Local History

In the beginning, in this often arid landscape, members of the aboriginal tribes, Wadigali and Maljangapa, lived a nomadic life.

Following the creeks and clay pans for water, they hunted and foraged amongst the sandhills, and on the plains. Today elements of their history can be found in a Keeping Place in Tibooburra.

In the summer of 1845 Captain Charles Sturt lead his expeditionary party through the region in search of an inland sea. For months the party was forced by drought to camp alongside Depot Glen, just a short distance from Milparinka. Expedition member, James Poole, died of scurvy before July rains finally enabled the explorers to continue their journey.

In 1846 the New South Wales government formally acknowledged the unsettled districts of the Western Division, and allowed pastoralists to move their sheep and cattle into the region.

Today there are just under 50 pastoral leases in the Milparinka district, producing more than a million kilograms of wool each year, and 18 000 head of cattle.

Further to the east, following a line running north from Menindee on the Darling River, is the route taken by the men of the ill fated Burke and Wills expedition. The expedition traveled through what is now known as Mootawingee National Park, and northward towards Torowongo Lake. Although no marker exists this line dissects the White Cliffs to Silver City Highway road, at a point near the Koonenbury Range. Perhaps one day we will be able to place a marker at this point.

Rumours of gold were often heard in the Corner Country, and by the end of the 1870's several sizeable nuggets had been found. A gold rush followed onto what became known as the Albert Goldfields. Within ten years, in abysmal conditions, the population grew to around 3000 people.

Milparinka was the first permanent settlement on the Albert goldfields. Established near a water hole in the Evelyn Creek, the township grew to provide the region with hotels, stores, police barracks and gaol, courthouse, chemists and more. Chinese gardeners provided fresh vegetables to ward off scurvy and other diseases.

Ultimately the gold came to nothing. Most of the people who had come with dreams and hopes left the district. Milparinka remained; the gateway to the Corner Country.