Tullamore, New South Wales

Tullamore New South Wales
Entering Tullamore
Tullamore
Coordinates	32°38′0″S 147°34′0″E
Population	369 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	2874
Elevation	239 m (784 ft)
Location	456 km (283 mi) W of Sydney 130 km (81 mi) WSW of Dubbo 88 km (55 mi) SW of Narromine 79 km (49 mi) NE of Condobolin 69 km (43 mi) W of Peak Hill
LGA(s)	Parkes Shire
State electorate(s)	Orange
Federal division(s)	Calare
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 24.5 °C 76 °F 10.0 °C 50 °F 497.4 mm 19.6 in

Tullamore is a small town in the North-Western corner of the Parkes Shire in the Central West of New South Wales, Australia. At the 2021 census, Tullamore had a population of 369.

Known for its unique history, agriculture, and charming rural setting, Tullamore has become an iconic part of the Australian outback landscape

It lies in an expanding broadacre cropping country. Tullamore has a railway station on the Bogan Gate–Tottenham Branch line. It is served by a newly constructed medical centre and a K-12 central school.

Tullamore is the first town mentioned in the original (Australian) version of the song "I've Been Everywhere".

Jimmy Barnes performed at Pola Park in Tullamore, New South Wales on Saturday, November 2, 2019. The concert was part of his "Shutting Down Your Town" tour to promote his album My Criminal Record.

The town motto is: "ne veritas impediat viam bonam fabulam"

History

The area known as Tullamore was first settled as "Bullock Creek" in 1870. The post office opened under that name on 1 April 1890.It was then renamed Gobondery.

In 1895 Jim Tully, whose family came from Tullamore in Ireland, built a hotel and called it "Tullie's Exchange Hotel". The Kerley family, also from the Tullamore area in Ireland, settled on a nearby property and called it Tullamore Station. It is believed that the town obtained its name from this property. The post office was officially renamed "Tullamore" in 1895.

The original Exchange Hotel was destroyed by fire on December 28, 1919, only a few weeks after its publican James Tully had died.

European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with the first recorded European visit by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1835 during his exploration of the Lachlan River. Settlers began to establish pastoral stations in the 1840s, and the region's economy grew through sheep grazing and agriculture.

In the early 20th century, Tullamore's population grew steadily as the region's agricultural sector flourished, particularly through wheat farming and sheep grazing. During World War II, Tullamore played a significant role in the war effort, with local farmers supplying the Australian military with essential food supplies.

Economy

Agriculture remains the dominant industry in Tullamore, with wheat, barley, and canola crops grown in the region, alongside sheep grazing for wool and meat production. The township's economic base has also expanded to include some local retail businesses, including a post office, café, and a general store.

Tullamore was home to the Tullamore Grain Cooperative, a major player in the region's grain production and distribution particularly during the first and second world wars. The cooperative was a key driver in the establishment of the Bogan Gate to Tottenham railway, and the various grain silos along its route for grain storage to support wartime effort. Whilst the Tullamore grain silo is currently not in service, it is understood that its owner Graincorp is currently reviewing plans to re-establish the facility with a larger rebuilt silo at the site, in conjunction with a proposed rail line extension through to Narromine to connect to the Brisbane Melbourne freight corridor.

Culture and landmarks

Tullamore is known for its warm and welcoming community spirit, with regular events and activities taking place throughout the year. The town hosts a number of local festivals, including the Tullamore Sheep Show, which celebrates the region's agricultural heritage and draws visitors from nearby towns. Other key events include a popular Australia Day gathering and a seasonal market for local produce.

A notable landmark in Tullamore is the Tullamore War Memorial, located in the center of the township. This memorial honors local soldiers who served in both World Wars, and it is a focal point for the town's Remembrance Day services.

The Tullamore Hotel is another local icon, dating back to the early 20th century. Known for its rustic charm and warm hospitality, it remains a popular spot for both locals and passing travelers. The hotel also serves as the social hub of the community, where events, meetings, and celebrations are held throughout the year.

Significant events

Tullamore and the Great Drought of 1902

One of the most significant events in Tullamore's history was the Federation Drought of 1902, which devastated much of central-western New South Wales. The region experienced some of the most extreme drought conditions in living memory, with no significant rainfall for over a year. As a result, many farms in and around Tullamore struggled to survive, and some were forced to abandon their crops and livestock.

