Wee Jasper

Postcode: 2582

Wee Jasper is a village of about 80 people in the Goodradigbee valley at the western foot of the Brindabella Ranges, near Burrinjuck Dam in New South Wales, Australia in Yass Valley Shire. It is located 35 km north-west of Canberra and 54 km south-west of Yass.

Near the village are several camping and recreation reserves close to numerous caves. The most well known cave is Carey's Cave.Fossils, including members of the Acanthothoracid placoderm fish family Weejasperaspididae, the primitive placoderm Brindabellaspis stensioi and the prehistoric lungfish, Dipnorhynchus cathlesae, have been found in the area.

As the Wee Jasper Road descends towards the Murrumbidgee River, panoramic views of the valley and the stored waters of Burrinjuck Dam unfold. Clear views of limestone rock formations and extensive folding, millions of years old can be seen in the cliffs arising from the river. Geologically described as an “Anticline” formed in the Devonian period the formation is estimated to be in the vicinity of 400,000,000 years old.

The Taemas Bridge crosses the Murrumbidgee River. The original bridge was washed away in May 1925 when logs and debris built up against the structure and floated the wrought iron girder deck off the cylinder piers. The present bridge was opened in 1930.

The most romantic origin of the name Wee Jasper comes from folklore and is attributed to an early resident, McBean, an old Scot, one of the early settlers. McBean, so the story goes, arrived home one day with “Wee” (Scottish for small), “Jasper” (Gems) in his pocket.

The Goodradgbee River, formerly called the “Little River” is an outstanding trout stream that meanders through the ranges from its source high in the Snowy Mountains.

Australia’s best known poet, Andrew Barton Paterson better know as “Banjo” called Wee Jasper his home during the early 1900’s. His property was “Coodravale Station” located on the Yass side of the Goodradigbee River.

Some of the charm of early Wee Jasper has been lost; however, a group of limestone buildings survive. On the right as you cross the bridge is the former Police Barracks, c1880 now the Stables Tavern & Restaurant. Further on the right is the school residence, formerly the Police Station and then at the intersection is the local school opened in 1899.

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