maps

Tidbinbilla is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word Jedbinbilla, meaning a place where boys become men. Tidbinbilla Mountain is believed to have been used for Aboriginal initiation ceremonies. A number of significant Aboriginal sites have been located in the reserve. This includes Birragi Rock Shelter, which is the oldest known Aboriginal site in the Australian Capital Territory. Aboriginal rock paintings can be found in a cave at Gibraltar Peak. At nearby Birrigai, evidence of the use of fire has been discovered, dating back 20,000 years. The last known corroboree at Tidbibilla was held in 1904. (Wikipedia 2021)

In 1936, about 810 hectares at Tidbinbilla were set aside as a public reserve. Three years later in 1939, a koala enclosure was built by the Institute of Anatomy. In 1962, at the suggestion of the Royal Society of Canberra, the ACT Government acquired further land, and the Tidbinbilla Fauna Reserve was opened. (Wikipedia 2021)

Above: part of an article from The Canberra Times, Sat 22 Oct 1966. Image c/o Trove

In 1966, a park ranger, David Bruce Kerr, was appointed. He was instrumental in the creation of bush walking tracks, roads, picnic areas, enclosures and waterfowl areas in the reserve. A Cape Barren goose and conservation scheme was developed under his management. The first wildlife displays were established in 1969. Kerr also saw the introduction of Victorian koalas to the reserve and the creation of kangaroo enclosures. In 2023, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by the King for service to conservation and the environment. (ancestry 2016)

Above David Kerr with kangaroos at Tidbimbilla, 1973. Image c/o Trove – The Canberra Times, Thu 1 Oct 1973.

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve was officially gazetted in 1971. In November 2008, the reserve was added to the Australian National Heritage List. (Wikipedia 2021)

The reserve has a breeding program for the critically endangered Northern Corroboree frog, the Southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby, and the Eastern Bettong. Other native animals include kangaroos, wallabies, platypus, koalas, lyrebirds and emus. (Wikipedia 2021)

Sadly, 90% of the reserve was destroyed in the January 2003 Bendora bushfire. Of Tidbinbilla’s captive native animals, only one koala, six rock wallabies, five potoroos, four freckled ducks, and nine black swans survived the bushfire. (Wikipedia 2021)

And then in January 2021, the Orroral Valley bushfire destroyed 22% of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, equating to about 1,444 hectares. About 80% of Namadgi National Park, equating to 82,700 hectares, was destroyed. (ACT Govt n.d.)

We headed down Sheedy’s Picnic Road and set up in the picnic area. This was a beautiful spot, with a wooden table and benches.

Marija and I ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole supported on a 7 metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole.

We had a few interested onlookers during our activation.

Marija and I found the band conditions to be pretty tough. We made all our contacts on 40m SSB and 40m AM. We did try 20m but had no takers. This wasn’t helped by the fact that we had no internet coverage, so we could not self-spot on parksnpeaks.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3AUN/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-002 & VKFF-0556)
2. VK3BEL
3. VK3BEB
4. VK1AD
5. VK1NAM
6. VK2MOE/P (VKFF-0544)
7. VK1MO/P (VKFF-0544)
8. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0853)
9. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0853)
10. VK2HLM
11. VK3PF (VKFF-0974)
12. VK3KAI (VKFF-0974)
13. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1990)

Marija worked the following station on 40m AM:-

1. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1990)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3AUN/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-002 & VKFF-0556)
2. VK3BEL
3. VK3BEB
4. VK1AD
5. VK1NAM
6. VK2MOE/P (VKFF-0544)
7. VK1MO/P (VKFF-0544)
8. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0853)
9. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0853)
10. VK2HLM
11. VK5HS
12. VK3YE/P
13. VK2NP
14. VK3PF (VKFF-0974)
15. VK3KAI (VKFF-0974)
16. VK3APJ
17. VK3SX
18. VK2VW
19. VK2HFI
20. VK2AKA
21. VK2BUG
22. VK3TDK
23. VK3NYC
24. VK1CHW
25. VK2CHW
26. VK3EJ
27. VK3CLD
28. VK5QA
29. VK2DBF
30. VK2AHP
31. VK2YAK
32. VK4YAK
33. VK7IAN
34. VK2LDJ
35. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1990)

I worked the following stations on 40m AM:-

1. VK3BEL
2. VK3BEB
3. VK2VW
4. VK2HFI
5. VK2AKA
6. VK2BUG
7. VK2YAK
8. VK4YAK
9. VK2USH/P (VKFF-1990)

Following the activation, Marija and I drove down to Black Flats Dam, to hopefully get some good bird photographs.

Below are some of the photographs I took during a 30 minute stroll around the Dam.

We also took a walk through one of the enclosures, which is surrounded by a predator-proof fence. Marija called me over, telling me she had seen a ‘black rat’. It turned out to be a Long-Nosed Potoroo, a small marsupial that is listed as threatened.

We then stopped off at the site of the old Tidbinbilla Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, which was established in the early 1940s by a small group of men from the former Czechoslovakia. Steam was piped from a wood-fired boiler into a tank full of leaves. The heated leaves gave off oil into the steam, which was condensed in pipes cooled by river or creek water, and the il cooled.

