In the 1850s, Wardell was a cedar getter settlement known as ‘Blackwall’ where two saw mills operated and the river trade flourished. As the availability of cedar wood diminished, so the opportunity arose for the planting of sugar cane and this now remains the main industry of Wardell.
Wardell is a great fishing spot and the ‘Wardell Walkabout’ is a tour of the historic buildings of a bygone era. A brochure is available at the Ballina Visitor Centre.