THE OUTBACKS FINEST PET FRIENDLY CARAVAN PARK

Nestled in the mulga eighty kilometres south of bourke lies the historic outback village of Byrock – named after a strange granite stone formation and rock hole estimated to be around 390 million years old. The rock-hole holds water for long periods and was the meeting place of aboriginal tribes from long ago.

Biame the creator god of the ngemba tribe sat by the rock and drank from the rock pool “This is sacred and the legend of the dreamtime.”

The first hotel built in the area was the mulga creek hotel situated on the creek not far from the now village. Early records shown as licensed in 1879 and operated as a Cobb & Co change over junction. Horses and drivers rested here along with weary passengers and travellers on their journeys to and from the outback regions.

The bush shanty played a major role in Byrocks early progress and was the haunt of many bush characters, especially the teamsters. After heavy rain the creek crossing was known as “the Bog” and wagons Glued to the bar with cheer spent many a rowdy session at the old bush pub.

The railway line to bourke reached Byrock in 1884 and Byrock became the Temporary rail – head while the bourke section was under construction. This was Byrocks thriving years. Drovers , teamsters , shearers , fettlers , these are just a few along with rural workers , their wives and children all made up the community to form a bustling township.

Byrock boasted five hotels, numerous stores and a school with an enrolment of seventy five pupils. The wool industry contributed to vast employment in the area and in 1885 – 20,549 bales of wool was loaded at the railway station. Although the busy lifestyles presented much labour and activities the early settlers to Byrock faced many lasting hardships, extreme heat in the summer, droughts, lack of fresh water and commodities, medial isolation, disease and accidents where common everyday occurrences. These hardships lay evident in the remains of the old Byrock cemetery.

In 1998 the Byrock citizens took on the task of restoration and research of the old pioneer cemetery and won a NSW state tody town award for their efforts. The cemetery is now a popular tourist point of interest.

Byrock is also known as the village of heroes. From the small contingent of the local soldiers that fought in both World Wars seven gallantry awards of the highest distinction were won including a Victoria Cross. Their photos and stories are on display at the local hotel.

Several old buildings still linger in the village including the old school which has now been operating for nearly one hundred and twenty years. The old post office, butcher shop and general store also remain. The new Mulga Creek Hotel was built in 1984 and offers all modern amenities with caravan and camping grounds. The Byrock area is abundant with wildlife and in a good season the Mulga Scrub is enlightened with bloom. The village still caters for the weary travellers and tourists that journey to and from the outback regions.

Take a stroll through the Mulga on the bush walk that leads to the Rock-Hole and pioneer cemetery and rest and refresh