Our next stop was the historic Rock Valley Homestead, which was occupied by the Green family in the late 1800s.

George Green was born in November 1855 in Lincolnshire, England. He emigrated to Australia in 1884 aboard the Earl Derby. In October 1886, he married Mary Ann McCaffery Fowler. Mary Ann was born in 1865 in Lincolnshire, England. It is reported that Mary Ann had an unusual wedding breakfast consisting of a lyrebird cooked in a billycan. They lived in an isolated slab hut in the Tidbinbilla Valley. George and Mary Ann had 7 children. (ancestry 2016)

Above: George and Mary Ann Green. Images c/o ancestry.com.au

In 1895, a house was built at Rock Valley. Mary Ann died in July 1911 from rheumatic fever. She was just 46 years old. Following their mother’s death, the older girls assisted in raising their younger siblings. George died in December 1930, aged 75. Three generations of the Green family lived in the homestead at Rock Valley from 1895 to 1967. (ancestry 2016)

The homestead survived bushfires in 1920, 1938-39, and 1951-52. However, it was severely damaged in the 2003 Canberra bushfires. The homestead was partially reconstructed following community action by the Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association and the National Trust. They opposed the recommendations to demolish the older parts of the homestead. In 2008, the homestead was opened to visitors.

Marija and I soon came to the conclusion that this is one place that we need to return to. We only captured a small glimpse of Tidbinbilla. There is so much that we did not get to see.

It had been a very enjoyable 7 nights in Canberra, but it was time to leave the region and head to Gundagai where we planned to stay for 3 nights.

Along the way, we stopped off to look at the Sergeant Edmund Parry memorial at Jugiong.

On Wednesday, 16th November 1864, Sergeant Edmund Parry was escorting the Gundagai to Yass mail coach at Black Prings near Jugiong, when he was shot dead by bushranger John Gilbert.

Marija and I visited Gilbert’s grave earlier in our trip. You can read about that at the following posts….

Cootamundra South silo VK-CTH2

I also wrote a bit of information about Gilbert in the following post…..

Junee silo VK-JNE2

Edmund Parry was born c. 1832. He joined the New South Wales Police Force in May 1862. This was just 2 months after its official creation. In 1863, he was promoted to the rank of Detective Third Class. In 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. (ancestry 2016)

Above: Item from the NSW Govt Gazette re Parry’s promotion to Detective. Image co Trove

John Gilbert was born in c. 1842 in Hamilton, Canada West. He arrived in Australia in 1852. He joined the Ben Hall Gang. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: John Gilbert. Image c/o Wikipedia

On Wednesday, 16th November 1864, the Yass mail coach was enroute to Gundagai. Constable Roche of Yass was in the box seat next to the driver. In the coach was Police Magistrate Rose of Gundagai. Sergeant Parry was riding with Sub-Inspector O’Neill at the rear of the coach. Bushrangers John Gilbert, Benjamin Hall, and John Dunn lay in wait. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

Prior to the coach reaching the bushranger’s location, Constable McLaughlin of Gundagai police station rode up leading a pack horse. Gilbert rode up to McLaughlin and ordered him to surrender. McLaughlin did not comply and fired a shot at Gilbert, who returned fire. Hall then fired upon Constable McLaughlin, who returned fire. McLaughlin was then fired upon by Dunn, with McLaughlin eventually surrendering and taken captive. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

The mail coach then appeared, and a gunfight between the bushrangers and police ensued. Sergeant Parry refused to surrender and discharged all the bullets from his revolver before being shot dead. Upon Parry being shot, Sub-Inspector O’Neill surrendered. He was disarmed and had his ring and watchchain stolen. His horse was also taken. The bushrangers then ordered Magistrate Rose to throw out the bags, which they cut open. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

Above: part of an article from the Empire, Sydney, Mon 28 Nov 1864. Image c/o Trove

Following the shooting, Sergeant Scully from Yass, dispatched five mounted men to the area. Despite an 8-day search, the bushrangers were not located. Parry was the 14th serving New South Wales police officer to be killed in the line of duty. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

Following the shooting, a reward of £1,000 was issued for the apprehension of Gilbert and Hall. A £250 reward was offered for the arrest of Dunn.

Above: Reward posted in the NSW Govt Gazette, November 1864. Image c/o Trove

Six months later, Gilbert was shot dead by police at Binalong, New South Wales, in May 1865, aged just 23 years. Ben Hall was also shot dead by police in May 1865 at Goobang Creek, New South Wales. He was 27 years old. John Dunn was hanged in Darlinghurst Gaol in March 1866 for the murder of another police officer, Constable Nelson. Dunn was 19 years old.

We were pressed a bit for time, so we only had a brief look around Jugiong. The Sir George Hotel at Jugiong was built in the 1850s and is a very impressive building. We only wished we had more time to stop off for a meal and a few drinks.

We continued along the Hume Highway, passing spectacular countryside.

