“A koala’s whisper in the wind?” you might ask. That’s what some say the name Nar Nar Goon means. It’s a small town nestled in Gippsland a place steeped in history.
Nar Nar Goon boasts a rich past. The Boon Wurrung people the local custodians of the Kulin nation were here long before the first settlers arrived. In 1865 land was opened for selection. The area became a hub for farming and timber milling.
Imagine the Limerick Arms Hotel a bustling spot on the coach road. Daniel and Brigid O’Brien built it in the 1860s. Travellers stopped for meals and rest. Their establishment was known for cleanliness and hospitality. It served as a Cobb & Co coach stop. Even priests would visit holding mass there every six months. The hotel was later replaced. The Nar Nar Goon Hotel opened in 1883.
The arrival of the railway in 1881 transformed Nar Nar Goon. The line brought new opportunities. Timber was shipped out. The town grew around the station. Sawmills flourished for decades. Then the focus shifted to dairying and grazing.
Today Nar Nar Goon retains its charm. Murals adorn old buildings creating vibrant splashes of color. The town is proud of its heritage. It has a football team. It also has a cricket club. The Nar Nar Goon/Maryknoll Cricket Club plays in the West Gippsland Cricket Association. There’s a strong community spirit. It’s reflected in the active progress association. A CFA fire station and community center stand ready to serve the people.
Nar Nar Goon’s story is one of transformation. From Aboriginal land to a bustling timber town then to a thriving rural community. Each chapter holds a piece of this unique town’s history. It’s a story of resilience and growth. It’s a story worth exploring.