A Legend Born in 1886
In the heat of a dusty outback afternoon, a bullocky and his wife set up camp. After returning from his work he discovered the campfire had taken a terrible turn. When tragedy struck, his simple words echoed through history:
“She looked just like a black stump.”
This moment gave rise to the phrase “beyond the black stump”, now part of Aussie lingo — and a piece of true local heritage.
Follow the Black Stump Trail Driving Route – Enjoy the Drive, Experience the Legend
The Black Stump Trail includes unsealed roads and is only suitable for travel in dry weather.
Driving Trail
Start at Merriwagga Village – Explore this charming country town, known for its connection to the Black Stump legend. Grab a bite, stretch your legs, and soak in some local character.
Head out on Black Stump Road – Leave the village behind and follow the road named after the legend itself. Out here, the landscape opens wide — endless skies and red dirt roads.
Turn onto McKinley Road – A short drive takes you to the Black Stump Memorial Site — a peaceful tribute to Barbara Blaine, a quiet spot to reflect on the story of Mrs. Barbara Blaine, a pioneer woman remembered in local legend.
Continue to Gunbar Cemetery – Further down McKinley Road, you’ll reach Gunbar Cemetery, where Mrs. Blaine is laid to rest. It’s a quiet, moving spot — the final chapter in the story of the Black Stump.
