INVERELL NSW THE SAPPHIRE CITY

It is Sunday 24th February and I am towards the bottom of the New England Tablelands in the Macintyre Valley where lies Inverell (Elevation 664 mtrs) on the Gwydir Hwy (aka Fossickers Way) . The Town is very similar in look and feel to Glen Innes only bigger. It's population is only 12000 and so is still only a small place by City standards. Inverell is famous for Sapphires which have been mined here since 1916. Glen Innes also makes a claim as a fossickers haven. The Town was established in 1855, the surrounding district mainly being used for Cattle grazing. Now mainly a Service Centre with all the major supermarkets here.
The weather is still cool and has been drizzling today. They say it gets pretty cold in Winter around here. Average temps are max 22.7c and Min 10.2c.
Like Glen Innes the Towns Folk are proud of there Heritage and there are some fine old Buildings in and around the main streets. It is great how these places keep them in impeccable condition, they look as if they where just built.  It may be boring to some but I enjoy them and it gives one a good feeling to be in the streets. All is friendly of course, haven't met anyone otherwise to date since starting the trip.
This afternoon I am heading out to Copeton Dam, a short drive, to look for a place to camp for the night.
Thanks for looking!
PS. I spoke to a Toyota  dealer today and the gearbox problems I have had appear not to be too serious and is probably worn linkages, so will get repairs done as soon as possible.

More Pictures of  Beautiful Old Buildings this time from Inverell

 

Inverell Town Hall c1905

              Inverell Municipal Building c1905

                                                                              Jindabyne House c1902

 



 Inverell Post Office c1872

 

                                                                           Old Rialto Theatre c1919

           Old unidentified Building nest to Rialto

 

Inverell Courthouse c1887

         Inverell School of Arts & Butler Hall c1877