Wentworth Military Collection

Located at the historic Port of Wentworth, the Wentworth Military Collection is a must see for anyone with a connection to the Australian or International armed forces. This unique collection displays artefacts and militaria from all over the world, with an emphasis on Australian service to our nation. From the 1890 Boer War to Afghanistan 2012, the collection also displays past and current service issue uniforms and equipment of today.

During the Second World War, Wentworth and the surrounding Shire hosted a number of practice bombing ranges for use by the RAAF’s No.2 Operational Training Base, based at the Mildura Airport. These sites included the Perry Sandhills, The Mock Battleship, Lake Victoria, Lake Gol Gol and the White Cliffs State Forest. 52 Pilots and Ground crew were killed during the period of training in the region and are marked by memorial plaque stones at each of the respective sites.

Open everyday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

 

This brick residence was built (circa 1855) for Dr Emil Renner, Wentworth’s first doctor, who arrived from Adelaide on horseback. He was escorted by Hugh Jamieson of Mildura Station and Ned Bagot of Moorna Station, who were concerned for the medical needs of the District. When Dr Renner left in 1870, Joseph Gurney, who operated as a wool fellmonger, acquired the home and it became known as Gurneys. When Lock 10 was to be built, the house was purchased and enlarged to become the home of Mr GF Hickson, Engineer-in-charge of the construction. The house was then named Edith Cottage after Mr Hickson’s wife, Edith.

Built in 1929, Lock 10 plays an important role in the Murray-Darling water system.  Lock 10 is one of 13 locks and 15 weirs situated along the Murray River. The locks and weirs maintain a high water level for navigation and pumping and is intrinsic today as an irrigation source. Situated 830kms from the Murray Mouth, the lock and weir were completed in 1929. The lower pool level of the Boule designed weir is 28.4 metres above sea level and the upper pool level is 31.77 metres above sea level. The length of the weir, not including the lock is 117 metres. A construction camp was set up opposite the current Lock Master’s residence but after construction was completed, the cottages were removed to other areas of Wentworth.

Riverboat Rod’s Model Paddle Steamer Display

Possibly the largest and only collection of its kind in the world, over 30 hand-made replicas hand-crafted with amazing and intricate detail.

A life-time of work on display. Riverboat Rod constructs each Paddle steamer as closely as possible to original design.

Many boats Rod has built range between 300 and 700 hours. The attention to details is just incredible and some of his models now feature in museums around Australia and at the Wentworth Shire Council’s office.

Entry is a donation would be very much appreciated to help Rod cover the expense of printing the information pamphlets with detailed descriptions of each steamer, that are also available.

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm

Located in the sand dunes is a magnificent Murray River Red Gum Tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), which is over 500 years old. Over time, the sand has completely covered the trunk of the tree (perhaps 15’ to 20’), so that you are able to stand in the canopy of this age-old tree – a magnificent sight! “The God Tree” is located on its own, slightly to the left of the driveway and over the first sand dune. From this point you get a great view of this remarkable area, only 5km from the confluence of Australia’s two greatest rivers, the Murray & Darling, yet you could be in the Sahara desert.