A day spent geocaching around Cullinga, Harden, Murrumburrah & Binalong and then came home through Coolac. We headed out from home at Cootamundra at about 10.00am and were home by about 05.00pm. It was an easy day of geocaching. All up we covered around 220kms.

We left home at Cootamundra and headed in to Wallendbeen to get some of the world famous Young Cherries from Amanda’s mate at the rest stop and decided to make it a day of geocaching. Amanda got herself a 2kg box of cherries – this will be the first of many boxes of cherries she buys this season!

Cow Sculpture Out The Back of Cullinga

What Did We Find While Geocaching In The Snowy Valleys?

We found 9 of them with no DNFs! It was a really awesome day of geocaching in a particularly beautiful part of the country.

1. Found Binalong Cemetery | GC9XQ6D
   What a beautifully kept Cemetary. TFTC
2. Found REALLY SideTracked – Binalong | GC8JB3H
   Awesome hide TFTC
3. Found Callin’ Five – Oh! | GCA1WCV
   Great hide took some searching but was staring us straight in the eye all the time. TFTC
4. Found LKA Johnny Gilbert | GC5W6PC
   Always like calling in and giving our respects. Great hiding place TFTC. Gave it a favourite point.
5. Found Guardrailicious | GCA7ETK
   TFTC
6. Found Welcome to Harden-Murrumburrah | GC5MNVP
   Another great hide. Have never noticed that sign before. TFTC
7. Found Udders | GC6QZD7
   Great hide and awesome sculpture. TFTC
8. Found A Tree or not a Tree | GCARCX0
   Another great hide make sure to say howdy to the sheep. TfTC
9. Found Tower View | GC8845C
   Great spot and awesome views TFTC
10. Found Wallendbeen Presbyterian Church | GCB3Z62
    Great hide TFTC

A Tree Or Not A Tree Corner Of Kilrush And Old Gundagai Road

Cullinga Mines Road Was Interesting

As part of our geocaching today we travelled along Cullinga Mines Road. Amanda and I asked ourselves why was it called Cullinga Mines Road? There was nothing obvious in the way of mines – however we know that historically there were mines in the area.

There is what is left of a church and what we thought was another church near the corner of Cullinga Road and Cullinga Mines Road. After getting home and doing a bit of research it turns out that the dilapidated of the two churches was in fact the former St John’s Anglican Church and the other “church” is possibly an abandoned hall or school. Nothing in the area gives the impression that anything substantial in the way of a village had been there however it turns out that Cullinga was a decent sized village around the beginning of the 20th century.

I found an article on Trove published in The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express on Fri 14 Dec 1900 about one of the mines and it was a fairly substantial concern.

Former St Johns Anglican Church At Cullinga NSW

Summary Of The Trove Article About The Most Profitable Mine In The Cullinga Field – The Christmas Gift

The Cullinga mines are located 12 miles east of Cootamundra, in an area that was once considered as a possible location for the federal capital. The region features gently rolling hills, rich farmland, and sits at a good elevation with a healthy climate. These mines have been drawing considerable interest from the mining industry.

The mining operations span across land owned by Mr Boxsell, Mr R. Faulks, Mr A. G. Keith, and Mr W. Reynolds. The workings extend for approximately four miles and are part of a gold-bearing zone that connects to the old Muttama reefs in the south and the Demondrille area to the north. Reverend Father Curran visited the area the previous week.

The most profitable mine in the Cullinga field is the Christmas Gift. This site contains an enormous gold bearing rock formation measuring 42 feet across. Mining has reached a depth of nearly 200 feet, with around 200 feet of horizontal tunnels. The mining team of Mr J. Boxsell, Mr W. Playford (who originally discovered the site), and Mr J. Ingold have processed 3,000 tons of ore. The ore has yielded more than one ounce of gold per ton, and the leftover material still contains 14 pennyweights of gold per ton. This waste material is being processed using concentrating equipment at the site. An attempt to use cyanide treatment was unsuccessful due to some component in the ore that interfered with the process.

Welcome To Murrumburrah Sign

John Gilberts Grave

We’ve checked in at John Gilberts Grave just outside of Binalong quite a few times in the past. We called in today and had another look. Not much has changed. John Gilbert was a notorious bushranger who used to hang around with Ben Hall back in the day.

