The first inhabitants of the Murrumbateman district were the Aborigines from the Ngunnawal tribe who lived in the area bounded by the towns of
Queanbeyan, Tumut, Boorowa and Goulburn. There is evidence that the neighbouring Wiradjuri also had considerable contact with the Nguannawal tribe in this area.
Murrumbateman district has a long history dating back to the 1820’s when the first white settlers took up land. To receive the first land grant was the remarkable woman Mary Davis, known around the district as “Granny” Davis. There is some conflict as to whether she lived to the grand old age of 113 or 103 but she did live in the district for some 60 years. Her grave and many other early settlers is in the Gounyan cemetery.
Murrumbateman is well known for its fine wool industry, particularly through the achievements of the Merriman family with their Merino Sheep. Sir Walter
Merriman, knighted for his services to the Australian Wool Industry in 1954 founded the stud “Merryville”. He is buried in the Murrumbateman Cemetery.
More recently, the district has become better known for its cool climate wines. The village of Murrumbateman has some historic buildings, which include the old Public School (c.1869) and Scots Church (c. 1876).
The history of Murrumbateman district shows the struggle for survival of black and white, men and women, the rich and the poor. More importantly, it is the legacy of their labours.
Murrumbateman is located 20 kilometres from Yass and 40 kilometres from Canberra on the Barton Highway. The Barton Highway was named after the first Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Edmund Barton.
Murrumbateman boasts many fine dining experiences and luxury accommodation options as well as garden and farms visits and the annual Murrumbateman Field Days held every October.
