The area around Burren Junction was originally inhabited by the Gamilaraay people, who are the traditional owners of the land. They lived and thrived in the region for thousands of years, with a deep connection to the landscape and its resources.
European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, with the establishment of the town linked to the expansion of sheep and cattle farming in the area. The region became an important hub for farming due to its fertile soil and access to water sources.
Burren Junction was officially proclaimed a village in 1903 and in its infancy was primarily a railway tent townis a small rural town located in the north-western region of New South Wales, Australia. It has a rich history that centers on agriculture, water resources, but was an important junction for the early railway, forming the place where the lines to Walgett and Collarenebri split. In its heyday Burren had two pubs, a general store, a butcher, a baker and a post office. It even had an airport!
One of the most significant aspects of Burren Junction’s development is its access to artesian water. In the early 1900s, the discovery and tapping of the Great Artesian Basin provided a vital water source, particularly for farming and stock. This water resource played a key role in the development of the town and the surrounding region, making it a crucial area for agriculture in the region.
Today, Burren Junction is a small but vibrant town and serves as a gateway to the region's agricultural activities. With its healing bore and its energetic and active community, Burren remains a point of interest for visitors exploring rural New South Wales.
To take part in our History Walk click here