A Short History of Oaklands, NSW
Oaklands is a small rural town in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales, near the Victorian border. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Wiradjuri people, who lived along the creeks and plains, using the land sustainably for thousands of years before European settlement.
European pastoralists began moving into the district in the mid-1800s, attracted by the open grazing country. Oaklands developed as a service centre for surrounding sheep and wheat farms, with the arrival of the railway in 1911 playing a crucial role in its growth. The rail line connected the district to larger markets, enabling the export of wool, wheat and livestock.
The town was officially gazetted in 1890, and over time gained essential services including a post office, school, churches, hotels and grain handling facilities. Agriculture has always been central to Oaklands’ identity, particularly wheat and sheep farming, which continue to underpin the local economy.
Although the population has fluctuated with changes in farming practices and transport, Oaklands has retained a strong sense of community. Today, it remains a proud agricultural town, reflecting the resilience and heritage of Riverina rural life.
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