The bronze statue of a kelpie

Ardlethan
Small rural service town
Ardlethan is a small service town in the heart of the Riverina. It is claimed that the name 'ardlethan' is a Gaelic word for 'hilly'. Located 66 km from Temora and 528 km from Sydney via the Great Western, Mid Western and Newell Highways it is a town which came into existence when gold was discovered in the 19th century. Gold mining in the area was short lived but the subsequent discovery of tin resulted in the establishment of a tin mine which, in its heyday, was the largest in New South Wales. As mining declined the town became a service centre for the surrounding wheat and fat lamb properties. The inevitable grain silos are still the most prominent landmark in the town.

Things to see:  

Birthplace of the Australian kelpie
The town's one major claim to fame is its contention that it is the birthplace of the Australian kelpie breed of sheep dog. This fact is celebrated by a bronze memorial in Stewart Park (one of the town's two parks) and the Kelpie Dog Festival which is held each March.

Visitors wishing to explore the town should get a copy of the Ardlethan walking track map. It is available from the Ardlethan Newsagency at 38 Ariah St - 02 6978 2040.

Olive Trees from Garden of Gethsemane
Ask around town for the location of the local Roman Catholic Church. In the grounds are olive trees grown from cuttings taken from the Garden of Gethsemane in the Holy Land. The local priest was in Palestine during one of the twentieth century wars and decided to take cuttings from the trees in the garden.

	Tourist Information
	Ardlethan Newsagency 38 Ariah St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6978 2040
	Hotels
	London Hotel/Motel 12 Mirrool St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6978 2300 Rating: **
	Palace Hotel Ariah St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6978 2005
	Caravan Parks
	Ardlethan Caravan Park Stewart St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6927 3206
	Restaurants
	Ardlethan Bowling and Recreation Club Ariah St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6978 2009
	London Hotel/Motel 12 Mirrool St Ardlethan NSW 2665 Telephone: (02) 6978 2300