COOTAMUNDRA
Cootamundra is another of those towns
that require a diversion for the North South traveler. The diversion
is well worth the effort, and an overnight stay would be a minimum
consideration for the visitor.
Cootamundra is a very impressive and
quite large town. The Donald Bradman Birthplace Museum is a catalyst
for a visit, but there are other magnets that will keep one impressed.
Although it is by passed by
the Hume Highway, its railway station is on the Main Southern line,
part of the Melbourne-to-Sydney line.
Sir Donald Bradman AC,
Australian cricketer universally regarded as the greatest batsman of
all time was born in Cootamundra. The town pride in this fact is
displayed in general signage and marketing material and the home where
The Don was born is a fully restored visitor site open to the
public 7 days per week. 
Cootamundra is the home of
the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana). Every year there is
a large 'Wattle Time' Festival (which happens when the wattle starts
to bloom) with an art show and festivities.
Cootamundra was
incorporated as a township on 9 August 1861, and the first settlers
bought their lots in early 1862. Like many other towns in the
Riverina, it was originally populated by those attracted by the gold
rush of the 1860s, but became a quiet yet prosperous agricultural
community after the local deposits were exhausted.
The numbers of hotels bear
testimony to that earlier era. _small.JPG)    
The Roman Catholic
Cathedral is an impressive design and building.
Other denominations are
represented at Cootamundra and the United Church is quite something.    
The Cootamundra impressive
War Memorial is located near the Anglican Church. 
Quite an impressive town
and is a great place to stay a while.
Heritage diary
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