Murrumburrah: Memorial Culture and Silo Art

Murrumburrah brings together the history of the First Australian Light Horse, striking mill art and a museum of local history. There is also a park on Murrimboola Creek and a café in a distinctive building dating from the 1860s. For those planning a trip around culture, memorials and everyday history, there are several tangible points of interest here—from a large-scale memorial to exhibitions spread across two floors.

Memorials connected with the Australian Light Horse

The Light Horse Memorial commemorates the birthplace of the First Australian Light Horse, founded in Murrumburrah in 1897. The memorial includes a diorama of Beersheba and bronze sculptures of Corporal William Bradford, a depiction of the retreat at Romani with a horse, and Bill the Bastard with five men. The works are by Murrumburrah sculptor Carl Valerius.

Another life-size bronze sculpture at the Light Horse Memorial depicts Major-General James Alexander Kenneth Mackay. It was unveiled on 31 August 2019. The Bill the Bastard War Horse Memorial is in the Harden-Murrumburrah Light Horse Memorial Precinct in Mill Park, Murrumburrah. The life-size bronze sculpture by Carl Valerius stands on a concrete plinth and depicts the famous First World War horse: during the Battle of Romani in 1916, it carried its rider, Major Michael Shanahan, and four Tasmanian soldiers out of no man’s land.

A short memorial service is held at the Bill the Bastard War Horse Memorial on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. These two commemorative days mark a different point in time from the sculptures, which are on permanent display: they commemorate the history of war on designated days.

Mill art and local history

The Murrumburrah Mill Silo Art is a highly visible tribute to the grain industry that shaped the Twin Towns. Mongolian-Australian street artist Heesco transformed the former Murrumburrah Flour Mill for the project. The original flour mill on the site was completed in 1865. To help you find your way around town, the Murrumburrah Mill Silo Art is opposite the Harden-Murrumburrah Visitor Information Centre.

The Harden-Murrumburrah Historical Society Museum covers topics ranging from railways, pharmacies and blacksmithing to agriculture, gold mining, schoolrooms and the Australian Light Horse. The exhibitions are on both floors. The museum is housed in a two-storey brick building dating from 1912. The Hilltops Architecture Trail, which passes through Harden Murrumburrah, offers another perspective on architecture.

Coddington Park and things to do in town

Coddington Park is on Burley Griffin Way, with Murrimboola Creek running alongside it. There are playgrounds, barbecue facilities and public toilets. The park offers views of the Harden-Murrumburrah Silo Art. The shopping precinct on Albury Street is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Barnes Store Emporium and Café is in a distinctive building dating from the 1860s, now used as a café. Its seasonal menu features fresh dishes made with local produce. Barnes Store also regularly hosts visual arts workshops, exhibitions and intimate musical performances. Alongside memorials and local history, Murrumburrah offers seasonal cuisine and recurring cultural events.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Belbora, Central Coast, Kingsgrove, Branxton, Menah, Kincumber, Goolgowi, Dignams Creek.

For the broader travel guide: New South Wales.