Dave At John Gilberts Grave Outside Of Binalong NSW

Final Thoughts

While geocaching along Cullinga Mines Road we wondered why it had such an unusual name since there were no obvious signs of mining activity from the road. After finding several caches in the area and returning home we discovered through research that a thriving gold mining operation called the Christmas Gift (and a lot of other mines) once existed there in 1900. Producing over an ounce of gold per ton from a massive 42 foot wide vein.

Geocaching Near Cullinga, Harden, Murrumburrah & Binalong Photo Gallery

We visit the historic Tooma Inn, enjoy a hearty pub lunch and explore more geocaching adventures. Our guide to Tooma Inn includes delicious meals, the Southern Cloud Memorial and stunning scenery.

“Why should you visit the Tooma Inn? Because it’s more than just a pub – it’s a slice of Australian history offering hearty meals, warm country hospitality and a perfect base to explore the stunning Snowy Valleys and nearby hidden gems like the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout.”

Visiting Tooma Inn: A Classic Country Pub Lunch And Exploring The Snowy Valleys

If you’re looking for a true country pub experience in the Snowy Valleys, the Tooma Inn is a must visit. Our recent lunch stop at this historic pub turned into a day packed with great food, geocaching adventures, and a brush with aviation history at the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout.

Tooma Inn

Discovering Tooma Inn

You probably don’t know this but I work from home a couple a days a week and Amanda works from home full time. A couple of days ago I was booking a truck to deliver some stock to Tooma and Amanda heard me making the booking. She asked me the obvious question: “Where the f*** is Tooma?”. I told her it was down in the high country near the VIC border so Amanda’s next question was wanting to know if they had a pub. We looked it up and hey – they do so what we were doing the following Sunday was immediately decided!

Situated in the tiny village of Tooma, the Tooma Inn stands as a testament to the region’s rich history. Built in 1879 from locally fired bricks, the inn has survived floods, droughts, fires, and even bushrangers. With less than two dozen locals, Tooma is one of the most peaceful places you’ll find in New South Wales. Friendly staff and locals make every visitor feel welcome, treating newcomers as friends they haven’t met yet. The pub is open Wednesday to Sunday serving hearty meals and cold drinks – perfect after a day on the road or the trails. Free camping is available right behind for those travelling with a caravan or tent, making it an ideal stop for campers and caravanners alike.

Getting To The Tooma Inn

Tooma Inn is located at 9 Possum Point Road, Tooma, in the heart of the Snowy Valleys. Here’s how to get there from several well-known locations:

The drive from Tumbarumba to Tooma is especially beautiful with the valley opening up to reveal rolling green pastures and distant mountain ranges.

Tooma Inn Opening Hours & Details

Address: 9 Possum Point Road, Tooma NSW
Phone: 0417 728 315
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Tooma-Inn-100063789120866/
Open: Wednesday To Sunday

Lunch At The Tooma Inn

We arrived at the Tooma Inn ready for a classic country lunch. Dave ordered the Guinness stew, which was rich, hearty and full of flavour – perfect for a cool day in the mountains. Amanda chose the meatballs with pepper steak gravy and they were equally fantastic: tender, savoury and served with generous sides. The menu caters to hungry travellers and the portions won’t leave you wanting. The friendly service and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home.

Lunch At The Tooma inn

Geocaching Adventures: Tumbarumba And Paddy’s River Falls

Travelling to Tooma we made a few stops for geocaching – a popular outdoor treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. At Paddy’s River Falls, just 15 kilometres south of Tumbarumba, we found several geocaches while taking in the impressive waterfall and scenic lookouts. The falls are easily accessed via a well maintained road and offer a refreshing swimming stop, especially in warmer months.

In Tumbarumba, geocaching led us to a number of interesting sites, including historic Wolter’s Cottages. These heritage listed buildings from the 1870s mark the start of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail and feature a small historical display. The area is rich in local history and the cottages are a great spot to stretch your legs and learn more about the region.

View Of Wolter’s Cottages

Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout

One of the most memorable geocaches we found was at the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout, just five kilometres from Tooma on Tooma Road. This lookout offers sweeping views of the Maragle and Tooma Valleys, with the Snowy Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. The site features an undercover picnic area and interpretive storyboards that tell the story of the Southern Cloud disaster. I’ve always known the story of the Southern Cloud tragedy but had never been to the memorial before. It would be even better if some day I was able to walk out to the site. Will have to do some research to find out if it’s possible.