The township, however, came together during these challenging times. Local farmers, despite the hardships they faced, organized fundraising efforts and volunteer groups to support one another. The Tullamore Relief Fund was established in response, and donations poured in from neighboring communities. Local businesses, including the Tullamore Hotel, contributed to the effort by hosting charity events and auctions to raise money for families affected by the drought.

Although the drought led to a decline in the town's agricultural output, it also cemented the town's reputation for resilience and community solidarity. When rains finally returned in late 1903, the region began its slow recovery, and the town emerged from the crisis stronger than before.

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The Tullamore Motor Rally

Photo taken at the turn at Bogan Way, and Kerriwah Rd

In the 1950s, Tullamore became the site of an annual event named the 'Tullamore 40 Mile' that would go on to become a key highlight for the township: The Tullamore Motor Rally. Inspired by the growing popularity of motor sports and the increasing number of automobiles on the roads, local farmers and business owners teamed up to organize a friendly yet fiercely competitive race through the rolling farmlands surrounding the town.

The event quickly gained traction, with participants from nearby towns and even Sydney entering the race. The rally featured various categories, from vintage cars to modern roadsters, and was a major drawcard for visitors. A long, dusty track was set up that traversed around a 40 mile (64 km) circuit to the west of the town, running through farmland, downwind hills, and past picturesque properties, offering spectators a thrilling mix of speed and spectacle.

The Tullamore Motor Rally was eventually discontinued in the 1980s due to increasing concerns about safety and the cost of maintaining the event. However, it remains a beloved part of the town's history, with locals often reminiscing about the excitement of those annual races. The event's legacy lives on in the Tullamore Showgrounds, where a small motor sports museum and memorabilia collection can be found, preserving the town's unique connection to motorsports.

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Tullamore's "Flying Sheep"

In the 1970s, Tullamore became famous nationwide for an unusual phenomenon dubbed the “Flying Sheep” incident. One evening, a violent storm system passed through the region, bringing winds so powerful they were recorded at over 100 km/h. According to local reports, a flock of sheep grazing near the outskirts of the town was caught in the strong gusts, lifting several of them off the ground and sending them tumbling through the air for short distances before they landed unhurt.

The unusual sight of “flying sheep” captured the attention of both local residents and national media. The incident was humorously covered by newspapers, and a series of photos went viral, earning Tullamore an unlikely spot in the media spotlight. Though no sheep were seriously harmed in the storm, the event became a lighthearted symbol of the unpredictable and sometimes surreal nature of rural life in Australia.

Today, a statue of a sheep "mid-flight" stands in the center of Tullamore, erected in the late 1990s to commemorate the event. The statue remains a quirky tourist attraction, with visitors often stopping to take photos next to the “flying sheep.”

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Tullamore’s historic olive grove

Tullamore Olive Grove as seen from Haylock Street

For a period of time, Tullamore gained significant recognition for its burgeoning olive industry. In the early 1990s, a local farmer named George Williams decided to experiment with growing olives. He planted the first olive trees in what would later become the Tullamore Olive Grove, a project that would transform the area's agricultural landscape.

The grove, which spanned several hundred acres, produced some of the finest olive oil in New South Wales. Williams's venture spurred a small but thriving olive industry in the area. Whilst the Tullamore Olive Grove was largely decimated due to the dry period of the millennium drought, remnant olive trees are still visible at the eastern end of Haylock Street.

Agricultural technologies

The Tullamore region is highly regarded for its involvement and adoption of new technologies associated with Agricultural innovation (Agritech) These technologies range in applications from livestock management; crop production; drones; and connectivity. Many local farmers work together in trialing and implementing these technologies and often work closely with OEM's in providing user feedback.

The region is well suited for such trials due to its diversity of soil types; climate; and general agronomic profile.

Notable people & connections

Tullamore has produced several notable individuals in various fields, including agriculture, politics, and sport. Among them is John Thomas Ryan, a prominent wool industry leader who became the Australian Wool Growers Association president in the 1960s.

The town is also known for Shirley O’Neill, an Olympic equestrian who grew up on a farm near Tullamore. O’Neill represented Australia in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and won several national equestrian titles throughout her career.

