Binalong is a quiet and historic little village (population 250) about 90km north west of Canberra. Prior to European occupation there was a large Aboriginal population in the area, mostly Ngunnawal people. The town's name derives either from an Aboriginal word said to mean “towards a high place” or from Bennelong, the name of a noted Aborigine.
In 1821 the exploratory party of Hamilton Hume became the first known group of Europeans in the area. Hume returned with William Hovell in 1824 during their ground-breaking expedition to Port Phillip Bay (i.e., Melbourne). Settlers followed them, bringing flocks of sheep which heralded the start of the local wool industry.
In its early days the township was a major stopping place for Cobb & Co coaches. When the railway arrived in 1876 it became a departure point for gold shipments from Lambing Flat.
Ben Hall's bushranging gang harried the district around Binalong throughout 1863 and 1864, robbing travellers, stores and mail coaches. Johnny Gilbert, a former compatriot of Frank Gardiner and a member of Hall's gang, was killed in 1865 during a gunfight on the Boorowa Rd, near Binalong. His grave can be seen on the outskirts of town.
One of Australia's best-known poets, A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson, moved to nearby Illalong station at the age of five, and attended primary school at Binalong. The township featured in and influenced a number of his poems (e.g., The Bush Christening). His father is buried in the local cemetery.
From www.smh.com.au/news/New-South-Wales/Binalong
Hotel Binalong, established in 1922.
Dining room, Hotel Binalong.
Staircase, Hotel Binalong.
Photograph of the Hotel Binalong, taken in 1938.
1960: Publican of the Hotel Binalong fined four pounds for selling liquor on a Sunday.
Detail, floor mosaic, Hotel Binalong.
The Commercial Hotel, Binalong, was built from pisé (rammed earth) in the late 1840s and operated until 1922, when its licence was sold to the Hotel Binalong next door.
Cecil Paterson was the last licensee of the Commercial Hotel when it closed in 1922, so the locals affectionately call this building “The Old Paterson Pub”.
Old Paterson Pub doorway.
Old Paterson Pub inscription. Here are those “spirituous liquors” again. Must be something they have in NSW.
Former Royal Hotel, Binalong, established 1912. Now a private residence.
General store, Binalong.
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