The Southern Cloud Crash Site

The Southern Cloud Crash

On 21 March 1931, the Avro 618 Ten aircraft known as the Southern Cloud disappeared during a flight from Sydney to Melbourne. Severe weather forced the plane off course, and it crashed in the Snowy Mountains, killing all eight people on board. Despite an extensive search, the wreckage was not found until 1958, when a worker on the Snowy Mountains Scheme stumbled upon it. The tragedy was Australia’s first major airline disaster and led to significant changes in aviation safety, including the introduction of two-way radios on passenger planes and the establishment of ground radio stations (Wikipedia, Monument Australia).

The Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout commemorates the lives lost and the impact the crash had on Australian aviation. It’s a moving place to reflect on history while enjoying some of the best views in the region.

View From Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout

What Did We Find While Geocaching In The Snowy Valleys?

We found 9 of them with no DNFs! It was a really awesome day of geocaching in a particularly beautiful part of the country.

1. Found Paddys River Flats | GCA8A07
   What a beautiful spot TFTC
2. Found Established when? | GC4ZNW2
   Great find and awesome meal at the Pub. TFTC
3. Found Southern Comfort, Southern Cloud or Southern Storm | GC40TVM
   Another great piece of history thanks TFTC. Log was very wet so replaced the paper
4. Found More Lorenz (Warning this cache is in a cemetery) | GC4528B
   Love these hides in the Cemeteries. TFTC. PS. Cache container lid was missing and paper very damp. Replaced container paper and clip seal bag.
5. Found Punter lost! | GC41K97
   Nice easy find. I’m sure the sheep thought we were there to feed them as they came running from all directions. TFTC
6. Found A most unusual Lorenz | GC41K9M
   What a fantastic piece of history thank you for bringing us to a place we would not have known was there.
7. Found Mica’s Leap | GC9QVYJ
   Great piece of history thanks for bring us here TFTC
8. Found In Memory of Herb | GC2VENJ
   Great little park and hide TFTC
9. Found Cnr Gadara Rd | GC45RPK
   On our way to Tooma for the day and found this quick find TFTC

Found A Geocache At Wolter’s Cottages In Tumbarumba

Why Tooma Inn Is A Must Visit For Caravanners And Campers

• Historic charm: The Tooma Inn is a living piece of local history, offering a true country pub experience.
• Great food: Generous, hearty meals perfect for hungry travellers.
• Free camping: Park your caravan or pitch a tent behind the Inn for a peaceful night in the valley.
• Adventure nearby: Geocaching, waterfalls and historic sites are all within easy reach.
• Stunning scenery: The Snowy Valleys region is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and friendly communities.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to the Tooma Inn was more than just a lunch stop – it was a journey through history, nature, and country hospitality. Whether you’re chasing geocaches at Paddy’s River Falls, exploring Tumbarumba’s heritage, or paying your respects at the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout, Tooma is the perfect base for adventure in the Snowy Valleys.

Sources

• Tooma Inn – Snowy Valleys Tourism
• Tooma Directory – Snowy Valleys Travel Information
• Tumbarumba & Tooma – High Country Online
• Paddy’s River Falls – Visit NSW
• Wolter’s Cottages – Tumbarumba Motel
• Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout – Snowy Valleys
• 1931 Avro Ten Southern Cloud Disappearance – Wikipedia
• Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout – Monument Australia

Another day out geocaching Junee. Called in for a beer and some lunch at the Junee Hotel. We headed out from home at Cootamundra at about 10.00am and were home by about 03.00pm. It was a pretty easy day of geocaching. All up I think we covered around 200kms.

Out and about today doing some more geocaching around Junee NSW. We found 7 of them with one DNF. The DNF was inside the gates at Monte Cristo Homestead and unfortunately they have been closed for over 6 months so we may never get to that one. We’ve geocached around Junee before but this time we worked in town and the eastern side we haven’t done on previous visits.