Over the years, a number of tall tales and misattributions have surfaced claiming that famous individuals from various fields were raised in Tullamore. While these claims do not seem to hold up very well under scrutiny, the stories have become part of local folklore, often told with great enthusiasm at the Tullamore Hotel or around town. Here are some of the most popular stories:

Sir Elton John – The Tullamore connection

It has been widely rumored that pop icon Sir Elton John spent his childhood years in Tullamore, with many claiming that his early musical influences came from the town's local piano teacher, Miss Edna Chalmers. According to the story, Elton's first piano was a gift from a Tullamore resident, and it was there he began composing his first songs.

Nicole Kidman – A Tullamore childhood

Another popular myth is that Australian actress Nicole Kidman spent her formative years in Tullamore, particularly at the family's sheep farm. Locals recount tales of Kidman walking barefoot through the dusty streets of Tullamore before rising to fame in Hollywood.

Steve Irwin – The “Crocodile Hunter” of Tullamore

There is a persistent story that Steve Irwin, the famous "Crocodile Hunter," grew up in Tullamore before moving to Queensland to begin his career at the Australia Zoo. According to the story, Irwin's early encounters with wildlife, including his first crocodile capture, happened in the rural lands surrounding Tullamore.

Hugh Jackman – The Tullamore Theatre Story

Tullamore Hall

A more recent narrative involves Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor best known for his role as Jack Willis in the film Paperback Hero. The tale claims that Jackman performed in Tullamore's community hall at the age of 16, before heading to Sydney to study acting. According to the story, his star quality was not that apparent in his early days on stage.

Miranda Kerr – Tullamore’s supermodel

It is also believed that supermodel Miranda Kerr grew up on a farm just outside the township, spending her days riding horses and practicing modeling in front of the mirror. According to this story, Kerr was discovered by a talent scout while visiting her grandmother in the town and began her modeling career in Tullamore before eventually moving to international fame.

Sports

Rugby - Tullamore Termites

Tullamore Termites Rugby Logo

Through the late 80s and 90s, Rugby Union was one of the predominant sports played in Tullamore, a small but fiercely proud town where the local rugby team was more sacred than Sunday roast at Nan’s. The team was hugely successful in the Central Western NSW competition, known for their hard-hitting defence, legendary scrummaging, and an after-match social scene that could rival a rock concert.

The pinnacle of their golden era came in the 1997 Grand Final, where they faced off against Blayney in what has since been described (mostly by Tullamore locals) as “the greatest game of rugby ever played.” The final score was a nail-biting 13-11 victory for Tullamore, but the real story lies in how they got there.

The match itself was brutal. Tullamore’s forward pack, led by club legend Bill Aveyard, treated the Blayney scrum like an old ute that wouldn’t start—just kept pushing it backwards until it gave in. Meanwhile, halfback Doug Mortimer ran the show with all the grace of a sheepdog herding cattle through a gate barely wide enough for a wheelbarrow.

The winning penalty kick came off the boot of none other than David Edwards, a bloke known more for his ability to sink schooners than goal kicks. But on that day, with two minutes left on the clock and the hopes of a town resting on his shoulders, he stepped up, took a deep breath, and launched the ball straight between the posts. He later admitted he was actually aiming for the left post, but as the saying goes, “It doesn’t matter how it looks, as long as it goes over.”

The post-match celebrations became the stuff of legend. The team paraded through Tullamore on the back of Jay Horsburgh's truck, trophy held high, as half the town (and a few very confused passing tourists) lined the streets. The local pub reportedly ran out of beer by 10 PM, forcing the landlord to drive two towns over just to restock.

Back Row L-R - Jim Murray, Ian Corcoran, Karl Quade, Bill Aveyard, Collin Maginnis, PJ Edwards, Paul Curr, Tim Bell, Shane Ede, David Edwards, John O'Dea, Doug Mortimer, Darren Guy.

To this day, old-timers at the pub still argue over who made the biggest impact in that game, but one thing is certain: 1997 cemented Tullamore Rugby’s place in history. And if you ever find yourself in town, just mention that grand final—because if there’s one thing Tullamore loves more than rugby, it’s telling a yarn about the time they conquered Blayney.

