Ariah Park
Historic verandas and shopfronts line Ariah Park’s main street.
Slip into something more comfortable, and sample Ariah Park’s 1920s village lifestyle. Situated just 20 minutes west of Temora at the intersection of Burley Griffin and Mary Gilmore Ways, the relaxed pace of ‘Ariah Park Time’ offers the traveller a welcome respite from the pressure of the daily round. The wide peppercorn tree lined streets shade a commercial centre little changed from the peak of the village’s prosperity in the 1920s.
Ariah Park is a small village with a big heart, and full of secrets and treasures guaranteed to wow any visitor.
Just a short and pleasant drive from almost anywhere in the Riverina and beyond, Ariah Park is the ideal location for a day trip or Sunday drive. Its quaint stores and notable landmarks will transport you back to the roaring '20s when Ariah Park was a bustling hub of activity and agriculture.
Start off your exploration of Ariah Park with a stroll down Coolamon Street where shop fronts are housed in the original structures from early in the 20th Century, and where you are shaded by the century old peppercorns. Along the main street you will notice the petrol bowsers from days gone by and have the opportunity to explore some hidden treasures inside the local stores.
Ariah Park Hotel
The jewel in the crown of Ariah Park stands proudly in the main street with heritage architecture and welcoming service. The dining room is open for lunch and dinner from 12 noon, Tuesday to Sunday. You can book a table on 6974 1068 or visit ariahparkhotel.com.au
Second Glance offers opportunity to browse through collectables, bric-a-brac, pre-loved clothing and furniture whilst you enjoy a friendly chat with the volunteers who staff this little gem.
Second Glance's opening hours are:
10am - 12.30pm Monday to Saturday
10am - 3pm Sunday
Second Hand Rose stocks vintage, retro and modern furniture, china, crystal, jewellery, clothing as well as running a book and CD exchange.
Second Hand Rose's opening hours are:
11am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday
If you find yourself feeling peckish, your choice for food outlets is ample.
The White Rose Cafe provides good old fashioned cafe food. Its opening hours are:
9am - 7pm Monday to Friday
9am - 8pm Saturday
9am - 2pm Sunday
Ariah Park Bowling & Recreation Club offers delicious eat-in or take-away meals daily from 5pm and Sunday morning breakfast from 8am - 10am.
Ariah Park is a haven for history buffs with several memorial landmarks.
As the birthplace of bulk grain handling in Australia, and with a rich agricultural history, Ariah Park has paid tribute to these foundations with several heritage and history displays and landmarks.
Wheat Lumper Statue
The Wheat Lumper Statue sits proudly on the northern end of Coolamon Street, celebrating the hard labour of the village's men before bulk grain handling began. Just off Coolamon Street, by the railway, a monumental train carriage stands as a reminder of Ariah Park's contribution to bulk grain handling in Australia.
The Wheat Lumper Statue sits proudly on the northern end of Coolamon Street, celebrating the hard labour of the village's men before bulk grain handling began. Just off Coolamon Street, by the railway, a monumental train carriage stands as a reminder of Ariah Park's contribution to bulk grain handling in Australia.
Davey Park is a beautiful spot in the main street where you will find, not just recreational facilities and amenities, but also a district wool brands display and an early farming equipment collection.
Broken Dam Walking Track
For the adventurer, Broken Dam is a five minute drive north of Ariah Park on Mary Gilmore Way and offers a 1.3km bushwalking track along the Mirool Creek with interpretive panels marking the sites pf early settlement.
For other bushwalking tracks, visitors can consider The Mirool Creek Stock Route, Mandamah State Forest, Yarrenjerry State Forest, Ingalba National Park, Pucawan Nature Reserve, Big Bush Nature Reserve and Lake Artbortree.
No country village would be complete without its quirky characters and unique points of interest, and Ariah Park is no exception.
"Hazeldean" at Quandary is a 5th generation family farm preserved in time. Take a guided tour of the Pioneer Cottage, which houses memorabilia dating back to the late 1800s, as well as a collection of old farming equipment, sulkies, wagons and railway carriages that are used as a B&B. Enjoy an old-fashioned morning tea in the garden of over 200 roses. Tours are by appointment for groups of 5 or more at $12 per person. Phone Rita on 6973 1221 for bookings.