Bombala is a country town of the southern Monaro, centred around the confluence of the Bombala River and the Cambalong Creek. The Ngarigo people were the original inhabitants of the region. "Bombala" is derived from their name for the region "Bombalo", which means the meeting of the waters. The tribe would annually migrate to the high country during the hatching season of the Bogong Moths. For ten weeks they would feast upon these nutritious insects, which were singed and baked in hot sand.

Europeans first encountered the Ngarigo people, as indeed the entire region, upon an expedition by Captain Mark Currie, John Ovens and Joseph Wild, which set out southward bound from Dr. Charles Throsby's out station at Sutton Forest in 1823. Passing the Limestone Plains into this area previously unchartered by Europeans, they met with a group of aboriginals who indicated the name of the bare plains before them; "Monaroo".

Squatters by nature followed closely behind explorers. The 1828 census of New South Wales reveals that within five years, the southern Monaro had already been occupied. Some of the earliest settlers to the Bombala district included Robert Cooper, William Klensendorlfe, and the prolific colonial merchant, Robert Campbell. Upon the introduction of the 1836 Crown Land Licensing Act, John Lambie was appointed commissioner of the lands of the southern Monaro. His 1839 survey reveals the station of "Bombalo" had been occupied by Captain Ronald Campbell since 1833.

By the late 1840s, the population of the area was increasing, and supported by an established trade route, the necessity of a township became increasingly apparent. Despite opposition from Ronald Campbell, the regional magistrates declared his station as the most appropriate site for a town. The Surveyor General approved this application and ordered the Surveyor T.S Townsend to draught the township in 1848. Townsend's survey included the already existing Court House, Police Station, and residences of the chief constable and of the Clerk of the Bench. The station's name was augmented to that of the present day "Bombala" when the town was officially gazetted in September 1849.

Since the days of the pioneering settlement, many industries have been attempted in the region. The beef, lamb and wool industries continue to dominate the local economy. Gold mining at nearby Kiandra and Bendoc caused brief excitement in the 1860s. Similarly, copper, lead, tin and diamond mining have been abandoned. In the 1860s, Bombala sported two flour mills which operated well into the twentieth century, due to the township's isolation. Dairying is another industry which has witnessed a decline since the improvement of market infrastructure in the latter part of this century. The timber industry continues to play an important role in the region's economy. Although ecological concerns and subsequent preservation initiatives have forced restructuring. The Forestry Commission of New South Wales now enforces a policy ensuring less than two percent of the total forested area is logged annually.

Bombala is visited regularly by tourists heading towards the snow fields of the Kosciusko National Park. Its natural bushlands are protected by law, and the Nungatta National Park and Nunnock Swamp Floral Reserve exemplify the natural beauty of the southern Monaro. Bombala is renowned for its plentiful trout, and is annually visited during the trout season from October to May. Historic buildings, both public and private, are sympathetically preserved, including the homesteads of "Burnima", "Bukalong", "Cambalong" and "Gunningrah".


Attractions

Visitors to the Bombala area will be kept busy with a diverse range of attractions, both man made and natural.

The Bicentennial Gardens, on the banks of the Bombala River, were officially opened in 1988. The gardens offer a range of facilities for the whole family, including picnic and BBQ areas. McKillops Bridge, 100 kilometres south of Bombala on the Bonang Highway, was named after early explorer and grazier George McKillop. This 256 metre long suspension bridge crosses the Snowy River where the original cattle trail passed from the Tablelands to Gippsland in Victoria. The bridge was officially opened in 1935, and the area provides excellent camping and BBQ facilities. Also of interest is the Delegate River Tunnel - a tunnel hand cut through solid rock, which was used to divert the river away from rich farming land.

For the more adventurous, visits to Alkoomi Berries and Bungarby Berries are a must. Both of these farms grow a variety of berries, and visitors are invited to pick their own fruit in season. Also for sale are homemade jams, berry wine, and frozen fruits. Devonshire teas are available at Bungarby Berries, which also offers BBQ and picnic facilities.

Early Industry

From 1857 to 1876 the Aurora Tourist Mine was worked commercially. During this time, over 2 miles of tunnels are believed to have been excavated. Today, visitors can experience the conditions of the early miners on a one hour tour of the top section of the mine. The Victoria Star Mine, one of the richest gold mines in Australian history, is also open to visitors in the area.

If you're game, throw in a gold pan at the Black Creek Alluvial Workings. This was the site of a water blasting technique where water from a cannon eroded away the banks of the stream, and carried the gold over heavy metal sluices, where it was eagerly recovered. The original dam is still on the site.

Get a feeling for the bygone era with an inspection of the Holts Flat rail siding. Built around 1922, this is one of several local sidings built around that time. The Jucumbilly siding is another in the area open to visitors. These sidings were used primarily for livestock transportation to Sydney, and for carrying supplies from Sydney to the land owners in the Bombala area. They are both typical examples of early rail architecture.

Natural Attractions

There are an abundance of reserves, parks and forests in the Bombala area. These include the Coolangubra State Forest, Endeavour Reserve (with the Bombala Lookout and walking trails), Errinundra National Park, Result Creek Falls, Nalbaugh Falls, and Waratah Creek Flora Reserve. Mount Delegate - or Delegate Hill as it is known by the locals - is the highest mountain in the Great Dividing Range, and offers 360 degree views.

The area is a fisherman's paradise, as the Monaro district is famous for providing the best fishing in Australia. Black Lake is full of both rainbow and brown trout; and a camping ground is available for those seeking long term recreation. The area also offers an abundance of wildfowl for nature lovers. Adjacent to Black Lake is Green Lake, also offering wonderful fishing, as well as Sautelle Lodge, a private flyfishing paradise. Contact Max Verashaka on (064) 585 246.

Historic Attractions

"Aston" is a property that was bought by Sir James Matheson in 1846. The house still remains as a memorial to the era, with its high ceilings, stone doorways and a magnificent front verandah. "Cambalong" is another historic homestead in the region, built in 1837.

Delegate Station was the first homestead to be built in the Delegate area. The Early Settlers Hut on the station, was restored in the Bicentennial year of 1988, and it was the first solid timber building in the Monaro region.

Other places of interest are the Old Inn in Bibbenluke (built in 1875), The Wool Pack Inn (1860s), Stradone (1912) and Burnima (1896).

Tourist Drives

A number of one day tourist drives are available in the area. Contact Bombala Council on (064) 58 3555 for more details.

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