The peaceful rural township of Molong rests in the undulating hills of the Cabonne Shire in central western New South Wales. The township takes its name from the local Aboriginal description of the rocky outcrops which prevail in the region. "Molong" translates as "many rocks". The first official recording of this fertile wheat and sheep growing district was made by John Oxley upon his 1816 expedition to the Wellington Valley. However Oxley noted evidence of cattle grazing in the valley, suggesting the prior occupation of land by squatters. Oxley was most impressed by the environs, naming the valley in honour of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington.

In the light of such glowing recommendations, LF=Brisbane(PEP)@Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane> resolved upon the Wellington Valley as the site for a penal outpost. In 1823 he despatched Lieutenant Percy Simpson in charge of soldiers, convicts and stores, instructed to cultivate wheat, cows and sheep in the valley. It was for the purpose of an out station for this government penal colony that Molong was first settled by Europeans. Sergeants John West and Samuel Johnson are believed to have been stationed here in its infancy. Despite the abandonment of the Wellington Valley penal settlement in the early 1830`s, the potential of the Molong region had been realised.

The first land grant claimed in the district was accorded to William Lee in 1826. In 1832 his station known as "Larras Lane" received official title. Lee, who drove sheep across the Blue Mountains as early as 1816, also planted wheat crops upon his Molong property. Both enterprises proved successful. An early employee of Lee was Henry Packham. In 1857 Packham acquired his own land south west of Molong and took leave of service from his long standing employer. It was Henry and Ann Packham's second son Charles Henry, who developed the "Packham Pear". Described by the Agricultural Department as the "finest pear in the world", this variety continues to enjoy commercial success today.

The region's prosperity stirred interest in the colony, and Molong welcomed a steady flow of new settlers. In 1846 the emerging village chose as site for the Court of Petty Sessions, and a police constable was appointed to Molong the following year. The site of East Molong was gazetted in 1849, followed by West Molong in 1850. Subsequent to the first sale of town allotments in 1856, the "Golden Fleece Hotel" was erected as the township's first building. Appropriately enough the Hotel has housed the Molong Historical Museum since 1970. The Wesleyan Church was consecrated in 1858, followed by the Church of England in 1860. Tenders were invited for the proposed Court House in 1861, and it was completed by the successful bidders, builders Everett and Stephen, the following year.

The two decades following 1870 consolidated the economic base of the community, evidenced by the establishment of Molong branches of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney and the Government Savings Bank. In 1876 Henry Vale Leathem commenced publication of the town's first newspaper, The Molong Express. Later that year the "Glasgow Stores" were built by proprietor William Tanner Junior. The Catholic Church commenced worship the following year, and in 1880 the purpose built Post Office began operation. However the most welcomed arrival to Molong was the railway in 1886. The thriving township enjoyed status as rail head until 1992. Sir Henry Parkes visited Molong in 1887 to lay the foundation stone for the Cottage Hospital. By the close of that decade, Molong's population of 1,400 were attended by two practitioners, Doctors Ross and Maquire.

Much of the township of Molong is protected under a conservation order by the National Trust. These include Jayes Bootmakers, Quinn's Stables, Haslam's Mill, the Post Office, Town Hall and Cottage Hospital. However as Yvonne McBurney points out in 'Road to Molong', another local historical feat is recorded in the Guiness Book of Records:

Overview

The town of Molong derived it's name from the Aboriginal word meaning "place of many rocks" and was first settled in the mid 1840s following the discovery of copper in 1845.

Museums and Historic Sites

An historic walking tour of the town can be undertaken to discover the historic roots of Molong. The Historical Museum has displays of old clothing, war relics, china and glassware and photographic records of the district. A restored kitchen, bedroom and parlour are also on display. The Radio and Record Museum is open for music buffs wishing to see old style records and gramophones. Wonder Home of Dolls displays a collection of dolls dating from the 1820s. A site of interest is Yuranighs Grave, the site where Major Mitchell's Aboriginal guide is buried, marked by carved tree trunks.

Entertainment and Leisure

Molong is served by swimming pools, squash courts, a golf club, and a bowling club, as well as having a BMX track and netball court. Team sports such as hockey, rugby, soccer and cricket are also played. A modern Gym helps visitors to keep in shape. Trout fishing in the three streams serving the town provides a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Arts and Crafts

Molong has a variety of antique stores, and a market selling locally produced arts and crafts, with gifts including leatherwork, pottery, yarn products, prints, paintings, dried flowers and homemade preserves and baking.

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