After arriving in Gundagai, we booked into our accommodation at The Garden Motor Inn.

We then headed out to Shell Roadhouse, which we had passed on our way into Gundagai. Marija and I wanted to get some photos of the big rigs for our grandson, Flynn.

Marija and I then headed out for dinner to one of the local hotels.

References.

1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 26 Feb 2026]
2. Environment, P. and S.D.D. (2021). Home. [online] http://www.parks.act.gov.au. Available at: https://www.parks.act.gov.au. [Accessed 25 Feb. 2026]
3. (No date) Orroral Valley Fire Rapid Risk Assessment Namadgi national park. Available at: https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/2618928/orroral-valley-fire-rapid-risk-assessment-namadgi-national-park.pdf (Accessed: 26 February 2026).
4. ‌PositionTitle=Manager; SectionName=Communications and Government Services; CorporateName=Environment, P. and S.D.D. (n.d.). The Eucalypt Forest. [online] http://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au. Available at: https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/do/the-eucalypt-forest. [Accessed 26 Feb. 2026]
5. ‌We, W. (2019). Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach. [online] Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach. Available at: https://www.upperbidgeereach.org.au/who-we-are [Accessed 25 Feb. 2026].
6. ‌Wikipedia. (2021). Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canberra_Deep_Space_Communication_Complex. [Accessed 25 Feb. 2026]‌
7. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Island Lagoon Tracking Station. Wikipedia.
8. ‌www.cdscc.nasa.gov. (n.d.). History – Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. [online] Available at: https://www.cdscc.nasa.gov/Pages/cdscc_history.html.‌ [Accessed 26 Feb . 2026]
9. Wikipedia. (2021). Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidbinbilla_Nature_Reserve.‌ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2026]
10. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). John Gilbert (bushranger). Wikipedia.‌
    

Here are my latest FT8 certificates for VK5IPA.

I recently applied for some FT8 award certificates for VK5COP.

Thank you to all of the FT8 operators, and thank you to the various Award Managers.

On Thursday, 30th October 2025, Marija and I headed out to breakfast at a cafe in Griffith. After breakfast, we visited Parliament House.

It was incredibly busy, with several busloads of tourists, including a school group, so we decided not to conduct the tour of the building (which we had done previously).

The construction of Parliament House commenced in January 1981. The building opened in May 1988 after 7 years of construction at $1.1 billion. Parliament House contains more than 4,500 rooms. (Wikipedia 2019)

There are some nice views across the lawns back to the old Parliament House and across the Molonglo River to the Australian War Memorial.

Mount Stromlo was part of Yarraluma Station, owned by Frederick Campbell, in the 1880s. It is believed that he named Mount Stromlo from the Poems of Ossian, an 18th-century literary work. (Wikipedia 2024)

Above: Osian Singing. Image c/o Wikipedia

Mount Stromlo is 770 metres above sea level. There are some very nice views to be enjoyed. (Wikipedia 2024)

Walter Geoffrey Duffield was born in 1879 in Gawler, South Australia. He graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1900. During 1905 in Oxford, England, and 1907 in Paris, France, Duffield attended meetings of the International Union for Solar Research. He became aware of the lack of solar observatories in eastern Australia and commenced promoting the idea of such an observatory. (Allen 1981)

Duffield’s enthusiasm attracted the attention and support of leading scientists and others interested in the physics of the sun. In October 1909, Duffield advised the Government that the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science at the Brisbane congress had unanimously passed a resolution approving of the proposed solar observatory as ‘a matter of national and international importance.’ (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: part of an article from The Argus, Melbourne, Sat 9 Oct 1909. Image c/o Trove

In 1909, Ballarat businessman James Oddie offered to the Commonwealth Government one 9-inch reflector telescope, one micrometer, one clock, and timber for an 18-foot dome to house the package. The Australian Prime Minister Alfred Deakin accepted what he described as a ‘splendid gift’.

Above: Alfred Deakin. Image c/o Wikipedia

The estate of Lord Farnham also made a promise of a valuable telescope. (Nla.gov.au 2026)

It was estimated that the minimum cost of the observatory would be £10,000, and its maintenance would mean an expenditure of £1,500 per year. (Nla.gov.au 2026)

In March 1910, the Government Astronomer of Victoria, Pietro Baracchi and the Commonwealth Principal Surveyor, Charles Scriverner were tasked with determining the best location for Oddie’s telescope in the Canberra and Yass region. Mount Stromlo was chosen as the site. I will talk more about James Oddie and the Oddie telescope shortly.

Above: Pietro Baracchi (left) & Charles Scrivener (right). Image c/o Wikipedia

Below is a short YouTube video on Mount Stromlo produced by the Australian National University.

Below is an interesting video made by the Commonwealth Film Unit in 1958 entitled ‘Reaching for the Stars.’

The Ngunawal Aboriginal people are reported to have used the southern night sky and the position of the stars as a calendar, indicating the seasons and availability of particular food sources.

