Bicentennial GardensPrint Page

The Bicentennial Gardens (formerly known as the Bombala River Bicentennial Botanical Gardens) were constructed and planted to commemorate Australia`s Bicentenary in 1988. 

The plaque recognises that the five year project was made possible by funding from various national, state and local Bicentennial authorities, as well as the “extraordinary honorary and voluntary efforts and fundraising by the Bombala community”. 

The opening itself was no small affair, with a special feature being the “world inaugural” performance of the Bombala symphonic composition, ‘High Country’. This was conducted by the composer Ralph Hultgren and performed by the Bombala CAP Community Band, which was in fact what made it such an important first. No other school and community group in Australia had ever had a symphonic piece commissioned for them as ‘High Country’ had been for the local band by the Bombala Bicentennial Committee.

The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1988. It marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet of British convict ships at Sydney in 1788. The Australian Bicentennial Authority (ABA) pursuant to the Australian Bicentennial Authority Act 1980,was set up to plan, fund and coordinate projects that emphasized the nation's cultural heritage. 

Location

Address:	Mahratta Street, Bombala, 2632
State:	NSW
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -36.909424 Long: 149.237292 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Garden
Monument Theme:	Landscape
Sub-Theme:	Settlement
Approx. Event Start Date:	1788
Approx. Event End Date:	1988

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:	Sunday 6th November, 1988

Source: MA