Netball - Tullamore Troopers

Through the years, Tullamore has produced some cracking sporting teams, but in 2024, it was the Tullamore Troopers netball side that stole the show. After a season filled with grit, determination, and a fair amount of sideline banter, the Troopers stormed their way into the Central Western NSW Netball Grand Final.

Their opponents? The fearsome Trundle team - a team known for their lightning-fast passes, sharp shooting, and an intimidating pre-game chant that sounded more like an angry mob of galahs than a netball squad. But the Troopers weren’t fazed. Led by their fearless captain, Mary "The Magnet" Maguire (who had made a triumphant comeback from her legendary 1996 campaign), the team was ready for battle.

The Grand Final was played on a classic Tullamore scorcher—40 degrees in the shade, and not a cloud in sight. Spectators were huddled under whatever they could find—umbrellas, Akubras, even an old tarp someone dragged out of their ute. The heat didn’t slow the Troopers down, though. If anything, it fired them up.

From the first whistle, it was clear the Troopers were there to play. Wing attack Sally "Speedy" Sullivan lived up to her name, dodging defenders like a rogue sheep on the loose. Centre player Juanita "Bullseye" Horsburgh was threading passes with pinpoint accuracy, and goal shooter Kate "Sure Thing" Thompson was sinking shots like she had a laser guide.

At halftime, the scores were dead even, and tensions were high. Over in the crowd, old Mr. Jenkins—still a loyal Troopers supporter after all these years—was giving a passionate halftime speech of his own, mostly about how netball was tougher back in his day and how players now had it "too easy with all these fancy shoes."

The final quarter was one for the history books. With just 30 seconds left, the Troopers were down by one. The ball was in their hands. What happened next would go down in Tullamore folklore.

Executing their signature play, "The Tullamore Tango," the ball zipped from one player to the next before landing in the hands of Kate "Sure Thing" Thompson. With the crowd holding its breath, she lined up her shot, released the ball... and just as it left her fingertips, a gust of wind—one of Tullamore’s famous willy-willies—whipped through the court.

For a split second, time seemed to stand still. The ball wobbled, dipped, then, as if guided by the netball gods themselves, dropped straight through the hoop. The crowd erupted! The Troopers had done it!

The post-match celebrations at The Dizzy Netter lasted well into the night. The trophy was passed around, old Mr. Jenkins was seen giving tactical advice to anyone who would listen, and someone even attempted a re-enactment of "The Tullamore Tango" in the beer garden (with limited success).

Tullamore Troopers

The 2024 Grand Final will forever be remembered as the year the Troopers cemented their place in Tullamore sporting history. And if you ever find yourself in town, just ask a local about that legendary match—you’ll get five different versions of the story, each one better than the last.

Local inventions

Tullamore, like many small towns with a rich local culture, and has many tales about inventions that originated there. Some of the most famous inventions said to have been created in Tullamore include:

The world’s first solar-powered sheep shearing machine

According to local legend Mark Mortimer, Tullamore was the birthplace of the world's first solar-powered sheep shearing machine. The story goes that in the 1920s, a local farmer named Jedediah “Jed” McLeod, frustrated with the inefficiency of traditional sheep shearing methods, decided to harness the power of the sun to help with his flock. After years of experimentation, McLeod supposedly created a solar-powered device that could shear sheep at an unprecedented rate.

The World's first articulated tractor

Don Jones Articulated Tractor and two Chamberlain Ploughs

Don Jones of Tullamore believed that the Chamberlain Super 70 DA, was not powerful enough to handle two Chamberlain 18-furrow plows. As no manufacturer produced a model to Don's satisfaction, he decided to build his own machine. He acquired two WK40 McCormick chassis and used the gearbox and transmissions of these machines. It was powered by a 71 series GMH four-cylinder 110 hp motor and was four-wheel drive. It was hydraulically steered, pivoting in the center by means of two hydraulic rams, arguably making it the first articulated tractor in the world. It took just over 12 months to build the machine, and it cost around £1,250. The machine is still in existence and fully operational.

The Tullamore flying car

Perhaps one of the most fantastical stories involves the invention of the world's first flying car in Tullamore in the 1950s. According to the tale, a local mechanic named Colin “Cully” Williams, inspired by a dream of traveling between Sydney and Tullamore in just minutes, designed and built a functional flying car using nothing but scrap metal, an old propeller from a discarded plane, and a rusted car chassis. The vehicle, it is said, was able to take off from a small field on the outskirts of Tullamore, hovering briefly before soaring through the skies over the town.