The Oddie telescope was installed at Mount Stromlo in 1911, with the Oddie Dome becoming the first building on Mount Stromlo and the very first Commonwealth building in Canberra. The building had four wings and accommodated a caretaker and astronomers. It included a small kitchen and a photographic room. The building can be found at the northern end of Oddie Way. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Trove 2026)

Above: An aerial view of Mount Stromlo showing the location of the Oddie Telescope. Image c/o Google Maps

James Oddie was born in March 1824 in Lancashire, England. He died on the 5th day of March 1911 in Ballarat, Victoria. (ancestry 2016)

Above: James Oddie. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

The Oddie telescope was initially used to test the suitability of Mount Stromlo as a site as an observatory. The Oddie dome was restored in the 1990s, but sadly, it was destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfire. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

Below is an excellent video from the ABC on the life of James Oddie and the Oddie telescope at Mount Stromlo.

Adjacent to the Oddie telescope is the Mount Stromlo Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Facility. The SLR is used to accurately determine the orbits of satellites. It is one of forty SLR stations around the world. Six of those are located in the Southern Hemisphere. A short laser pulse is transmitted through the ranging telescope to passing satellites which are specifically equipped with retro-reflectors. The time of flight of the pulse to the satellite and back to a detector, gives a measure through a processor of the distance to the satellite with a precision of one centimetre.

The Yale Columbia 26-inch telescope was first used as Yale University’s Southern Station in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 1952, the telescope was moved to Mount Stromlo and commenced operation in 1956. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: Article from The Sydney Herald, Sun 27 Aug 1950. Image c/o Trove

The refractor assisted in the preparation of NASA’s Voyager missions to the outer planets by taking photographs of Jupiter and Saturn’s moons. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: The Yale-Columbia telescope. Image c/o National Library of Australia.

Sadly, it was destroyed in the Canberra 2003 bushfire. All that is left is the scarred shell of the dome.

The Great Melbourne 50-inch telescope was built in 1868 by Grubb Parsons in Dublin, Ireland, a historic manufacturer of telescopes. The company was founded in 1833 by Thomas Grubb. The telescope was specifically manufactured for the Melbourne Observatory in 1868. The telescope had a mirror made of speculu, which is a heavy alloy of copper and tin. This made the telescope cumbersome to balance. Another interesting feature was that the telescope was used without a dome, which made it vulnerable to vibrations from the wind. In 1944, the telescope was purchased by Mount Stromlo following the closure of the Melbourne Observatory. The telescope had been offered for sale as scrap. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Nla.gov.au 2026)(Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Installation of the Great Melbourne Telescope, 1869. Image c/o Wikipedia

Several significant modifications were undertaken on the telescope at Mount Stromlo in the workshops. A special mirror was ordered from Great Britain. The telescope was put into use at Mount Stromlo in the 1950s. It joined the MACHO project during the 1990s to investigate ‘dark matter.’ This telescope was also destroyed during the 2003 Canberra bushfire. Just prior to its destruction, the telescope had been automated and was used in the ‘Skymapper’ project to create a digital map of the southern sky. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Unfortunately, the Visitor Centre was not open at the time of our visit. There is a mural of a Star Wars stormtrooper on the building.

The Mount Stromlo Visitor Centre was officially opened in 1995.

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Tue 13 Jun 1995. Image c/o Trove

The 74-inch reflector was Mount Stromlo’s primary telescope following its completion in 1955. It was Mount Stromlo’s largest and most advanced telescope, and was capable of deep-space viewing. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

The 74-inch telescope was built by Grubb Parsons in Dublin, Ireland. In 1947, the telescope was ordered by Mount Stromlo’s Director, Richard van der Riet Woolley. At the time, it was the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. The telescope weighed 70 tons and cost £100,00. (Exhibitions 2024) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Just prior to the telescope being shipped to Australia, Woolley stated:

“The new telescope, combined with other equipment we are setting up, will mean that instead of being able to study, say, only the 20 brightest stars in the southern skies, we will be able to see and, more important still, photograph the next brightest hundred stars.” (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from The Sun, Thu 25 Oct 1951. Image c/o Trove

Prior to being sent to Australia, the telescope was on display in 1951 at the Festival of Britain in London’s South Bank, in the ‘Dome of Discovery.’ (Exhibitions 2024)

Above: The interior of the Dome of Discovery, showing the 74-inch telescope. Image c/o Wikipedia

The telescope was destroyed in the 2003 bushfire. Only the dome and the adjoining burnt-out building remain.

The Heliostat is a Sun telescope. It was completed in 1931 and used two flat mirrors that tracked the sun and passed the sun’s light down the tower through a 12-inch lens. This was then reflected into a camera or a 3-prism spectrograph. Amongst other uses, the Mount Stromlo Heliostat was used to monitor solar flares and sunspots. With an emphasis on stellar astronomy at Mount Stromlo after World War II, the Heliostat began to fall into disuse. The last observations were taken in 1957. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

Renowned astronomer Clabon ‘Cla’ Allen visited Mount Stromlo and used the Heliostat to measure and photograph the spectrum of the sun.

