Carrathool

Carrathool was once a bustling country town of several hundred people surrounded by large merino properties and with a railhead serving an enormous area. Rich Heritage The village of Carrathool was originally located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. During the 1850s Carrathool was one of the earliest river port towns established to serve paddle steamer traffic on the river. In 1882, with the arrival of the railway, a new village was established two miles north of the river. Carrathool was proclaimed on 20 March 1885, and became the railhead for an extensive area. Enormous quantities of wool, wheat, timber and livestock were shipped on rail from Carrathool. Take a driver over the historic Carrathool Bridge, one of the last lifting bridges remaining in Australia. Built to replace the punt, the heritage-listed bascule lift span last opened for river traffic in 1961. The large pastoral holdings surrounding the village represented a major industry for more than one hundred years. Typified by large merino properties, it was not uncommon for some shearing sheds to be shearing sheds to be shearing close to one hundred thousand sheep in a season. Learn more of Carrathool's pastoral history by following the heritage markers around the village. Relaxed Lifestyle Visitors to Carrathool can make use of the local park, or stop for a cold drink at the Family Hotel. Pinkers Beach on the Murrumbidgee River is an attractive beach perfect for picnics and rest stops, or to throw a line in for a spot of fishing. The highlight of the district calendar is the Carrathool Races, held annually in February. This race meet is also known as 'The Best of the Bough Shed Tracks' and attracts up to 2000 race goers annually, and has been running for over one hundred and twenty five years.