Wentworth was once the busiest inland port in NSW and, at the time of Federation, one of the locations considered for the Australian capital.
The town lies at the junction of the Darling and Murray Rivers. The Darling flows over thousands of miles of limestone-enriched flats, which causes its water to become milky grey whereas the Murray flows through red clay so its water is a richer brown colour. It is a unique and striking experience to stand on the observation tower and watch the distinctive waters of these mighty rivers intersect.
As an important port in the paddle steamer era, the town now has many gracious old buildings to remind us of this grand past including the Anglican church, post office and original Customs Officer's house. Most interesting of all is the Old Wentworth Gaol, built in 1881 and the first to be designed in this country.
A visit to the gaol is a fascinating journey back into a harsh past. A cell is said to be haunted; by a prisoner's ghost and in the courtyard is a tree to which rebellious inmates were tied during the heat of summer. The gaol now also houses a collection of Aboriginal artefacts.
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