The Heliostat was destroyed in 2003 during the Canberra bushfire. The Visitor Centre now has a similar Heliostat. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

The Commonwealth Solar Observatory building was built between 1924 and 1926 and was designed by John Smith Murdoch, the government architect who also designed Old Parliament House in Canberra. (Anu.edu.au 2025)

The 6-inch Farnham telescope was built in 1886 by Grubb Parsons in Ireland and was donated by the estate of Lord Farnham in 1907 to the Commonwealth. The Rt Hon. Somerset Henry Maxwell, 10th Baron Farnham ‘Lord Farnham’ was a keen astronomer. The telescope was installed in 1928. In 1965, the Farnham telescope was used to track and photograph the Ikeya-Seki comet. (Anu.edu.au 2025) (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Tue 30 Aug 1927. Image c/o Trove

The Administration Building was severely damaged in the 2003 Canberra bushfire. The Farnham telescope was the only telescope to survive the 2003 Canberra bushfire.

Above: the Farnham telescope and the Commonwealth Solar Observatory building, c. 1951. Image c/o National Library of Australia

The Director’s residence was originally known as ‘Observatory House.’ It was built in 1928 to accommodate the Mount Stromlo Director and his family. The building was described as one of Canberra’s grandest homes. It was occupied by the founding Director of Mount Stromlo, Walter Geoffrey Duffield. The Director’s residence was destroyed in the 2003 Canberra bushfire and reopened in 2015. (Wikipedia 2025).

As mentioned previously in this post, Canberra was devastated by a fire on the 18th January 2003. Four people were killed, and over 500 homes were destroyed. Mount Stromlo was severely impacted by the fire. But this was not the first time that Mount Stromlo had faced the challenge of fire.

Above: part of an article from the Central Western Daily, Wed 6 Feb 1952. Image c/o Trove

The 2003 fire, which impacted Mount Stromlo, destroyed five telescopes, the administration building, various workshops, and seven homes. The surviving telescope was the 1886 Farnham telescope. If you visit the National Museum of Australia, you can view remnants of the fire at Mount Stromlo, including a melted telescope mirror and a piece of melted optical glass that has pieces of charcoal and wire fused into it from the heat of the fire. (Wikipedia 2025)

Below is a video produced by ANU TV on the impact of the Canberra bushfire on Mount Stromlo.

Below is a view up to the telecommunications equipment and the trig point.

Below is a photograph of me at the trig point at Mount Stromlo.

Mount Stromlo is worth 1 point in the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. It has been activated a total of 422 times. The first activation was back in February 2013 by Matt VK1MA. (Sotadata.org.uk 2026)

We set up in a clearing. Unfortunately, we had a strength 7 noise on the 40m band, and this made it extremely difficult to copy the weaker stations that were calling us. Marija and I apologise to those who were calling who we were unable to log. Yes, we should have listened to Andrew VK1DA’s advice about the noise and where to set up. However, there was zero noise floor on the 20m band.

Above: an aerial view of Mount Stromlo showing our operating spot. Image c/o Google Maps

As this was a drive-up summit, we had the luxury of a fold-up table and deck chair. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole. It was a beautiful morning, and the view was quite amazing.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AD
2. VK1NAM
3. VK3IH
4. VK3YE/P
5. VK1DI
6. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0833)
7. VK1RX/3
8. VK2ETI
9. VK1AO
10. VK2MET
11. VK2UGB
12. VK1AAF

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK3PF/P (VKFF-2400 & SOTA VK3/ VE-138)
2. VK1AD
3. VK1NAM
4. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0833)

References.

1. Allen, C.W. (1981). Duffield, Walter Geoffrey (1879–1929). [online] Anu.edu.au. Available at: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/duffield-walter-geoffrey-6027 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026].
2. ‌ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026]
3. ‌Anu.edu.au. (2025). iboss Network Security. [online] Available at: https://rsaa.anu.edu.au/. [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026]
4. ‌Exhibitions. (2024). Stromlo’s Telescopes. [online] Available at: https://exhibitions.cmag.com.au/outer-space-stromlo-to-the-stars/stromlo-s-telescopes [Accessed 22 Feb. 2026].
5. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10739518/357240 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026].
6. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/24673851?searchTerm=74%20inch%20%2B%20dome%20of%20discovery [Accessed 22 Feb. 2026].
7. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/14185902?searchTerm=heliostat%20%2B%20stromlo [Accessed 23 Feb. 2026].
8. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105870308?searchTerm=farnham%20telescope%20%2B%20stromlo [Accessed 23 Feb. 2026].
9. ‌Sotadata.org.uk. (2026). Sotadata3. [online] Available at: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/summit/VK1/AC-043 [Accessed 23 Feb. 2026].
10. ‌Trove. (2026). Vol. 29 No. 11 (1 November 1963). [online] Available at: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-749261874/view?sectionId=nla.obj-754307518&searchTerm=james+oddie+%2B+astronomy&partId=nla.obj-749268296#page/n16/mode/1up/search/james+oddie+%2B+astronomy [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026].
11. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Mount Stromlo. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Stromlo. [Accessed 21 Feb. 2026]‌
12. Wikipedia. (2019). Parliament House. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_House. [Accessed 22 Feb. 2026]‌
13. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Mount Stromlo Observatory. Wikipedia.‌
14. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Grubb Parsons. Wikipedia.‌

Last week, I received the QSL card below from KTWR Guam for my reception of their station on 15400 kHz on 20th August 2025.

