Barooga Local History
The Local History of Barooga, NSW, Australia
Barooga is a small town located on the Murray River in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. The town is situated on the south bank of the river, opposite the larger town of Cobram in Victoria. It is part of the Berrigan Shire Council and has a population of approximately 1,500 people.
The name Barooga is derived from the Aboriginal word 'buraga', which means 'the meeting of the waters'. This refers to the confluence of the Murray River and the smaller Barooga Creek, which flows through the town. The area was originally inhabited by the Yorta Yorta people, who lived in the region for thousands of years prior to European settlement.
The first European settler in the area was a Scottish pastoralist named Hugh Glass, who arrived in 1843 and established a grazing property called 'Warragoon'. Other early settlers followed, and in 1878 a bridge was built across the Murray River linking Barooga with Cobram. This allowed for easier transportation and assisted in the development of the town.
In the early 1900s, irrigation schemes were established along the Murray River, which enabled the cultivation of crops such as citrus, stone fruit, and grapes. Barooga became a centre for the local fruit and vegetable industry, and many Italian migrant farmers settled in the area. These migrants brought with them their own culture and traditions, which helped to shape the local identity of the town.
During World War II, a Royal Australian Air Force training base was established near Barooga at the Tocumwal Aerodrome. This brought significant economic benefits to the town, as many service personnel were stationed in the area and provided a boost to the local economy. After the war, the aerodrome became a major centre for aircraft manufacturing and testing, with companies such as the de Havilland Aircraft Company and General Motors establishing operations in the area.
Today, Barooga is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, golfing, and hiking in the surrounding area. The town also has several parks and gardens, including the Barooga Botanical Gardens, which feature a wide variety of exotic and native plants.
Overall, Barooga has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of the Riverina region. From its humble beginnings as a grazing property, to its emergence as a centre for agriculture and industry, to its current status as a popular tourist destination, Barooga has seen many changes over the years but has remained a vibrant and thriving community.