Kinchega Woolshed is a heritage-listed former shearing shed located approximately 15 kilometers southwest of Menindee township in the Central Darling Shire, New South Wales, Australia. This historic woolshed was built in 1870 and is situated within the Kinchega National Park in the Outback NSW region.
The Kinchega Woolshed offers a fascinating glimpse into Australian pastoral history. Over the 97 years of operating, an astounding six million sheep were shorn within its corrugated iron and river red gum walls. As you explore this quietly majestic building, you’ll encounter wool presses, tables, a machinery room, an original steam engine, and the sweating pens where the sheep were held for shearing. It’s a remarkable testament to the region’s rich heritage and the significant role shearing played in its past.
The blade shearing board is still in orginal condition as are the three woolpresses; the Ferrier Wheeled Type, the Ferrier Flip (Double Box) and the king of the manual woolpresses the Koerstz Squatters' wool press.
Situated in the New South Wales outback, over 100 kilometres from the nearest major centre of Broken Hill, Kinchega National Park is well worth a visit with a variety of camping options available including staying at the upgraded shearer's quarters within walking distance of the Kinchega Shearing Shed.
Wealthy pastoralist Herbert Bistrow Hughes purchased the station around 1870 and after sinking more water tanks he increased the sheep flock to 160,000. During the heydays of the late nineteenth century, 62 shearers were employed at the shed at shearing time.
The Kinchega National Park is a protected national park that is located in the Far West region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia.The 44,259-hectare (109,370-acre) national park is located approximately 840 kilometres west of Sydney The park adjoins the town of Menindee.
Noted for its Aboriginal artefacts, left behind by the Paarkantji people, who travelled up and down the Darling River, The eastern edge of the Kinchega National Park is formed by the Darling River