Welcome to the little New South Wales town of
Broadwater

Situated in the Summerland region of New South Wales Australia, Broadwater is 750 kms north of Sydney on the Pacific Highway. The town lies on the fertile banks of the Richmond river, the mouth of the Richmond river being at Ballina 30 kms downstream. The main industry in the area is sugar cane farming and Broadwater is where the sugar mill stands. Mechanical harvesters cut the cane on the local farms and trucks transport it to the mill where it is crushed and processed into crystal sugar. The cane is harvested in the winter months, during this time a sweet smell of sugar prevails in the town.

The town is only small but hosts 2 garages, both with general stores, a post office, a restaurant, antique shop, a pub, a motel, bowling club, tennis courts, a church, a caravan park and a pottery. Of course the sugar mill is the most outstanding structure and if you're in Broadwater during harvest time don't miss a mill tour. It has a lot of interesting machinery running on steam. Don't forget to stop in at the "local" for a beer or lunch, morning or afternoon tea at the restaurant.

Broadwater also hosts one of Australia's last wooden vehicular ferries. This little old Australian hardwood vessel chugs backwards and forwards across the Richmond river powered by and equally old Lister diesel. It certainly is a relic from yesteryear and still in regular service today. Don't waste to much time if you wish to ride aboard it  as foundations for a bridge to replace it are already being dug. Personally, I think the ferry should be preserved, but that's another web page.

The Broadwater National park is great for a BBQ (free gas powered BBQ's compliments of the Australian National Parks and wildlife Service) and also a swim or surf as there is a great beach there. You'll be surrounded by beautifull heath country and lots of friendly kangaroos.

That's about enough from me for the moment, but I'll be back with some more pictures of Broadwater, history and stories so bookmark the site and send us an email if you've any questions or just want to say hello. Love to hear from you.

Web page created by
Kerry Whitfield
mailto:kerry@capebyron.com