Quandialla

In the western goldfields halfway between Young and West Wyalong about 377km west of Sydney, Quandialla is close to the Weddin Mountains National Park where, among other places, the notorious bushrangers Ben Hall, Frank Gardiner and John Gilbert used to hideout between their raids on the odd bank or coach.

These days peace reigns in the 8361ha park where there are some easy and some challenging walking trails. Pleasant relaxing picnic areas await the novice or experienced bushwalker.

Distinguished by silos and blank shopfronts, Quandillia is a small town set in the Mallee where Pasture Protection Board signs warn that you are in footrot country, and define the boundaries beyond which stock are not allowed to walk.

Grenfell, birthplace of the poet, short story-writer and tormented soul, Henry Lawson, lies beyond the Weddin National Park, 46km to the north-east, while the state"s cherry capital, Young, lies about an hour"s drive to the south-east.