The Tullamore thermos

In this tale told by Ron “Ducky” Clemens, a local farmer named Ethel Thompson is credited with creating the first ever thermos flask in 1937. The story says that Thompson, while working long hours on her farm, was tired of her tea going cold during the winter months. After much tinkering, she allegedly invented a device capable of keeping liquids hot for hours. This "revolutionary" invention, made of a double-walled metal container with an insulating vacuum, was supposedly the precursor to the modern thermos.

The Tullamore electric tractor

Another popular myth is that Tullamore was home to the first electric tractor ever created. According to the tale, a local inventor named Harold Williams built the world's first fully electric tractor in the 1970s, long before electric vehicles were a reality. Jacobs supposedly used a combination of old car batteries, a motorised generator, and a Chamberlain Tractor chassis to create a vehicle that could plow fields with minimal noise and zero emissions.

The Tullamore hoverboard

A more recent, and claimed to be "entirely fictional", story involves the creation of the very first hoverboard. According to this legend, in the 1980s, a local shearer by the name of Moses Stevenson, inspired by the work of Colin Williams, designed a hoverboard prototype that could levitate a few inches off the ground. The hoverboard was allegedly made using magnetic fields and repurposed technology from an old MRI machine found in the town's local hospital.

The hoverboard is said to have been secretly tested on the town's dirt roads, only to be buried in secrecy when corporate interests tried to take credit for the invention years later. To this day Moses Stevenson denies any knowledge of the project.

Climate

Being near the geographical centre of New South Wales, the seasonal range is quite marked, with long, hot summers and cool winters, and rather scanty rainfall through the year – mainly resulting from severe thunderstorms and Northwest cloudbands. There are two known occurrences of snowfall in the district, on 5 July 1900 and some time in 1874 (both having occurred on the Melrose Plains to the south-west).

Climate data for Tullamore (Kitchener St, 1970–1988, rainfall 1914–2024); 244 m AMSL; 32.63° S, 147.57° E
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	45.3 (113.5)	42.7 (108.9)	39.0 (102.2)	36.3 (97.3)	28.5 (83.3)	26.3 (79.3)	24.0 (75.2)	28.5 (83.3)	35.7 (96.3)	37.0 (98.6)	43.1 (109.6)	42.0 (107.6)	45.3 (113.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	33.1 (91.6)	32.4 (90.3)	29.5 (85.1)	24.7 (76.5)	19.9 (67.8)	16.1 (61.0)	15.3 (59.5)	17.2 (63.0)	20.5 (68.9)	24.6 (76.3)	28.4 (83.1)	32.2 (90.0)	24.5 (76.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	17.8 (64.0)	17.9 (64.2)	14.4 (57.9)	10.1 (50.2)	6.6 (43.9)	3.2 (37.8)	2.4 (36.3)	3.4 (38.1)	5.8 (42.4)	9.6 (49.3)	12.6 (54.7)	15.7 (60.3)	10.0 (49.9)
Record low °C (°F)	8.1 (46.6)	7.5 (45.5)	4.5 (40.1)	−2.0 (28.4)	−3.5 (25.7)	−3.7 (25.3)	−5.6 (21.9)	−3.0 (26.6)	−2.2 (28.0)	0.8 (33.4)	1.5 (34.7)	5.5 (41.9)	−5.6 (21.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	52.6 (2.07)	46.9 (1.85)	42.6 (1.68)	37.6 (1.48)	38.1 (1.50)	38.4 (1.51)	35.5 (1.40)	37.6 (1.48)	33.0 (1.30)	43.7 (1.72)	46.4 (1.83)	45.1 (1.78)	497.4 (19.58)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm)	5.1	4.7	4.4	4.3	5.5	6.5	6.7	6.4	5.3	6.2	5.5	5.0	65.6
Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology; Tullamore (Kitchener St)

Tullamore Show Grounds

The Tullamore Show Grounds on Cornet Street hosts the annual Tullamore Show each August.

External links

Media related to Tullamore, New South Wales at Wikimedia Commons