by Di Hill (
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I love writing, taking photos, travelling and enjoying life. I have a BA of Adult and Vocational Teaching and a Master of Arts (Writing). My business card says Writer, Traveller, Camera Addict, and Bamboo Fan www.dihill.com.au
Did you know that
cotton seed was first brought to Australia by the First Fleet in1788? And that the first shipment from Australia occurred in 1830? Many Australians probably think it was new to Australia in recent years.
If you travel to Goondiwindi in Queensland's south, or to the north of New South Wales, you are likely to see cotton growing, though late winter the fields are bare as the crops would have been harvested.
Rear entrance to Visitor Information Centre
A visit to the
Visitor Information Centre in Narrabri, in New South Wales, which is around 230 kms south of Goondiwindi, will show you much about the cotton growing in this region. There's also information at the Goondiwindi Information Centre.
Cotton Display
As well as offering information to travellers on the many places to visit in these parts, they have a comprehensive display of
cotton growing. The friendly staff are very enthusiastic about their region, and their excellent display which includes a cotton harvester within the building.
Cotton Harvester
When travelling, it is a good idea to visit as many
Visitor Information Centres as you can fit into your schedule. It is of course, wise to take frequent breaks from driving, and many have cafes as well as a range of local products to purchase. The
VIC's are staffed mostly by volunteers and they welcome visitors. You'll come away with a handful of maps, brochures and other information – and if you need accommodation or details of places to eat locally, they usually have all the latest details. Well worth a visit.
Shop in VIC
Many have wonderful displays of the
local produce, and the one at
Narrabri features cotton.
