Congarinni

When I first came across the small village of Congarinni I was intrigued about the meaning of the name. I have since come across two meanings. At the VIC, the Aboriginal meaning is noted as “fog”; in the book by Norma Townsend – Valley of the Crooked River, the meaning is given as “bog” – and early maps show the area to be very marshy.

From what I have been able to unearth, in the early days the main bullock trail from Kempsey ran through sub-tropical rainforest bush to the small village of Congarinni located where the Taylors Arm & Nambucca Rivers meet. The trail then turned left to Bowraville & Bellingen or right to Macksville.

The settlement of Congarinni began when Patrick Byrnes took up 295 acres in 1864. Patrick was the son-in-law of Thomas Howell who had portions between Blackbutt Creek and Wirrimbi. In 1867 Patrick selected 2 more portions – 33 & 36 acres. Patrick had been very shrewd in his selection as it proved to be some of the best – not marshy. He set up a General Store and Pub. It was here that the coaches stopped to change horses for the stage to Bellinger River. Patrick also ran a punt across the river. (the grave of Patrick Byrnes is located about a kilometre west of Congarinni South Road intersection on Taylors Arm Rd)

When townships developed, Congarinni was overlooked and Bowraville, Macksville and Nambucca Heads emerged. The ferry/punt was replaced by a bridge during WW11 to speed up the transport of rural products needed for the war effort. A Mr B Green was the ferryman in 1907. In 1916 a Mr Tacon was paid 114 pounds per year to man the ferry. (the service provided by the ferry was not very punctual – those wishing to cross often had to find the ferryman working in his paddocks or nearby timber. My Grandfather decided to move his house, farm buildings and family to his property on the southern side of the river because he was sick of waiting! J Lane)

Today Congarinni is a delightful locality – the river is a major attraction. Rural house blocks and small hobby farms have developed and cattle farms still operate. Fruit, vegetables and nuts are grown on a commercial basis – “Valley of the Mist”, Congarinni North Road (6568 3268) is a good example of sustainable farming methods. Owner, Dennis Ryan, operates a range of Gourmet Bushtucker Tours. He also operates a guided Canoe Tour through the 100+ acre wetlands in the area.