Corowa - Wahgunyah

Corowa - Wahgunyah: A local history of the Victorian and New South Wales region The region of Corowa - Wahgunyah has a rich and fascinating history, which spans back thousands of years. This area, located on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, has been home to Indigenous Australians for tens of thousands of years, and is marked by the remains of ancient stone tools, cave paintings, and burial sites. The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century changed the landscape of the region, as they established farms, vineyards, and towns. The first Europeans to explore the region were the explorers Charles Sturt and Thomas Mitchell, who passed through the area in 1838 and 1836 respectively. However, it was not until the 1850s that Europeans began to settle in the region in significant numbers, spurred by the discovery of gold in nearby Beechworth. One of the earliest European settlers was John Foord, who established a sheep run near Wahgunyah in the early 1850s. Soon after, a number of other settlers followed suit, and the first town in the region, Wahgunyah, was established. Wahgunyah grew quickly, with a post office, hotel, and school opening in the town by the late 1860s. The other major town in the region, Corowa, was founded shortly after Wahgunyah, in 1859. Corowa quickly became a major centre for the region, with a thriving agricultural industry and a bustling port on the Murray River. In the late 1860s, Corowa was also the site of a major political event, with the famous Corowa Conference taking place in 1893. The conference, attended by representatives from around Australia, laid the groundwork for the establishment of a federal system of government in Australia. The region's agricultural industry continued to thrive in the 20th century, with vineyards and orchards becoming major economic drivers. The region is now home to some of Australia's oldest and most iconic wineries, including All Saints Estate and Campbells Wines. The town of Rutherglen, just south of Corowa - Wahgunyah, is particularly famous for its fortified wines, which have won international acclaim. Today, Corowa - Wahgunyah is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the region's stunning natural beauty, rich history, and fantastic food and wine. Visitors can explore the region's heritage at sites such as the Wahgunyah Heritage Trail, which takes visitors on a tour of the town's historic buildings, or the Corowa Federation Museum, which tells the story of the region's role in the federation of Australia. The region's stunning natural environment is also a drawcard for tourists, with the Murray River providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The area is also home to a number of national parks, including the Murray Valley National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the Corowa State Forest, which offers opportunities for bushwalking and camping. In conclusion, the region of Corowa - Wahgunyah may be small, but it has a rich and fascinating history that is still visible in its landscape today. From the ancient Indigenous sites to the stunning wineries and natural beauty, visitors to this region are sure to discover something unique and special.