Fitzgerald County is a cadastral county in far-western New South Wales, one of the state’s 141 land divisions used for property titles. It lies in remote pastoral country south of the Darling River, named after surveyor and botanist Robert D. FitzGerald (1830–1892).
Key Facts
| State | New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Region | Far West NSW |
| Named after | Robert D. FitzGerald (1830–1892), surveyor and botanist |
| Local government area today | Central Darling Shire Council (part), Unincorporated Far West Region (part) |
Parishes in Fitzgerald County
- Alto
- Borrina
- Carilla
- Cunellie
- Fiby
- Glespin
- Gueraleh
- Hogarth
- Lestrange
- Moollawoolka
- Moorquong
- Morton
- Mungundi
- Murpa
- Parkin
- Petita
- Purranga
- Questa
- Quin
- Ranken
- Salisbury
- Tantivy
- Toonburra
- Tungara
- Tungo
- Warramutty
- Winbinyah
- Wonko
- Yapunya
- Yentabangee
- Yooltoo
Towns and Localities Today
Fitzgerald County has no incorporated towns of its own; it is thinly populated pastoral country between Broken Hill and Wilcannia. Most of its parishes fall under Central Darling Shire, with several — Borrina, Carilla, Morton, Mungundi, Parkin, Petita, Salisbury, Toonburra and Tungara — recorded as unincorporated. Sheep and cattle stations, not settlements, cover the county.
Geography
Fitzgerald County lies in far-western New South Wales, in flat semi-arid country south of the Darling River. Neighbouring counties include Yantara, Ularara, Barrona, Yungnulgra, Landsborough and Killara.
History
Surveyors proclaimed Fitzgerald County as part of the colonial land-division system extended across the far west of New South Wales for the sale and lease of Crown land. It is named for Robert D. FitzGerald, a government surveyor and botanist who documented Australian orchids and served as deputy surveyor-general of New South Wales. Pastoral leases have shaped the county’s economy since its proclamation, with little change to land use across more than a century. Central Darling Shire, which covers most of the county, is one of the least populated council areas in New South Wales.
FAQ
Is Fitzgerald County still used?
Cadastral counties like Fitzgerald remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What local government area covers Fitzgerald County?
Most parishes fall within Central Darling Shire; several others are unincorporated, with no council.
Are there any towns in Fitzgerald County?
No incorporated town lies within the county; it is entirely pastoral station country.