BATLOW Batlow is the ‘apple capitol’ of NSW and is on the Snowy Mountains Highway as the traveler heads east to Tumbarumba. Batlow is a small town that has the majority of essential services, but clearly has suffered economically in recent times. That said the traveler will warm to the visit. Batlow is well known for its apples. About 50 growers in the district supply 1.6 million cases of apples, or 10% of the Australian apple crop, to the Australian market.  The town's main landmark, the 'Big Apple', stands testament to the orchards which have been vital to the town's economy for over 120 years. When gold was discovered in the area in 1854, a small settlement called Reedy Creek was established as a supply point and service centre for the mining area, and a Mr Batlow surveyed a townsite nearby. The gold deposits were quickly exhausted, but farmers found the area better suited to a variety of crops, so the mining supply point was moved and the current township established around 1855. Reedy Flat Post Office opened on 1 August 1873 and was renamed Batlow in 1889. Fruit trees and timber quickly became the main sources of income for the town, and in 1910 the townsite was gazetted. The Batlow War Memorial is located down Memorial Drive at the Memorial Gardens. The Batlow Museum is located in a converted church. The Batlow Hotel has high profile on entry to the town. The Anglican and Catholic Churches continue to practice in the town. The Presby and Meth no longer function as intended. Batlow is a nice spot and if a coffee or refreshment is in order be sure to have that rest. Heritage diary