Included was the following letter….

and sticker…..

and the October 2025 broadcast schedule…..

Here is my latest VKFF Activator Honour Roll certificate for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program. It is issued for having activated 700 VKFF reference areas.

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

Yesterday I found out that I came in first place in the 2026 Australia Day Contest.

I entered the Single Operator Phone category. My score was 273,393 points, with Paul VK2H in 2nd position with 16,245 points, and then Garrick VK3GJG with 72,041 points.

Thank you to everyone who called me, and thank you to Diane VK4DI, the Contest Manager.

This morning, I received the certificate below for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program. It is the Park to Park Award, issued for having made a total of 2,244 Park to Park contacts.

Thank you to all of the WWFF activators, and thank you to Swa ON5SWA, the Awards Manager.

After leaving the Old Naas Travelling Stock Route on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, Marija and I headed to the former Orroral tracking station. Andrew VK1AD had recommended that we visit the site, and we are very pleased that he did, as we found it extremely interesting.

To get there from Old Naas, we headed south on Boboyan Road and then took Orroral Road. We first crossed the Gudgenby River and then into the Namadgi National Park past the Orroral campground. A little further along, we came into the Orroral Valley, with a cleared area and Orroral River on one side of the road, and thick scrub of Namadgi on the other.

The Orroral Valley is believed to take its name from the Aboriginal word Urongal, meaning tomorrow. Urongal was depicted on the 1834 map by the explorer Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell. In 1839, Land Commissioner Bingham referred to the area as Orrooral. In 1847, the area was referred to as Ararel in the NSW Government Gazette. In 1856, it was referred to as Orrorall in the NSW Government Gazette. In 1865, it was referred to as Orrorall in Fussell’s Squatting Directory. In 1867, it was referred to as Oralla in Bailliere’s Post Office Directory. (ACT Heritage Council 2016) (NPA 1992)

The first European in the area is believed to be William Herbert. I spoke a bit about Herbert in my Old Naas post. Herbert was transported to Australia for life in 1816. He was initially a squatter and was then granted land on a leasehold basis. Several other people owned the run up until 1864. (NPA 1992)

Above: Item from the NSW Govt Gazette, Wed 24 Dec 1856. Image c/o Trove

In 1864, the property was transferred to Charles McKeahnie. He was born in October 1809 in Argyll, Scotland. He was a bounty emigrant who arrived in Port Jackson in 1838 with his wife Elizabeth and their baby daughter Ann, aboard the ship St George. McKeahnie died in April 1903 at Queanbeyan, NSW. (ancestry 2016) (NPA 1992)

Above: Charles McKeahnie. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

In 1911, the Orroral property was sold to Albert Bootes from Gundagai. Albert George William Bootes was born in 1888 in Burwood, NSW. He ran the property whilst residing at Gundagai and in 1923 came to the district to reside permanently following his purchase of the Bywong property. In 1927, he purchased property at Gudgenby. Bootes died in June 1963 in Queanbeyan, NSW. (ancestry 2016) (NLA.gov.au 2026) (NPA 1992)

Above: Albert Bootes. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

In 1926, the property was sold to Andrew Twynam Cunningham. He was born in September 1891 in Tuggeranong, ACT. (ancestry 2016) (NPA 1992)

Above: Andrew Twynam Cunningham. Image c/o ancestry.com.au

Cunningham fought at Gallipoli with the 1st Light Horse Regiment. where he was wounded in 1915. He then became a Lieutenant with the 2nd Light Horse Brigade and, in 1917, was promoted to Captain and led the 2nd Machine Gun Squadron. He was awarded the Military Cross in June 1917 and was mentioned in Despatches in July 1917. Cunningham became known as a daring pilot with his De Havilland Moth biplane that was known as the Orroal Dingo. His landing strip was located between the homestead and the Orroral River. (ACT Memorial 2024) (ancestry 2016)‌

Above: Cunningham’s aircraft VH-UOF. Image c/o Referee, Sydney, Wed 6 Aug 1930. Image c/o Trove

In 1930, the Referee Sydney stated the following about Cunningham: ‘there are none to combine dare-deviltry, physical toughness, adaptability, and a general don’t care-a-dam-ishness’.

Above: part of an article from the Referee, Sydney, Wed 6 Aug 1930. Image c/o Trove

Cunningham built the Orroral woolshed in 1930. Cunningham died in August 1959 at Randwick, NSW. (ACT Memorial 2024) (ancestry 2016)‌ (NPA 1992)

Marija and I were keen to visit the Orroral homestead and woolshed, but it appeared that access was not allowed, so sadly, we kept heading on our way. It was slow going along the road due to the wildlife.

