Hidden amidst the rolling hills near Braidwood, New South Wales, lies Ferrington Park. It’s a place whispered about in local tales. Ferrington Park isn’t just a picturesque spot. It holds the echoes of a fascinating history, intertwined with the lives of the Walbanga people and the early settlers. Originally, the Walbanga people called this land Jinero or Jineroo. This Aboriginal name resonated through the valleys long before European settlers arrived. The name “Ferrington Park” emerged from an early land grant in the area. This grant marked a significant shift, as the land transitioned from the Walbanga people to European ownership. In 1827, Major William Sandys Elrington, a veteran of the Peninsula War, acquired a land grant named Mount Elrington within what is now Ferrington Park. He brought with him a touch of England, planting trees and shrubs that would flourish in the Australian soil. The story of Ferrington Park takes a darker turn with the mention of convict labor. Elrington utilized convicts to work his land. Evidence of this harsh reality remained visible until the early 1920s. A small prison, complete with leg irons, stood as a stark reminder of this era. Today, Ferrington Park retains its tranquility. Yet, the whispers of its past linger. The echoes of Jinero, the rustling of English trees planted by Elrington, and the somber history of convict labor. It is a park where the layers of history unfold, inviting contemplation and reflection.
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