20230411 NSW Rankins Springs

20230411 The original Rankins Springs village was established in 1870 as a service centre for surrounding farms on a site about 10 kilometres north west from the present location, all that marks this site are the ruins of the grand hotel in the middle of a valley. The village moved to its present site in 1923, following the construction of the rail line from West Wyalong, the railway closed in 2004.

Conapaira Hotel in Ranking Springs were faced with the prospect of a town with no beer after the pub closed down for 18 months but the residents in several regional New South Wales towns banded together to buy their local pub. It’s becoming more popular for locals who are buying in, to preserve their town's only meeting place. Let’s face it, what is more important than a pub in these outback towns.

Wow what a find, Wally’s Junkyard Gallery

Des missed his chance for a photo, as usually he walks off.😡

If you’re passing through Ranking Springs be sure to stop at this unique spot in the town, the sculptures are made by a local identity from recycled “junk” with some spectacular results.


The things you can make out of an old BarB. 


I especially liked the Emu’s body made from discarded wire brushes.
And why not recycle that old tin rubbish can to look like a Minion, cleaver.

Who would have guess, an Elephant, very cool.

Old Wally sure has an eye for creating some wield and wonderful items.   






It’s just after 10:30am so we can’t hang around for lunch at the pub which was a shame because they have great reviews, unfortunately these outback pubs are not what they use to be when it comes to valued meals.

We take off heading to Hay and just out of Rankins Spring I manage a flyby photo of this wreak, how the hell do you roll a car on a straight road.

Just after Gunbar we passed this site which I’m thinking could make for a nice camp for the night, we were tempted to turn around.


Next Stop Hay


Location: Rankins Springs NSW 2669, Australia

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