1839 - Most Protracted Drought?

The North Western Courier (Narrabri)

3 January 1927

According to that famous old historian of Wagga, the late Mr. J. Gormley, the most protracted drought known in the history of Australia occurred in the years 1837-38-39. Food went up to famine prices. Wheat advanced to £1 per bushel.

In 1839, the Murrumbidgee River above the junction of the Tumut, ceased to flow, with long stretches of channel dry. The river has not been known to cease running since that time.