The site where Booligal township developed was originally a crossing-place on the Lachlan River on the "Boolegal" pastoral run (which had been taken up by the Tom brothers).

Edward Roset constructed a hotel at Booligal (possibly in collaboration with Neil McColl), which probably operated initially as a sly-grog shop.

Licences for the two hotels were initially refused by the Bench of Magistrates at Hay "on account of there being no police belonging to the locality".

Another Adelaide firm, Morgan and Pollard, opened a second store at Booligal by 1863, managed by Henry N. Smith, who became postmaster until his death in June 1868.

The bridge, which still remains at the lower end of Lachlan Street, was built above flood level and flanked by extensive banked-up approaches.

Booligal's position on the direct transport route linking the Murrumbidgee and Darling rivers ensured its importance in the district during the latter half of the 19th century.

Booligal was a major stopping-place for the mail and passenger coach travelling between Hay and Wilcannia on the Darling River.

[15] In 1967 a memorial to explorer and surveyor John Oxley was erected at Booligal; the monument is in the form of a giant theodolite set in stone.

There is a cricket oval for the occasional social game, shaded eating areas, playground and toilet facilities.

With bated breathWe prayed that both in life and deathOur fate in other lines might fall:"Oh, send us to our just rewardIn Hay or Hell, but, gracious Lord,Deliver us from Booligal!