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
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