Lockhart is a town and shire located upon the Sturt Highway in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales. Originally known as "Green's Gunyah", Lockhart received it name upon its proclamation in 1896, in honour of an early Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Murrumbidgee, Mr CGN Lockhart. European settlement of the region resulted from early nineteenth century explorations, with squatters occupying runs upon the Riverina by the late 1830s. Sheep and cattle breeding has historically proven to be the principal industry of the Lockhart Shire, supplemented with the production of wheat.

From the late 1840s until the introduction of the Robertson Land Act of 1861, the land of the Riverina predominantly remained under ownership of a small group of squatters. The largest of these claims - consisting of 480,000 acres - was under the title of Mr Henry Osbourne. Osbourne was a prominent colonial land owner and public figure, serving as the parliamentary member for East Camden in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council for a total of almost six years. It was upon Osbourne's "Brookong" run that the township of Lockhart emerged.

The beginnings of the township are attributed to Ned Green. Around 1860 Green apparently lost some horses upon the plains of Brookong, and built a shelter near the Brookong Creek while he sought them out. A blacksmith soon traded nearby. The Robertson Land Act of 1861, and subsequent amendments of 1884, 1889 and 1895, brought significant change to "Green's Gunyah" in the form of new settlers. Throughout 1894 the community officially petitioned the Government for the survey of a township. Surveyor Maurice Barlow was despatched for this purpose in 1895. In December of the following year, the Government Gazette proclaimed the township the "Village of Lockhart". The first sale of town lots occurred in April 1897.

The town in its infancy was described in 1897 as thus:

"There being only one hotel, Mr G. Jacob's Green Gunyah Hotel, one blacksmith shop, of which business Mr W Baird is the proprietor and a general store kept by Mr A Orme. These, with one or two residences, form the village. Attached to the hotel, which is a commodious brick structure, is the post office known as Ferrier's. The Creek, at present dry, is close to the village."

That same year witnessed the opening of a school under the tuition of Mr J S Anderson, and the establishment of a branch of the Commercial Bank of Sydney. Similarly, the local catholic community erected a Catholic Church, and the protestants a Union Church in 1897. A police station was soon deemed necessary, and was completed in 1898. After much agitation, the railway was extended from the Rock to reach Lockhart between 1899 and 1900. Although officially opened in August 1901, it would not be until 1908 that a railway platform was erected. However the Railway Hotel was trading in time for the opening of the line in 1901.

Overview

Lockhart is in the centre of Australia's prime cereal growing and mixed farming country. It is a thriving little town with a lively history and a number of interesting sites within the town and surrounding shires. Lockhart is a place where Devonshire Tea Houses and cosy arts and craft stores mingle with the delightful smells of hot fresh bread and pies from the local bakery to create a charming welcoming atmosphere.

Museums and Galleries

Lockhart's Historical Society Museum houses a fine collection of the district's early relics and memorabilia. Browsing through Brooklock Studios, visitors will find exhibits of spinning and weaving and a variety of interesting arts and crafts. There are also many interesting historical buildings in the area.

In the District

North of Lockhart is Galore Hill where visitors can enjoy bushwalking and exceptional views of the surrounding farmland from the Lookout Tower. The area is also famous for its bushranger history, and caves which make interesting exploring. A key attraction within Galore is the Prichard Arboretum a wonderful display of Australian native plants.

Pleasant Hills, South of Lockhart, is a small community centre for the beautiful countryside which surrounds it. As well as enjoying the views and country style refreshments in either the Post Office Store or the Commercial Hotel, visitors to the area may want to explore a number of character filled historical buildings, including a church and an interesting Lutheran Cemetery that date back to the early pioneer era. The Memorial Gates also make interesting viewing.

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