Post by AussieSurvival on May 11, 2009 16:32:58 GMT 9.5
www.visitwollondilly.com.au/
Wollondilly is a popular destination for visitors, yet the name is often unfamiliar until memories stir with the mention of more prominent features such as Razorback Range and Burragorang Valley or towns like Picton, Appin and Warragamba.
Wollondilly, on the south western outskirts of Sydney and at the foothills of the Southern Highlands, is surrounded by spectacular, natural beauty and rural pastures. It's 2,560 square kilometres stretch from Bargo in the south, Appin and Menangle in the east, Warragamba in the north with the Nattai wilderness, Yerranderie Ghost Town and Burragorang Valley to the west.
The district is rich in aboriginal and European history. The earliest known inhabitants of the district were the natives of the Gundangurra Tribe, who gave the area its name. The word Wollondilly is attributed to having three meanings, including:
"A place where spirits dwell" and "Water trickling over rocks"
The third meaning is connected to a legend about the burning black coal that was carried inside the skull of a bunyip, within a basket woven of waratah stems. "Worron" means black coal and "dilly" means carry basket.
Source: Wollondilly Shire Council
A colourful tapestry interweaves the Dreamtime legends of the Gundangurra and Tharawal people on a backdrop of gorges, ranges and plains with a rural patchwork created by the white settlers who followed the first fleets famous straying cattle to the Cowpastures.
Each of the towns and villages have their own stories to tell and personalities to meet but the rural charm with country hospitality is found everywhere.
Yet, today, it is the life and liveliness of the area that attracts visitors who come to participate in adventure activities and sports.
Whatever your interest, there's a warm Wollondilly welcome waiting for you.