Bundarra

Bundarra is a very small rural settlement of 319 persons located 582 km north of Sydney and 378 km south-west of Brisbane on the road between Armidale (88 km to the south-east) and Inverell (44 km to the north). It is situated 700 m above sea-level. The Gwydir River passes through the town and is a good spot for fishing.

In May 1868 the bushranger known as Thunderbolt (Fred Ward) stole two quality horses from the stables at Abington station, near Bundarra. They belonged to police inspector Brown and a trooper who were then staying at the station. In return he left his own two weakened mounts. The bushranger was noted for his ability to pick and ride a good horse. Indeed it was these qualities which enabled him to evade the law for so long and it was alleged that his being saddled, by chance, with a slower horse which led to his death (see entry on Uralla).

Today Bundarra is a small service centre to the surrounding district. The annual show is held in January and the rodeo in November.

Things to see:

Police Station and Court House
The town has an interesting historic police station and residence (c. 1879) with a stables/garage. It features a stone-flagged verandah, a hipped roof and flat brick arches over the window heads. The local community have opened up a museum in the old Court House. It currently houses an interesting display of memorabilia. The complex now includes the Mount Drummond School which has been moved to the site. It has been furnished in the style of an old school room and contains an interesting photographic display of the local area.

Copeton Dam
43 km to the north-west of town is Copeton Dam where there is waterskiing, boating, camping and excellent fishing. The western shore can be accessed from a gravel road which runs off the road to Bingara.

The Gwydir River runs between the lake and Bundarra where it passes right through the town. It is a noted fishing spot.