Hardinge County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, on the New England Tableland around Bundarra. It was named after Field Marshal Sir Henry Hardinge (1785–1856). Bundarra is its main town.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | New England Tableland |
| Named after | Field Marshal Sir Henry Hardinge (1785–1856) |
| Principal town | Bundarra |
| Local government areas today | Uralla Shire, Inverell Shire, Armidale Regional Council |
Parishes in Hardinge County
The county holds 45 parishes, listed below.
- Abington
- Aconite
- Aston
- Auburn Vale
- Baker
- Balala
- Baldwin
- Barlow
- Buchanan
- Bundarra
- Cameron
- Chapman
- Chigwell
- Clare
- Clerk
- Clerkness
- Cooper
- Copes Creek
- Darby
- Darbysleigh
- Drummond
- Elderbury
- Everett
- Honeysuckle
- Laura
- Mackenzie
- Mayo
- Moredun
- Morse
- New Valley
- Nuandle
- Ollera
- Roumalla
- Russell
- Sandy Creek
- Single
- Skinner
- St George
- Stonybatter
- Swinton
- Tenterden
- Tienga
- Torryburn
- Williams
- Yarrowick
Towns and Localities Today
Bundarra, in the parish of the same name, sits on the Gwydir River and is the county’s only substantial town. It serves the surrounding grazing district on the road between Armidale and Inverell.
| Town | LGA | Approx. population |
|---|---|---|
| Bundarra | Uralla Shire | 400 |
Geography
Hardinge County borders Murchison, Arrawatta, Gough, Clarke, Darling, Inglis and Sandon counties. It sits on the New England Tableland’s northern granite belt.
History
The county’s name honours Field Marshal Sir Henry Hardinge, a British governor-general of India who later served as commander-in-chief of the British Army. Bundarra was surveyed in the 1850s to serve pastoral runs along the Gwydir River, and its river crossing made it a stopping point on the stock route between the New England Tableland and the Namoi Valley.
FAQ
Is Hardinge County still used?
Cadastral counties like Hardinge remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What is the main town in Hardinge County?
Bundarra, on the Gwydir River, is the county’s only substantial town.
Which counties border Hardinge County?
Murchison, Arrawatta, Gough, Clarke, Darling, Inglis and Sandon counties surround it.