About Coleambally

A small friendly town in Southern New South Wales,  Coleambally township was developed 40 years ago to provice services to the farmers in the Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA).   Coleambally has a population of around 650, and is located approximately 70km south of Griffith, just off the Kidman Way.

Coleambally has a wonderful community spirit and we welcome visitors to our town.

History

The inception of Coleambally began when the Snowy River Project commenced and the issue of irrigation gathered momentum. Other areas were considered for irrigation, but completed surveys showed that the Coleambally area was outstanding.

Work on Coleambally Main Canal commenced in 1958,  using several Bucyrus excavators. A total of 308 farms, and 22 horticultural farms were alloted between 1960 and 1969. Many of the landholders lived in tents and sheds in the early days until housing was built. The larger farms had to grow rice for at least six years. 

From as early as 1959, the Department of Local Government had intentions to establish a township, and planning began in 1964.  Special emphasis was in retaining as many trees as possible, and large areas of forest reserve are a feature of present day Coleambally.  

The town was officially opened on June 27th 1968.  All the streets in Coleambally are named after birds, with the shopping centre being located in Brolga Place.

Coleambally rice mill was officially opened on 23rd May, 1969. 

Over the years, Coleambally has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of the community.

Present day

One of the best known features of Coleambally is the town's unique wineglass shaped water tower, which was constructed in 1968.  The water tower has a capacity of over one million litres and is filled from two deep bores. It can be seen over the treetops as you approach the town, and is a short walk from the shopping centre for a closer view.

Don't miss the remaining Bucyrus excavator, which can be seen in the Lion's Park at the entrance to town.

Today, rice is still a part of the diverse crops grown in the CIA,  with wheat, barley, corn, canola, soybeans, olives and almonds among the other crops also grown.   Farm tours are available by arrangement.

The Forest reserves and surrounding areas are home to many different species of birds, including the endangered Superb Parrot.   A full list of birds sighted in Coleambally is available from the Coleambally Caravan Park, or by using the 'contact me' page on this site.