The Darling River Run

7 hours ago

🐑 HISTORY ON THE RUN!
Koerstz Squatters Wool Press - Trilby Station - #louth.

Wool presses have greatly influenced the Australian pastoral industry. The development of effective and efficient wool presses saved labour costs, increased the number of sheep that could be shorn on a farm, and increased the value of wool when it went to market. If wool was well-packed and pressed, it presented well in European markets and thus commanded a good price. Pressing also decreased the cost of transport because shipping space was charged by volume rather than weight.

Prior to the development of mechanical presses, wool was baled by hand. It was a laborious process that required a number of farm workers. Wool was spade-pressed in boxes after being trampled down by foot. A layer of fleeces was squashed in a box, then a spade was used to squeeze more fleeces into gaps between fleeces and around the edges. Trampling and squeezing continued until there were 16 fleeces per bale. This type of pressing created lumpy and uneven bales.

Screw presses followed but they were extremely time-consuming. Large lever presses that used horse or man-power became common in the 1840s. 'Travelling box' presses were introduced in the 1860s. There were many variations and most were too expensive for graziers of small flocks to buy. Those farmers would usually take their sheep to be shorn at larger properties.

In the 1890s, Christian Koerstz, in business with Frederick Mason, designed and made cheap, efficient presses for small landholders. They transformed the industry. The presses occupied little floorspace and could be operated by one man. By the 1930s about 12,000 small Koerstz Selectors' and Homestead Lessees' presses had been sold around Australia and the world. By 1910 the heavier 'Squatter' press was standard equipment in most big shearing sheds.

A great example of the Koerstz Squatters Wool Press can be found on display in front of the 'Shearers Bunkhouse' accommodation at Trilby Station.

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The Darling River Run

3 days ago

A historic town set on the banks of the Darling River, there’s much to see and do around Bourke.

Here’s a few of our favourites 👇

🔎 Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O' Bourke Information & Exhibition Centre

🚢 Cruise the Darling River on the Jandra Paddle Vessel (note: this one’s seasonal, so plan your visit accordingly)

⚙️ View the old wharf and experience the Crossley Engine display at the Wal Mitchell Wharf Precinct

🌇 Capture the perfect sunset shot at the old North Bourke Bridge

🍃 See ancient Aboriginal rock art at nearby Gundabooka National Park

🗺️ Visit Fred Hollows Vision Way, Poets Corner, the Historic Cemetery and the Nancy Bird Air Terminal

📍@visitbackobourke, NSW

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The Darling River Run

4 days ago

No Tour today….rain has set in and tracks are mucky
See you all tomorrow just before 11am for a cuppa
🧁⭐️☕️ ... See MoreSee Less

The Darling River Run

5 days ago

Camping atop Mount Oxley – priceless views, endless horizons, and amazing outback experiences. Visit Mount Oxley at Rossmore Station, Bourke for a unique camping experience you'll never forget.

Go to www.mountoxley.com.au for further information and bookings.

Limited spots available each night. Not suitable for caravans or large rigs. Off Grid River Camping also available.

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The Darling River Run

1 week ago

Its been a cracker long weekend at Nelia Gaari Station, the river is flowing and looking healthy. Some camper have reported catching yellow belly perched and the record to beat is 3 yabbies 😆 hope everyone is a having a nice relaxing time wherever you are 🤠

#riversites #OutbackBeds #DarlingRiverRun #neliagaaristation #outbackaustralia #darlingriver #outbacknsw #camping #campfire #countryliving #hayleynicolemaynephotography ... See MoreSee Less