Barmedman Mineral Spring

## Overview Barmedman Mineral Spring is a natural mineral spring located near the small rural town of Barmedman in the Bland Shire of central New South Wales, Australia. Situated at approximately -34.144°S, 147.390°E, this spring lies within the agricultural heartland of the Riverina region, an area known for its gently undulating plains and pastoral landscapes. Barmedman and its surrounds sit atop geological formations that have historically given rise to mineral-rich groundwater. The town itself, whose name is believed to derive from an Aboriginal word, has a long history tied to pastoral settlement and the gold rush era of the mid-19th century. Mineral springs in this part of New South Wales were historically valued by both Indigenous Australians and early European settlers for their distinctive mineral content, and many were used as gathering and watering points long before formal settlement. The spring is freely accessible, making it an appealing stop for travellers exploring the central-western NSW countryside. While the water has historically been regarded as a mineral spring, visitors should be aware that no current water quality testing data is publicly available — the water has not been confirmed as safe for drinking by any modern authority. ## Directions 1. From Sydney, head west on the Mid-Western Highway or take the Hume Highway south and then connect to the Olympic Highway heading northwest. 2. Barmedman is located approximately 430 km west of Sydney, roughly midway between West Wyalong and Temora along the Goldfields Way (Route 94). 3. Once in Barmedman, the mineral spring is situated in the vicinity of the township. Look for local signage or ask at the Barmedman general store for precise directions to the spring site. 4. GPS coordinates: -34.1443, 147.3901. Using these coordinates in a navigation app should bring you close to the spring's location. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates provided and general geographic knowledge of the area. Road conditions in rural NSW can vary, especially after rain — a vehicle with reasonable clearance is recommended.* ## What to Expect Barmedman is a quiet, small town with a population of only a few hundred people, so expect a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. The surrounding landscape is typical of the central NSW plains — open farmland, scattered eucalyptus trees, and wide skies. The mineral spring itself is a modest natural feature. Visitors should not expect a large or dramatically flowing spring; many mineral springs in this region present as gentle seeps or small pools. The mineral content of the water may give it a distinctive taste or slight discolouration compared to regular tap water. Facilities in Barmedman are limited, so it's wise to bring your own water, snacks, and supplies. The town does have basic amenities including a pub and a small general store. Mobile phone reception can be patchy in rural parts of the Bland Shire. The spring makes for an interesting stop if you're touring the region's other attractions, such as the West Wyalong gold mining heritage sites, the Temora Aviation Museum, or the broader Bland Shire countryside. The area is best visited during the cooler months (autumn and spring) when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its greenest.