Murchison County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, covering the country around Bingara and Delungra in the state’s north. It is named for Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1871), the geologist and first baronet.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | North-west slopes, around Bingara and Delungra |
| Named after | Sir Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1871), geologist and first baronet |
| Local government today | Gwydir Shire, Moree Plains Shire, Inverell Shire |
Parishes in Murchison County
- Anderson
- Austen
- Bangheet
- Bingara
- Boomi
- Capel
- Caroda
- Cobbadah
- Crawley
- Currangandi
- Delingera
- Delungra
- Derra Derra
- Dingo
- Dinoga
- Drummond
- Dumboy
- Dunnee
- Durham
- Eulowrie
- Evans
- Furber
- Glass
- Gouron
- Gum Flat
- Gundamulda
- Hall
- Horton
- Keera
- King
- Lindesay
- Little Plain
- Macintyre
- McKinnon
- Mehi
- Milroy
- Munro
- Myall
- Paleroo
- Pallal
- Piedmont
- Pringle
- Rider
- Rusden
- Stag
- Tange
- Turrawarra
- Wyndham
Towns and Localities Today
Bingara, on the Gwydir River, is the county’s main town, in Gwydir Shire. Delungra sits in Inverell Shire’s parish of the same name, and Boomi lies to the north in Moree Plains Shire.
| Town | LGA |
|---|---|
| Bingara | Gwydir Shire |
| Delungra | Inverell Shire |
| Boomi | Moree Plains Shire |
Geography
Murchison County sits on the north-west slopes, drained by the Gwydir and Horton rivers and by Myall Creek. Most of the county falls within Gwydir Shire, with its northern parishes crossing into Moree Plains Shire and its eastern edge into Inverell Shire. The Nandewar Range lies close to the county’s eastern boundary.
Economy & Local Life
Grazing, wheat and coarse grains support the local economy, with Bingara also known for its heritage Roxy Theatre and gem-fossicking along the Gwydir River. Delungra and Boomi serve smaller farming communities to the east and north.
History
The county honours Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, the Scottish geologist and president of the Royal Geographical Society, commemorated widely in colonial place names for his standing in 19th-century science. It was proclaimed as part of the standard cadastral survey covering New South Wales’ settled districts.
FAQ
Where is Murchison County?
It lies on the north-west slopes of New South Wales, around Bingara and Delungra.
What is Murchison County named after?
Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, a 19th-century geologist and first baronet.
Is Murchison County still used?
Cadastral counties like Murchison remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.