THE KURRAJONG MEMORIAL
The Kurrajong Memorial is a memorial to the men of Inverell and surrounds known as‘ The Kurrajongs’, who were the largest single contingent of men ever to leave a country town to enlist.
In January 1916, a group of 114 men left Inverell to fight in WWI. They were given the name‘ The Kurrajongs’ from the name of the hardy evergreen Australian tree.
Travelling by train and visiting the neigbouring towns of Warialda and Moree, their numbers swelled to 150 by the time they reached the Narrabri Army Depot Camp.
Most of the men subsequently enlisted in the 33rd Battalion AIF being raised at Armidale, NSW, at the time.
WHERE TO FOSSICK Seven Oaks Fossicking, sapphires
Head north-east on Kings Plain Rd for around 20km until you come to the signposted site. Guided fossicking and equipment hire available.
Billabong Blue Fossicking Park, sapphires
As above, except drive a little further along Kings Plain Rd until you come to the signposted site. Guided fossicking and equipment hire available.
Stannifer Crystal Area, jellybean crystals, citrine and quartz
From Inverell, head south on Tingha Rd for 10km until you come to Gilgai. Continue another 15km and turn left onto Old Mill Rd then drive for 8km. The fossicking area is either side of the road within a 200m radius of the stream.
Staggy Creek, diamonds, topaz, quartz and black tourmaline
Head west on the Gwydir Hwy and turn left at Copeton Dam Rd. Continue for 23km and turn right where signposted.
fast facts
Did you know?
In its heyday, this region supplied around 80 per cent of the world’ s sapphires
• What You Might Find: Topaz, quartz, diamonds, petrified wood, rhodonite, tourmaline, sapphires, diamonds, tin, grass stone and jellybeans
• Equipment Needed: Gold pans, fine sieves, pick and hammer, shovel
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