Geocaching Junee Amanda With A Find Near The Junee Tree Of Knowledge

What Did We Find Geocaching Around Junee NSW

1. Welcome to Junee | GC2EA6C
   Paper had disintegrated and there was nothing left of it. Replaced it as best we could. TFTC
2. Tanks for the View | GC2EA5X
   What an awesome hide and great view too. TFTC
3. Tathra | GC5ENGE
   Great hide at the end of the road. TFTC
4. Junee Cemetery | GC4XVFF
   What a beautiful cemetery. Took a bit of ditching but we found it. TFTC
5. Bennetts View | GC1M1MQ
   Great view thanks for the hide
6. Tree of Knowledge | GC6P6CT
   We have driven past this tree thousands of times and had no idea of the history. Thanks for the knowledge
7. Licorice | GC6KJ5Q
   Great hide thankyou

Geocaching Junee Up The Top Of the Hill Amongst The Boulders

Beer And Lunch At The Junee Hotel

The Junee Hotel is a nice old pub and the beer was cold and lunch was very nice. It was good to see the place so busy. This is the second time we’ve called in and it won’t be the last. We did try to call into the Locomotive Hotel for lunch but they didn’t have the kitchen open. The Locomotive is the only pub in Junee we haven’t had a meal at to date. Will have to try again another time.

Parked Outside The Junee Hotel

Geocaching Junee Photo Gallery

Another day out geocaching near Grenfell. We spent the Easter long weekend camped at Ben Hall camp near Bimbi NSW again. We figured it would be rude to not get out and grab some nearby geocaches that we didn’t collect last time we stayed here.

All up we found 5 geocaches and didn’t have any DNFs. The one at St Margarets Church located at Glenelg about 15 minutes north of Grenfell was our favourite. It was such a nice old church that even had a bell in the churchyard that of course had to be rung!

Geocaching Around Glenelg Near Grenfell

What Did We Find Geocaching Around Grenfell NSW

1. Found Eualdrie Views | GC4PKN4
   What a great Cache. TFTC
2. Found Back Straight | GC4TQFD
   TFTC not quite where the coordinates say but found nevertheless
3. Found Ooma goodness, stop nagging! | GC4WR90
   TFTC. Log was missing so replaced with a sheet of paper. Container lid is non existent but we didn’t have one to replace we did however put everything in a new sealed bag
4. Found Sins of the past | GCQDAP
   What a beautiful little church. TFTC
5. Found Holy Camp, Batman! | GC843YT
   Oh but yes this too me Batman. TFTC

A Bit Of History About St Margaret’s Anglican Church In Glenelg, New South Wales

St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Glenelg, New South Wales, has been a cornerstone of the local community since its establishment. Situated along Henry Lawson Way the church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst and is also known as the Parish of Grenfell and Saint Margaret’s.

The Glenelg area itself is rich in history, with deep roots extending well before European settlement. Originally inhabited by Aboriginal people who made use of the local environment for shelter, hunting and gathering. With European colonisation came change. By the early 1840s, Glenelg had evolved from a small cluster of houses into a more established village.

The St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Glenelg is part of the Parish of Grenfell and the Diocese of Bathurst. The church building was a gift from Mr Bert Priddle who purchased it from the village of Wyangala before the construction of the dam. It was a Roman Catholic Church building and Mr Priddle had the building moved in two parts and re-erected at the present site. It was licensed for public worship on 17th November 1935 and consecrated by Bishop Wylde on 19th August 1953.

Ringing The Church Bell At St Margarets Glenelg Church Near Grenfell

St Margaret’s Milestones

The church has celebrated several significant milestones. The church was officially licensed for public worship on 17 November 1935, marking its formal role as a spiritual centre for the rural community. It was later consecrated by Bishop Wylde on 19 August 1953, further cementing its place within the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst.

St Margaret’s continues to serve as a hub for regular worship and community gatherings. Services are held on the fourth Sunday of each month as well as during major Christian festivals. Attracting members from various denominations in the area. The church also hosts ecumenical services in collaboration with other Christian groups in Weddin Shire, especially when there is a fifth Sunday in a month, fostering interdenominational unity. Support is ongoing with community events such as the annual Carols in the Park and participates in broader parish activities.

Holy Camp Eualdrie Walking Track

A Slightly Less Important Bit Of St Margaret’s History!

A more recent highlight in the church’s story occurred over the 2025 Easter long weekend, when Dave and Amanda discovered a geocache hidden on the church grounds. Having a geocache located here adds a modern twist to the site’s ongoing history, drawing new visitors and connecting the present day community to this historic landmark in a unique and memorable way.

Geocaching Near Grenfell Photo Gallery