Not far past the homestead, we reached the former Orroral Tracking Station, which was one of three tracking stations established in the sheltered valleys of the Australian Capital Territory as part of NASA’s worldwide tracking and data network.

In 1964, the Australian Government purchased 2,000 acres of freehold land at Orroral for the establishment of the station.

Above: article from The Canberra Times, Mon 13 Apr 1964. Image c/o Trove

From 1965 to 1984, the Orroral Tracking Station operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, mainly tracking satellites in near-Earth orbit. The station closed when the control and monitoring of satellites was taken over by other satellites. In 1990, the buildings were removed from the site due to deterioration. All that remains now are some exotic trees and the footings of the buildings. You can undertake a self-guided walk around the site, which is what Marija and I did. There are several interpretive signs detailing the history of the site.

The Operations building was the ‘nerve centre’ of Orroral. The activities of the station, including administration and control of the antennas, occurred in the Operations building.

There was no commercial power supply to the Orroral Valley, so the tracking station had its own powerhouse.

The dish was built by NASA and installed in 1965. The antenna was erected by Collins Radio under contract to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre. The diameter of the dish was 26 metres (85 feet), and it stood at 36.5 metres (120 feet). It weighed 400 tonnes.

There were two Yagi antennas at Orroral. One was for satellite tracking, and the other was for receiving radio timing signals. The WWV antenna was a timing signal receiving antenna used to ensure that equipment was synchronised with one another.

The 6 metre antenna stood not far from the 9 metre antenna. It was installed in 1981 and was used for the Space Shuttle missions.

This really is a fascinating place to wander around and imagine what it looked like when it was operational.

There is some Aboriginal art at the Orroral Tracking Station which shows the connection between the Ngunnawai Aboriginal people and the sky.

The Orroral Tracking Station had lush green lawns, exotic trees and shrubs. A gardening business owned by Fritz Rehwinkel and based in Queanbeyan was contracted to landscape the tracking station site.

There was a large mob of kangaroos on the site during our visit.

Marija and I then left the Orroro Valley and travelled south along Boboyan Road, admiring the spectacular Namadgi National Park.

Our next stop was the Hospital Hill lookout on Boboyan Road. There is a small parking area here off the road and a viewing platform with an interpretive sign giving details of the various summits that you can see from this point. The view across Gudgenby Valley towards the ACT/New South Wales border is magnificent. Apparently, Hospital Hill takes its name from the practice of accommodating calving, lambing or sick animals at this location. (Johnevans.id.au 2017)

Marija and I continued south along Boboyan Road through the Namadgi National Park.

Our next stop was the historic Brayshaws Hut, which is also referred to as Brayshaws Homestead. The hut was built in 1903 by Edward Brayshaw for his brother David.

David Brayshaw was born on the 29th day of July 1852 at Bobeyan, New South Wales. He was one of 14 children to William Brayshaw (b. 1810. d. 1988) and Flora Crawford (b. 1821. d. 1891). In 1903, David moved into the hut after it was constructed by his brother. He lived there until his death on the 31st day of August 1931. His body was discovered by his brother Richard, not far from the hut. The District Coroner attended the scene the following day and held an inquest at the hut. A verdict of death from shock and exposure following a fall from his horse was returned. David is buried at the Adaminaby Cemetery. (Nla.gov.au 2026)

Above: Obituary of David Brayshaw, Queanbeyan Age, Tue 8 Sept 1931. Image c/o Trove

You can enter the hut, which has been restored.

Marija and I continued south along Bobeyan Road and stopped to have a look at the Adaminaby Racecourse. This little racecourse is really in the middle of nowhere, about 3.5 km east of the town of Adaminaby.

The present racecourse is not the original Adaminaby racecourse. This is due to the town moving for the Snowy Hydro Scheme and the creation of Lake Eucumbene. The old racecourse is now underwater. The present course is about 50 years old. More than 2,000 people gather for the annual Adaminaby Races, which date back to the 1860s. (Adaminabyraces.com.au 2025)

Above: article from the Manaro Mercury, Friday 10 April 1863. Image c/o Trove

We then drove the short distance to the town of Adaminaby.

The Adumindumee run was established in the 1840s. Adumindumee is believed to be a corruption of an Aboriginal word meaning either ‘camping or resting place’ or ‘place of springs.’ (Marshall 2022)

The town of Seymour was surveyed in 1861. On the 9th day of October 1886, it was renamed Adaminaby. This was due to avoiding confusion with the town of Seymour in Victoria. (Marshall 2022)

Above: reference to the name change in the NSW Govt Gazette, Sat 9 Oct 1886. Image c/o Trove

The town of Adaminaby was moved due to the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Scheme, which commenced in Adaminaby in 1949. (Wikipedia 2016)

Charlie McKeahnie from Adaminaby is believed to be the inspiration for the poem ‘The Man from Snowy River’ by Banjo Patterson. He is the grandson of Charles Duncan McKeahnie who I spoke about earlier in this post. (Wikipedia 2026)

The poet Barcroft Boake also wrote about McKeahnie’s ride in ‘On the Range.’ McKeahnie chases down a well-bred horse that had escaped with a mob of wild brumby horses. (Wikipedia 2026)

Charlie Lachlan McKeahnie was born in April 1868 at Queanbeyan, NSW. He married Sarah Anne Read in 1890. They had 2 children. McKeahnie died in a riding accident in 1895. (ancestry 2016)

We briefly had a look at the outside exhibits of the Snowy Scheme Museum at Adminaby. Unfortunately, the museum was closed as it was late in the afternoon. Marija and I agreed that we would have to come back to have a good look around Adaminaby and the district.

