This is Boorowa

Guns, Gold, and Getaways: Boorowa’s Bushranger Legacy

Boorowa’s Wild Past: A Haven for Bushrangers

The picturesque rolling hills and quiet streets of Boorowa may seem far removed from the lawless days of Australia’s past, but the region was once a notorious stomping ground for some of the country’s most infamous bushrangers. Throughout the 19th century, Boorowa’s remote landscape, sparse law enforcement, and proximity to key trade routes made it an ideal hideout for outlaws seeking refuge from the authorities.

The Ribbon Gang Revolt (1830)

One of the earliest recorded bushranger groups to pass through Boorowa was Ralph Entwistle’s Ribbon Gang. Entwistle, a transported convict, led a group of escaped prisoners in a rebellion that spread across the Bathurst and Lachlan districts. The gang raided properties, stole horses, and recruited fellow convicts before being hunted down by authorities. Many were captured and executed in Bathurst in what became one of the largest mass hangings in Australian colonial history.

Ben Hall and His Gang (1860s)

Perhaps the most famous bushranger linked to the Boorowa region was Ben Hall. Often called the 'Gentleman Bushranger,' Hall and his gang—including Johnny Gilbert and John Vane—operated extensively in the area, robbing mail coaches, police stations, and wealthy squatters. Their daring raids and ability to evade capture made them legends of the Australian frontier.

Ben Hall had close ties to the nearby Wheogo and Binalong districts, often using the Boorowa region as an escape route. His gang's presence struck fear into local settlers and authorities, and their frequent hold-ups kept the police on high alert. In 1865, Hall was ambushed and shot dead by police near Forbes, but his legend remains one of the most enduring in Australian bushranging history.

Johnny Gilbert’s Last Stand (1865)

Johnny Gilbert, a wild and reckless gunman of Ben Hall’s gang, met his end not far from Boorowa in Binalong. Known for his quick draw and violent nature, Gilbert was involved in countless robberies and shootouts across the region. In May 1865, he was finally tracked down by police near Binalong and killed in a dramatic confrontation. His grave remains a local historical site, drawing visitors interested in Australia’s bushranging past.

Frank Gardiner – The Mastermind Behind the Eugowra Gold Heist

Another bushranger with ties to Boorowa was Frank Gardiner, who orchestrated the Eugowra gold escort robbery in 1862—one of the biggest gold heists in Australian history. Gardiner often passed through the Boorowa district while evading capture and had sympathizers in the area who helped him stay ahead of the law. Unlike many bushrangers who met violent ends, Gardiner was eventually captured and exiled.

Boorowa’s Role in Bushranger History

Boorowa was a key location in the bushranger era for several reasons:

  • Geographical Advantage: The rugged terrain and isolated properties made it easy for bushrangers to hide and resupply.
  • Gold Rush Boom: The nearby Lambing Flat goldfields (Young, NSW) were lucrative targets for bushrangers looking to rob gold escorts and miners.
  • Sympathetic Settlers: Some settlers aided bushrangers, either out of fear or loyalty to their anti-establishment cause.
  • Limited Police Presence: With few mounted police in the district, bushrangers could operate with relative freedom.

The Legacy of Boorowa’s Bushrangers

Today, Boorowa’s bushranger history is an important part of its heritage, attracting history buffs and visitors eager to learn about the lawless men who once roamed the countryside. The grave of Johnny Gilbert in Binalong, the remains of bushranger trails, and stories passed down through generations all contribute to this rich past.

Next time you travel through Boorowa, take a moment to imagine the days when outlaws rode through these lands, challenging the law and leaving their mark on Australian history.

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Sources & Further Reading:

  • NSW State Archives on Bushrangers
  • Local Heritage Societies
  • Historical accounts from Boorowa’s early settlers