Hydro Power Plant

In 1891 drilling commenced on a bore to supply Thargomindah with water and in 1893 an exceptionally good supply was struck at 808 meters (2650 feet) with the water at 84 degrees Celsius. The bore was the source of energy for Australia’s first hydroelectric scheme to produce street lighting when in 1893 Thargomindah’s streets were lit by means of a generator coupled to a water turbine driven by the bore’s natural water pressure. They are third in the world to Paris and London to have street lighting generated by Hydro Power! Thargomindah was the first town to have reticulated Artesian Bore water. The Hydro Power Plant is apart of a automated self-guided tour we offer. Stop into the Visitor Information Centre and purchase your swipe card to activate dynamic documentaries and holograms that come to life and tell you interesting stories about life at the time.