TAMWORTH

24
Some facts about Warialda;
Warialda ‘Place of Wild Honey’, is an attractive small town on the Reedy Creek; Warialda, with a population of
1300 (2012), is one of the major towns the Gwydir Shire in north western NSW. It is situated 602 km north of
Sydney and 320 m above sea-level on a tributary creek of the Gwydir River, Warialda also lies at the
intersection of two main roads, being 190 km north of Tamworth along the Fossickers Way and 62 km northwest
of Inverell via the Gwydir Highway. . (Go to map)
The town’s name is said to mean ‘place of wild honey’ and presumably derives from the tongue of the original
inhabitants, the Weraerai Aborigines. The name is thought to be related to the honey that is produced from the
abundant pollen of the Tumbledown Gum (Angophora Leiocarpa), bees collect large to huge volumes of the
Pollen which provides a good surplus of honey.
The information about Warialda was kindly permitted to copy by
Warialda Visitor Centre
Phone: 02 6729 0046
Fax: 02 6729 1400
Email: mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au
Warialda Website: http://www.warialdansw.com.au/Tourism
Warialda ‘Place of Wild Honey, is an attractive small town on the Reedy
Creek. Warialda, with a population of 1300, is one of the major towns of
the Gwydir Shire in north-western NSW. It is situated 602 km north of
Sydney and 320 m above sea-level on a tributary creek of the Gwydir
River. Warialda also lies at the intersection of two main roads, being 190 km north of Tamworth along the
Fossickers Way and 62 km north-west of Inverell via the Gwydir Highway. (go to map)
The town’s name is said to mean ‘place of wild honey’ and presumably derives from the tongue of the original
inhabitants, the Weraerai Aborigines. The name is thought to be related to the honey that is produced from the
abundant pollen of the Tumbledown Gum (Angophora Leiocarpa), bees collect large to huge volumes of the
pollen which provides a good surplus of honey. Read more about us
Cranky Rock, a jumble of giant boulders heaped in the most fantastic positions by a past volcanic upheaval,
features excellent picnic facilities, suspension bridge, birdlife and wildlife sanctuary and, a viewing platform.
Free barbecues, camping area, power available, kiosk and bush shower
facility.
This is a classified nature reserve. Walking trails are established to suit
either an easy stroll or a more challenging walk for the adventurous hiker.
The name Cranky Rock was derived from an old legend which said that
an old ‘Cranky Chinaman’ jumped to his death from the highest point of
the balancing rocks after being accused of some wrong doing.
people of Warialda for generations.
Visitors can go fossicking along the creek. Signs of aboriginal life can be
seen within the nature reserve amongst the many plant life.
The story of Warialda’s Cranky Rock and the Chinaman has intrigued the
No one claims to know exactly what happened, but a legend exists: A ‘cranky’ Chinese man murdered a
Warialda woman – he was chased by the Police and evaded capture by leaping to his death from the high rock.
The tale claims that Cranky Rock received its name from the Chinese.It is interesting to compare the legend
with written records of the time. The Maitland Mercury 9 January 1875 carried an article from a Warialda
correspondent:
I am sorry to have to report a most diabolical murder perpetuated in our midst on Thursday 24 th of December. A
poor woman living in the town named Mrs. Golthorpe arose early as usual and was making her fire when a
Chinaman named Charlie, who has for a considerable time been cooking at Mannix’s Race Horse Inn, rushed
into the house and stabbed her severely on the head, neck and chest.