The Adaminaby district is well known for trout fishing. The town features a 10 metre tall Big Trout. It was built by a local artist, Andy Lomnici and was completed in 1973. It underwent a restoration in 2024 by Ryan Loughnane, a Sydney-based mural painter. (Visitnsw.com 2016)

St John’s Church of England in Adaminaby was the second Anglican church built in the original town. The last service was held in the church in April 1956. Following this, a team of volunteers commenced dismantling the church stone by stone. The church was relocated to its new site and rebuilt. On the 12th day of March 1957, the first service was held in the newly built church.

Marija and I then drove southeast on Snowy Mountains Highway towards the town of Cooma. About 6 km west of Cooma is the Snowy Mountains Travellers Rest. The Inn was constructed in 1861 by Hugh Stewart. It housed bullock teams as they travelled from the Kiandra goldfields to Cooma to obtain supplies. (Visitnsw.com 2016)

We then drove a short distance out of town to the Kuma Nature Reserve VKFF-1954.

The reserve is about 184 hectares in size and was established in March 2003. It is an example of the natural temperate grassland of the Southern Tablelands and is recognised as a threatened ecological community under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It was created to protect endangered and vulnerable reptile species and a remnant area of their natural habitat. Most of the surrounding countryside is used for cattle and sheep grazing. (NSW NPWS 2007) (NSW National Parks 2026)

The name Kuma is derived from an early spelling of Cooma, which was the Aboriginal name for the area. The reserve was purchased in 1997 following the drought that year. It was privately owned and had been used for grazing. (NSW NPWS 2007)

The Kuma Nature Reserve is home to three species of threatened grassland reptiles. The Grassland Earless Dragon is listed by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments as endangered. The Striped Legless Lizard and the Little Whip Snake are listed as vulnerable. (NSW NPWS 2007)

There was a ladder over the fence allowing access to the reserve. We set up just alongside the fenceline as we were cognisant of the endangered reptiles that lived in the reserve. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK5NJ
4. VK5LA
5. VK5KAW
6. KG5CIK
7. VK3APJ
8. ZL2BH
9. VK2LTP
10. VK2EIT
11. VK2AIT
12. VK2AIQ
13. VK2AIX
14. VK2AIZ
15. VK2YAK
16. VK4YAK
17. VK5HS

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK5NJ
4. VK5LA
5. VK5KAW
6. KG5CIK
7. VK3APJ
8. ZL2BH
9. VK2LTP
10. VK2EIT
11. VK2AIT
12. VK2AIQ
13. VK2AIX
14. VK2AIZ
15. VK2YAK
16. VK4YAK
17. VK5HS
18. VK3AMO
19. VK3MCA
20. VK4SMA
21. VK2HOO
22. VK2MG

References.

1. ACT Heritage Council, 2016, Background Information Orroral Valley Tracking Station
2. ACT Memorial. (2024). Search. [online] Available at: http://www.memorial.act.gov.au/search/person/cunningham-andrew-twynam. [Accessed 15 Feb 2026]
3. ‌Adaminabyraces.com.au. (2025). Adaminaby Races – Saturday 22nd November 2025. [online] Available at: https://adaminabyraces.com.au/ [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].
4. ‌ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. [Accessed 15 Feb 2026]
5. ‌Johnevans.id.au. (2017). Local Names – Johnny Boy’s Walkabout Blog. [online] Available at: https://johnevans.id.au/other-resources/local-names/ [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].
6. ‌Marshall, C. (2022). A complete guide to Adaminaby, NSW. [online] Australian Geographic. Available at: https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2022/12/a-complete-guide-to-adaminaby-nsw/ [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].
7. ‌Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/265200424?searchTerm=david%20brayshaw%20%2B%20fall%20from%20horse [Accessed 15 Feb. 2026].‌
8. Nla.gov.au. (2026). Making sure you’re not a bot! [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/271512542?searchTerm=orroral%20%2B%20bootes [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].
9. ‌NSW National Parks. (2026). Kuma Nature Reserve. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kuma-nature-reserve [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].‌
10. Visitnsw.com. (2016). The Snowy Mountains Travellers Rest. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/snowy-mountains/cooma-area/cooma/food-and-drink/the-snowy-mountains-travellers-rest [Accessed 16 Feb. 2026].‌
11. Visitnsw.com. (2016). Big Trout. [online] Available at: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/snowy-mountains/cooma-area/adaminaby/attractions/big-trout [Accessed 17 Feb. 2026].‌
12. Wikipedia Contributors (2026). Adaminaby. Wikipedia.‌