About Us

The Hydro Power Plant is the first in Australia and third in the world! In 1891 drilling commenced on a bore to supply the town with water and in 1893 an exceptionally good supply was struck at 808 metres (2650 feet) with the water at 84 degrees celsius. Thargomindah was the first town to have reticulated Artesian Bore water. The bore was the source of energy for Australia's first hydro-electric scheme 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! For visitors to Thargomindah a working display is provided at 8.30am each day (April to September).