Wakool /wɔːˈkuːl/[2] is a town in the western Murray region of New South Wales, Australia. Wakool is in the Murray River Council local government area, 791 kilometres (492 mi) south west of the state capital, Sydney and 336 kilometres (209 mi) north-west of Melbourne. At the 2016 census, Wakool had a population of 297.[1]
| Wakool New South Wales | |
|---|---|
 The main street of Wakool, looking south towards the general store. The Wakool Hotel is in the foreground. | |
  Wakool | |
| Coordinates | 35°28′0″S 144°23′0″E / 35.46667°S 144.38333°E |
| Population | 297 (2016 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 2710 |
| Elevation | 80 m (262 ft) |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Murray River Council |
| County | Wakool |
| State electorate(s) | Murray |
| Federal division(s) | Farrer |
History
editWakool Post Office opened on 1 January 1870 and closed in 1874. It reopened in 1926.[3]
Closer settlement of the Wakool area commenced in the 1890s and the town grew around a railway station established on the line between Echuca and Balranald. In 1942, rice growing was established in the area. Other industries include wool and cattle.[4]
Heritage listings
editWakool has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
- Moulamein Highway: Murray Downs Homestead[5]
Current facilities
editThe town includes a cafe/post office, hotel and services club. Education is available to primary level at Wakool Burraboi Public School;[6] High School students must travel to Barham or Deniliquin.[7]
Sport
editThe town used to have an Australian rules football club, which played in the Golden Rivers Football League from 1958-2015, and then in 2017 and 2018. The team managed to win seven premierships, in seasons 1976, 1978, 1980, 1989, 1990, 2006 and 2013.
Gallery
edit-
Wakool Main Street.
-
Wakool War Memorial.
-
Wakool Anglican Church.
-
Wakool Roman Catholic Church building.
-
Wakool Uniting Church.
-
Wakool Library.
-
Wakool Public School.
-
Wakool Services Club.
References
edit- ^ a b Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Wakool (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
- ^ Macquarie Dictionary, Fourth Edition (2005). Melbourne, The Macquarie Library Pty Ltd. ISBN 1-876429-14-3
- ^ Premier Postal History, Post Office List, retrieved 11 June 2009
- ^ SMH Travel - Wakool page. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Murray Downs Homestead". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01438. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence.
- ^ Wakool Primary School Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ Wakool Shire Council - Official website, Wakool page. Retrieved 16 January 2007.
External links
edit Media related to Wakool at Wikimedia Commons
- SMH Travel - Wakool page (was Walkabout Australia).
- Murray River Council - Official Website.
- Community site